Research Project Statement s1

Research Project Statement Fiscal Year 2003

Project Number: 0-4393 Modification? Yes No

Title: Integration of Non-destructive Testing Data Analysis Techniques

RMC Number: 1 Strategic Issue: 5 Improving TxDOT Pavement Design Procedures

Developed By: Dr. G. Claros P.E.

Project Statement Date: January 4, 2002 TxDOT Project Name Office Area Code/Phone Email Fax Number Personnel Number Program Coordinator (PC) Dr. German Claros, P.E. RTI 512-467-3881 [email protected] 512 465 7486 Project Director (PD) John Bilyeu CSTM&P 512-467-3677 [email protected] 512 465 3681 Project Monitoring Mike Murphy, P.E. CSTM&P 512-465-3686 [email protected] 512-465-3681 Committee (PMC) Mark McDaniel, P.E. CSTM&P 512-506-5949 [email protected] 512-506- (Project Advisors Optional) Joe Leidy, P.E. CSTM&P 512-506-5848 [email protected] 512-506- Duration (# of years): 2 Total Budget: $ Budget by year: First Year FY $ Other Funding Available? Yes No Second Year FY $ Additional FYs $ Project Description: TxDOT’s pavement design and rehabilitation selection procedures are making increased use of non- destructive testing procedures for structural evaluation. The Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) is currently the premier structural evaluation tool. The Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has been introduced to supplement the FWD testing by providing thickness information, defining section breaks, and locating areas of subsurface defects in flexible pavements. The Seismic Pavement Analyzer (SPA) has been investigated as a quality control tool for structural evaluation of both flexible and rigid pavements. Each of the three technologies has strengths and weaknesses. However, when these technologies are combined, they can provide a wealth of information not available from a single instrument. Research to be Performed: Research is needed to develop the best method to combine and integrate all the information from NDT devices in the structural analysis of pavements. This new, integrated method should insure that the most vital information is gathered (thickness, modulus, non-linearity, Poisson’s ratio etc.), and that the data analysis incorporates the strengths of each instrument. The new integrated method should be more robust than the individual procedures for each instrument. This research is planned to include two phases described below: First Phase: This first phase will be dedicated to examine the feasibility of the data integration. Develop candidate procedures and evaluate the practicality of the new candidate procedures. These procedures could include also improvements in an individual NDT that will allow better integration. The research should identify procedures that have a potential to improve the current analysis system in a practical way. If the research does not identify any procedure, the project should be terminated. The first phase should not be longer than one year. The researchers of this project and encourage review the developments made in project 0-1780 and use them for further development. Second Phase: Procedures with potential improvements to current systems identified in the first phase should be further developed with accessory software and manuals for practical application. The emphasis should be on practicality and superior analysis results compared to current systems. This project will need close coordination with new project 0-4495 “ Integration of GPR and FWD for pavement structural Page 1 of 2 analysis”.

Minimum deliverables are: Deliverable Products  Improved integrated analysis system that includes information from the FWD, GPR, and SPA And Reports: in a single analysis system for better interpretation of pavement data. Improved software for combined data analysis for the three instruments. User’s manuals, training classes, and associated materials. A Final Research Report that fully documents the research performed, findings and recommendations.  A Project Summary Report concisely outlining the research, findings and recommendations for implementation (4 pages)

Implementation: The implementation of this research will potentially help insure that all pavement designers, and other users of structural data make wise decisions based on sound engineering principals and data gathered from non-destructive testing techniques. The research will tie together the FWD, the GPR, and the SPA into a suite of instruments that provide greater detail about the nature of the pavement being investigated. Finally, the on-line documentation and formalized training will allow both new and experienced engineers to analyze the structural integrity of pavement

Pre-Proposal Meeting: Yes No February 25, 2002, 1:00 P.M., RTI, Camp Hubbard, 4000 Jackson Street, Bldg. 1, Alamo Room, 2nd floor

Sole-Source Project: Yes No

Project Rating & Justification: Mandated Critical Important Desirable 1. Schedule of Activities should include a column next to the Task/Description column that Additional Information: shows estimated percentages of the total project budget for each task. This information will be used to help the PC/PD more completely understand the level of effort that is planned for each task. 2. All proposals from researchers should be sent directly to your university Research Liaison’s office for final submission to RTI. The Research Liaison is TxDOT’s official point of contact with the university. 3. The Project Director will require monthly updates from the researcher, and as a minimum will schedule project meetings around October and April. Project kickoff and wrap-up meetings may be scheduled. 1. All individuals interested in proposing are encouraged to contact the PC and PD by February Deadlines (for RTI use only): 15, 2002. 2. All proposals from researchers should be sent directly to your university Research Liaison’s office for final submission to RTI. The Research Liaison is TxDOT’s official point of contact with the university. 3. Proposals are due to RTI by 4 p.m. on March 27, 2002.

T:Public/Form/Manual Forms/Project Statement Revised 7/15/99