Evaluation of Notched-Wedge Longitudinal Joint Construction

Author(s):  
M. Shane Buchanan

The proper construction of longitudinal joints is critical to the overall performance of a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavement. Many times the in-place density at and across the longitudinal joint is substantially lower than the density of the remainder of the HMA surface. This low in-place density increases the potential for cracking and raveling to develop along the joint. Research has shown that the use of the notched-wedge joint has the potential to increase the density at the longitudinal joint, which should result in a longer-lasting pavement. The notched-wedge joint construction technique was compared with conventional longitudinal joint construction techniques on projects in five states (Colorado, Indiana, Alabama, Wisconsin, and Maryland). The evaluation consisted of comparing the in-place densities obtained through pavement cores at five locations across the longitudinal joint of the pavement: at the centerline and at 150 mm (6 in.) and 450 mm (18 in.) on either side of the centerline. The results of the study indicate that the notched-wedge joint can be successfully used to increase the in-place density at the longitudinal joint. Some decrease in the in-place density was observed at the 150-mm (6-in.) location in the second lane (hot side) when the notched-wedge joint was used.

Author(s):  
Prithvi S. Kandhal ◽  
Rajib B. Mallick

There is a need to identify suitable longitudinal-joint construction techniques for multilane, hot-mix asphalt pavements that can minimize or eliminate cracking at the joint and raveling adjacent to the joint. It is believed that the longitudinal cracks result primarily from the density gradient that is usually encountered across the joint. This density gradient can be attributed to low density at the unconfined edge when the first lane is paved and relatively high density at the confined edge when the adjacent lane is paved. Seven different longitudinal-joint construction techniques were used on I-25 in Colorado in 1994, including various rolling procedures to compact the joint, provision of a vertical face with a cutting wheel, and use of rubberized asphalt tack coat on the face of the unconfined edge. Two longitudinal-joint construction techniques were used on I-79 in Pennsylvania in 1994: the conventional technique (control) and the New Jersey–type wedge joint. The latter technique uses a 3:1 taper at the unconfined edge of the first lane. The face of the taper is heated with an infrared heater before the adjacent lane is placed. Pavement cores were taken on the joint and 305 mm (1 ft) away from the joint for density measurements in all experimental test sections. Different techniques for joint construction have been ranked on the basis of statistical analysis of all density data. Various joints were also evaluated visually by teams of at least four engineers in June 1995. The performance, or ranking, of the joints in both Colorado and Pennsylvania projects after one winter seems to have been influenced by the overall density at the joint. The joints with high densities indicate better performance than those with relatively low densities. These rankings may change in the future on the basis of the long-term performance as measured by cracking and raveling.


1991 ◽  
Vol 28 (04) ◽  
pp. 213-222
Author(s):  
K. E. Harrington ◽  
R. Hansen ◽  
A. L. Marshall ◽  
M. Hubert

Increased structural weight has always been a major disadvantage and probably the main objection to using concrete hulls. Postwar development in materials and construction techniques has led to claims that it is now possible to achieve structural weights equalling or closely approaching those of equivalent steel hulls. After reviewing the postwar material and construction technique developments, this paper compares the structural weight of existing and equivalent steel and concrete barge and pontoon hull designs. It is found that increased structural weight is a dual factor advantageous in some applications but disadvantageous in others, and that despite the postwar developments concrete barges and pontoons are still heavier than equivalent steel hulls.


2015 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Rosli Mohd Hasan ◽  
David Porter ◽  
Zhanping You

This paper provides a wide range of information related to longitudinal joints of asphalt pavement, such as types of longitudinal joints, performance evaluations, factors of failure, and selection of the best practice in constructing longitudinal joints. Additionally, this synthesis provides an overview of construction methods which are typically used in constructing longitudinal joints, along with guides and approaches implemented by different road builders or authorities to attain a better longitudinal joint. It was found that difficulties during compaction of the asphalt pavement at the center line resulted in poor joint density. This has reduced the performance and durability of pavement that is associated with cracks and degradations due to moisture damage, such as raveling. Results from previous field studies and laboratory evaluations have been summarized to understand the factors of failure of the adjacent joint. The Michigan joint technique was found to be the best method in constructing longitudinal joints of HMA. The cutting wheel and the edge restraining device techniques are also recommended by the asphalt technologists however are dependent on the machine operator to obtain consistent results.  


2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 591-607 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moatassem Abdallah ◽  
Mohamed Marzouk

Tunnel construction is one of the important infrastructure projects, which is vital for enhancing the transportation networks, especially in congested cities. Tunnel projects are characterized by long durations, large budgets, complexities, repetitive construction tasks, risks, and uncertainties. Several construction techniques have been developed in the tunnel construction industry to improve the constructability of tunnels and decrease the impact on surrounding structures. This paper presents a framework for planning tunnel construction using computer simulation. The proposed tool aids contractors in estimating the required time and cost for construction. Five tunnel construction techniques have been considered in the development of this tool with different ground supporting techniques. The proposed framework consists of three modules: (1) tunnel analyzer module, (2) simulation module, and (3) decision support module, and is capable of selecting the best construction technique using fuzzy group decision-making method based on time, cost and other selection criteria that could be defined during the decision-making phase. This decision method ranks alternatives based on a group of experts and a predefined set of criteria. Numerical examples are introduced to illustrate the capabilities of the proposed framework.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Zheng Wu ◽  
Fei Yang ◽  
Ke Lee

According to the site condition of one of the oversea project located in the low-lying and swamp area, special fine sand with fine modulus in values of 0.42-0.62 was used to construct roads in the area through special workmanship and construction techniques. Bamboo materials are designed as piles and supporting system in a reasonable arrangement. The paper provides calculation details of the supporting system of bamboo materials, outlines the construction procedures and construction technique, and describes the contents of quality control and safety construction. It provides good references for road construction in low-lying and swamp areas in similar countries.


2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 55-62
Author(s):  
Hacer Mutlu Danaci

Within cultural landscapes, there exists vernacular architecture that is characteristic in design of its region, construction techniques and materials, but is currently rarely used. Anatolia, a region that encompasses various regions with differing climates and cultures, is considerably rich in architectural splendor. In Southern Turkey, a part of Anatolia, vineyard houses in the Mediterranean Region’s Bucak Borough of Burdur Province are prototypical authentic vernacular architecture samples. Vineyard House use is becoming obsolete and these structures are disappearing. These vineyard houses are a cornerstone of the culture that built them, yet they have not attracted sufficient attraction in literature. Examination of sample relief works of vineyard houses within the borders of Bucak Borough placed their importance in an ecological context. Our goal is to ultimately protect these structures for both planning principles and to preserve the material, construction technique and cultural landscape to make vineyard houses usable to summer vacationists coming from the Antalya Province. This study is to ensure the vernacular architecture of vineyard houses in Bucak, they do not have any official protection status, are processed into literature, and to be a guide to any new designs. Vineyard houses’ have ecological properties in the framework of ecological criteria encompassing regional architecture, settlement structure, building form, place organization, and material choice. 


Author(s):  
Zhengyu Liu ◽  
Brent M. Phares ◽  
Weizhuo Shi ◽  
Behrouz Shafei

The longitudinal joints on adjacent precast, prestressed box beams used in bridge construction are vulnerable to cracking. These cracks provide a direct path for water and deleterious agents to enter the structural system, causing corrosion of the embedded steel bars and tendons. To avoid significant maintenance costs, safety concerns, or both, an innovative longitudinal joint between two adjacent box beams was designed in the current study. This joint is 6½ in. wide with roughened surfaces, filled with shrinkage compensating concrete and reinforced by steel bars. The joint was evaluated on a small-scale basis and satisfactory performance was obtained in resisting early-age cracks. In the current paper, the joint design is further evaluated through experiments on a 31 ft long specimen during the joint’s early age, and when it is subjected to multiple levels of cyclic loads. A finite element (FE) model that is capable of simulating the early-age concrete hardening was also developed and validated against the experimental data. The early-age, time-dependent stress development in the joint and at the interface of the joint and box beam was investigated using the FE model. Based on the results of laboratory tests and FE simulations, the innovative joint was found to remain crack free without the utilization of a shear key or transverse post-tensioning. The “compression-dominate” joint created by the expansive joint material and transverse reinforcing bars across the interface is expected to address the issues associated with early age, while ensuring the long-term durability and performance of box-beam bridges.


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