Download Proposed 20-7 Project_Data mining_final.doc

PROBLEM NUMBER
To be assigned by NCHRP staff.
PROBLEM TITLE
Planning for Database Development, Data Mining, and Engineering Analysis for Future WMA,
RAP, and RAS Research
STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
Since 2007, ten NCHRP projects, and projects sponsored by FHWA, the Asphalt Research
Consortium, and the state DOTs, have investigated the properties and performance of asphalt
mixes and pavements containing WMA technologies, RAP, and RAS. In aggregate, the NCHRP
projects alone have or are collecting test data and materials from 65 asphalt field projects
across the Unites States.
Each research project collects general information on the field pavement construction,
pavement distress over time, and properties of the original and recovered materials. In
addition, most projects have asphalt binder, aggregate, mix, and cores in storage at the
research agency at the completion of the research. However, these data generally aren’t
available in a single, consistently formatted database. And excess materials are likely to be
disposed of as the projects are completed unless specific provision is made for their long-term
storage in facilities like the FHWA Materials Reference Library.
As pointed out by the NCHRP project panels and research teams, these data, materials, and the
pavements themselves are invaluable resources for future asphalt research projects, offering
the potential for significant savings in time and funds through elimination of duplicative testing.
Moreover, tracking the performance of these well-documented pavements over time can lead
to a better understanding of how material properties affect pavement performance.
Research is needed to (1) survey types and availability of data and materials from past and
current FHWA, NCHRP, and ARC research projects on WMA, RAP, and RAS technologies; (2)
explore development of a framework for a centralized electronic database and assure
continuing access to materials collected in past research projects; and (3) develop research
problem statements that make use of the data, materials, and field pavements to address key
asphalt technology issues.
LITERATURE SEARCH SUMMARY
This proposed research is a result of assessments of recently completed and ongoing NCHRP
Research Projects on WMA, RAP, and RAS which include extensive use of full scale pavement
test sections and project specific test results and materials. Planning to take advantage of this
recently acquired information at a national level has never been conducted. The 22 February
2013 Executive Order, Increasing Access to the Results of Federally Funded Scientific Research,
mandates such planning to assure public access to federally funded research results such as
those developed by NCHRP and FHWA.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research is to develop plans to take advantage of existing WMA, RAP, and
RAS research data, materials, and field pavements in future asphalt research.
Accomplishment of the project objectives will require the following tasks.
TASKS
Task 1 Survey the types and availability of data, materials, and field pavement sections from
past and current FHWA, NCHRP, ARC, and other research projects on WMA, RAP, and RAS
technologies. Submit an interim report of the results within 2 months of the effective date of
the project.
Task 2 Conduct a workshop to:
 Define the features of a framework for a centralized electronic database of WMA, RAP,
and RAS research results.
 Identify funding and logistical obstacles to long-term, centralized storage of project
materials for future research and possible solutions.
 Develop a short list of research problems amenable to solution through data mining and
engineering analysis of results in a centralized database, supplemented, as necessary, by
additional materials testing and pavement distress measurements of existing field
pavements.
The workshop participants shall be drawn from (a) research staff of past and current FHWA,
NCHRP, and ARC projects on WMA, RAP, and RAS technologies; (b) NCHRP project panels and
the FHWA Binder and Mix ETGs; and (c) other outside experts.
Task 3 Submit a final report that documents the findings of the Task 2 workshop and presents
(a) a proposed framework for a centralized electronic database, (b) a discussion of a funding
and logistical obstacles to long-term, centralized storage of project materials for future
research and proposed solutions, and (c) proposed research problem statements based on data
mining and engineering analysis of results of FHWA, NCHRP, and ARC projects on WMA, RAP,
and RAS technologies.
URGENCY
Completed NCHRP Projects 9-43, 9-47, 9-47A, and 9-49, active Projects 9-49A, 9-52, 9-53, 9-54,
9-55, and 9-58, and pending Project 9-59, and research projects conducted by FHWA and ARC,
have generated large amounts of valuable laboratory and field data on the performance and
properties of WMA, RAP, and RAS technologies. In most cases, these projects also have
collected large quantities of asphalt binder, aggregate, and mix that have great potential value
for future research. At present, neither the data nor the materials are easily accessible and their
potential to solve other research problems is not easily exploited. Additionally, the institutions
storing the materials from these projects have limited storage space, and will likely need to
dispose of the excess materials after a short time.
RECOMMEDED RESEARCH PERIOD AND FUNDING REQUIRED
It is estimated that this project will take 8 months of research effort necessary to the
accomplishment of the objectives (including reporting, review, and approval by the NCHRP
panel) and will require $85,000.
PERSON(S) DEVELOPING THE PROBLEM
In cooperation with NCHRP Project 09-52 panel and AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials,
Technical Section 2c on Asphalt-Aggregate Mixtures.
Matthew Corrigan, P.E.
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
Room E73-465
Washington, DC 20590
Phone: 202.366.1549
Email: [email protected]
John Grieco
Director of Research and Materials
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Highway Division
400 D Street
South Boston, MA
Phone: 617/951-0596
Email: [email protected]
PROBLEM MONITOR
AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials Technical Section 2c: Chair and Research Liaison
Allen H. Myers, P. E.
Director Division of Materials, Department of Highways , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
1227 Wilkinson Boulevard
Frankfort, Ky. 40601-1226
Phone: 502-564-3160
E-mail: [email protected]
DATE AND SUBMITTED BY
March 20, 2015
AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials Technical Section 2c: Chair and Research Liaison
Allen H. Myers, P. E.
Director Division of Materials, Department of Highways, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
1227 Wilkinson Boulevard
Frankfort, Ky. 40601-1226
Phone: 502-564-3160
E-mail: [email protected]