MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Characterization of Crushed Base Materials in Wyoming
Authors:	Kam Ng, Dawit Mebrahtom, and Khaled Ksaibati
University:	University of Wyoming
Publication Date:	Mar 2019
Report #:	MPC-19-378
Project #:	MPC-503
TRID #:	01667601
Keywords:	axial loads, base course (pavements), experiments, laboratory tests, local materials, modulus of resilience, subgrade materials, triaxial shear tests

Abstract

To improve the pavement design and construction in Wyoming, the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is adopting the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). A full implementation of MEPDG requires the characterization of local crushed base materials. In this research, laboratory experiments on resilient modulus were performed to characterize the local crushed base materials in Wyoming. A comprehensive resilient modulus test program was completed by following the WYDOT modified AASHTO T 307, which incorporates WYDOT design and testing practices. The cyclic triaxial testing chamber for confining load application, two axial load sensors, and two spring-loaded linear variable transducers (LVDTs) to measure the recoverable axial strain of an aggregate specimen were used in determining the laboratory resilient modulus. Effects of moisture content, percent fine, stress, gradation, and fractured face on base resilient modulus were assessed, and estimation models were developed using statistical methods. The coefficients of constitutive models developed by NCHRP (2004) and Hicks and Monismith (1971) were calibrated for the locally available crushed base materials. Finally, a design table and chart for the estimation of base resilient modulus was developed to facilitate the full implementation of the MEPDG in Wyoming.

How to Cite

Ng, Kam, Dawit Mebrahtom, and Khaled Ksaibati. Characterization of Crushed Base Materials in Wyoming, MPC-19-378. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2019.