Failure Investigation of a Foamed-Asphalt Highway Project
Publication: Journal of Infrastructure Systems
Volume 12, Issue 1
Abstract
This paper documents an investigation into the cause of structural distress (alligator cracking and deep rutting) found in a foamed-asphalt warranty project in Texas. This is a unique forensic study involving a warranty specification, where the contractor may or may not be liable for the cost of repairs, depending on the outcome of the study. Extensive field tests, including FWD, seismic, GPR, and DCP, were conducted. Laboratory tests were also done to determine gradation, moisture content, capillary action, and indirect tensile strength. Four trenches were opened to test each layer directly and to obtain samples for laboratory testing. Two of the trenches were located in distressed/failed areas, while two others were in intact areas. Based on this study, the forensic team concluded that the rutting and alligator cracking are associated with failure of the foamed asphalt base. Since the subgrade strength in the failed areas was similar to the intact areas, the subgrade strength could not have been the sole cause of the failure. The foamed asphalt base was found to be susceptible to moisture and exhibited a severe loss of strength when subjected to moisture. Thus, it is imperative to verify the moisture susceptibility during the design phase. Based on the findings of this study, the contractor did repair the failed section at his own expense.
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Acknowledgments
This work could not have been completed without the assistance of Mr. Ken Fults, Dr. Mike Murphy, Mr. Cy Helms, Mr. Richard Izzo, Ms. Amitis Meshkani, Mr. Ralph Self, and Mr. Andy Petter of the Texas Department of Transportation. The authors would also like to express their sincere appreciation to Mr. Larry Carter and Mr. John Floyd for their help with the trenching operation. Thanks also go to James Curry, Jim Thomas, Jerry Bradley, William Council, and Terry Symank.
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© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Oct 31, 2003
Accepted: Oct 20, 2004
Published online: Mar 1, 2006
Published in print: Mar 2006
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