Phase II NCAT Test Track Results

Abstract

There is a need to be able to quickly test materials and mixtures in-place, under real traffic. There have been many developments during the last few years that need verification prior to adopting. One such development is the new proposed mechanistic pavement design procedure. Another is the development of proposed performance tests that need verification. It will take at least 15 to 20 years to verify these procedures on existing highways. However, accelerated loading facilities such as the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Test Track can accomplish these verification studies safely in two to three years. This can be done at reduced cost and without adversely affecting the driving public. The NCAT test track was built in 2000 and has now been in use for five years. Experimental sections on the 1.7 mile Pavement Test Track are cooperatively funded by a number of state departments of transportation (DOTs) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with operation and research managed by NCAT. In 2000, forty-six different test sections were installed at the facility, each at a length of 200 feet. Materials used locally by the section sponsors were transported to NCAT during construction to maximize the applicability of results to the sponsors. In 2003, many of these sections were rebuilt and traffic again initiated. This report, generally speaking, is meant to be a summary document of the 2003 Test Track research efforts. The report gives an overview of the 2003 Test Track, describes mixture performance studies undertaken, discusses structural studies performed, and relates items implemented by the state departments of transportation.