Low-volume roads in regions susceptible to freezing and thawing periods are often at risk of load-related damage during the spring thaw. Reduced support capacity during this period results from excess melt water that becomes trapped above underlying frozen layers. Many agencies place spring load restrictions (SLRs) during the thaw period to reduce damage to roadways. The period of SLRs set forth by the Minnesota Department of Transportation is effective for all flexible pavements; however, experience suggests that many aggregate-surfaced roads require additional time relative to flexible pavements to recover strength sufficient to carry unrestricted loads. An investigation was performed to improve local agencies’ abilities to evaluate the duration of SLR on aggregate-surfaced roadways. This was accomplished through seasonal measurements of in situ shear strengths, measured with the dynamic cone penetrometer, on various Minnesota county routes. In situ strength tests were conducted on selected county gravel roads over the course of 3 years. Strength levels recorded during the thaw-weakened period were compared with fully recovered periods that typically occur in late spring or summer. Results indicate that aggregate-surfaced roads generally require 1 to 3 additional weeks over that required by flexible pavements to reach recovered bearing capacity.


    Access

    Download

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Duration of Spring Thaw Recovery for Aggregate-Surfaced Roads


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    2006-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Duration of Spring Thaw Recovery for Aggregate-Surfaced Roads

    Embacher, Rebecca A. | Online Contents | 2006


    Duration of Spring Thaw Recovery for Aggregate-Surfaced Roads

    Embacher, Rebecca | Transportation Research Record | 2006


    Evaluation of Aggregate-Surfaced Roads for Timber Haul

    Bolander, Peter | Transportation Research Record | 2015



    Hard surfaced roads

    Wulff, E.J. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1919