Principal Investigator(s):
Eshan Dave, Former Assistant Professor, UMD-Civil Engineering
Project summary:
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has invested significant resources towards the study of asphalt mixture low-temperature cracking performance, and it is now in the final stages of implementation. Low-temperature cracking in Minnesota and other cold climate states is a major pavement distress and detractor from otherwise good performance. After 10 years of low-temperature cracking research, the Disk-Shaped Compact Tension (DCT) test emerged as the test to measure the fracture resistance of asphalt mixtures. The DCT test measures a mechanical property known as fracture energy. While efforts to this point have focused on Minnesota materials and roads, this project will draw from experiences and practice in other Transportation Engineering and Road Research Alliance (TERRA) member states around the region. The project will provide the necessary technical support during the final stages of implementation. It will also promote uniformity across the region and transfer technology to member states and organizations.