Date post: | 12-Apr-2017 |
Category: |
Presentations & Public Speaking |
Upload: | jill-reeves |
View: | 286 times |
Download: | 0 times |
Tools to Improve PCC Smoothness During Construction (R06E)
Date: January 19, 2016Gary Fick
2
Real-Time Smoothness
What is it?An integrated system
of profile data
collection sensors and
processing software
that provides real-time
profile feedback to the
contractor.
3
Real-Time SmoothnessSHRP2 Implementation Support
RTS Implementation Support ActivitiesObjective: Routine use of RTS technology by agencies and contractors who routinely construct PCC pavement.
4
Real-Time SmoothnessSHRP2 Implementation Support
RTS Implementation Support ActivitiesTask 1: Equipment Loan Program (2015 and 2016)
Full use of an RTS system for two weeks On-site technical support and training Budget allows for eleven equipment loans Projects with a minimum of 10 consecutive mainline paving days
(more is preferable) Contractor or agency should commit to providing daily QA
profiles during the equipment loan Contact [email protected] if interested
5
Real-Time SmoothnessSHRP2 Implementation Support
RTS Implementation Support ActivitiesTask 2: Regional Showcase (Open House)
One day classroom presentations with an on-site RTS demonstration
In conjunction with an equipment loan project Travel expenses are covered for up to 10 agency participants
6
Real-Time SmoothnessSHRP2 Implementation Support
RTS Implementation Support ActivitiesTask 3: Workshops
Four hour workshops – contact [email protected] Tentative agenda
1. Importance of Pavement Smoothness2. Fundamentals of Pavement Smoothness Measurement3. RTS Measurement Technology and Practices4. Fundamentals of Ride Quality and Pavement Profile
Analysis5. Current Practices for Concrete Pavement IRI
Specifications6. Best Practices for Concrete Paving Operations7. Using RTS Technology to Improve Concrete Pavement
Smoothness
7
Real-Time SmoothnessSHRP2 Implementation Support
RTS Implementation Support ActivitiesTask 4: Documentation of Results/Case Studies
Synthesis of contractors’ experience Case study – Comparing real-time measurements to QA results Case study – Long-term performance of RTS Documentation of equipment loans and lessons learned
8
Real-Time SmoothnessSHRP2 Implementation Support
RTS Implementation Support ActivitiesTask 5: Specification Refinement
QC approach Process improvement
Task 6: Outreach Materials Quick field reference guide (pocket reference) Brochures Project updates (30 minute briefings)
9
Reasons for Using RTS Equipment
• Reduce disincentives• Increase incentives• Anticipated change in smoothness
acceptance requirements• PI to IRI• Change in localized roughness specification limits
10
Real-Time Smoothness
Benefits of identifying construction artifacts in real-timeOpportunity to correct objectionable profile features caused by:
Stringline disturbance Padline variability Non-uniformity of concrete …
11
Real-Time Smoothness
Benefits of identifying the impact of process changes in real-timeValidation of adjustments in 1 hour vs. 12 to 24 hours:
Hydraulic sensitivity relative to machine control input (stringline and stringless)
Vibrator frequencies Paving speed Concrete head Concrete mixture proportions …
12
RTS Systems – Which One is Best?
• They both do the same thing - the correct question is, “which one is best for me?”
• Factors to consider: Ease of mounting and switching between multiple pavers Field ruggedness Familiarity with Ames lightweight profiler systems Laser vs. ultrasonic sensors
13
RTS Mounting Locations
• Typically center of each driving lane• Adjust this for special situations, when
tuning the paver: Tie bar insertion issues One side of the paver is consistently rougher Cross-slope changes
14
RTS Mounting Locations
15
RTS Systems:Daily Setup and Shutdown
• Start-up - approximately 5 minutes Install sensors and DMI Connect cables Input starting station and direction Start the system
• Shut-down – approximately 5 minutes Stop the system Download data to a USB drive Disconnect cables Remove sensors and DMI
16
RTS Systems:Daily Setup and Shutdown
17
Ten Commandments of Concrete Pavement Smoothness (circa 1988)
Source: ACPA Best Practices for Constructing Smooth Concrete Pavements
Credit: Chapin Cipherd, CMI Corp.
18
21st Century Approach
The “Sweet Spot”
Mixture Factors
Paving Factors
Human Factors
19
Mixture Factors
• Combined gradation• Between batch uniformity• Uniform delivery of concrete
20
Combined Gradation
Remember the purpose of an optimized gradation:• Economically combining aggregate particles to achieve the desired
objectives of: Reduced paste content Improved workability Durability
• An optimized mixture must be workable in the field to achieve
durability
• The Tarantula curve was developed concurrently with a lab test that
evaluates a concrete mixture’s response to vibration
21
Between Batch Uniformity
Consistent combined gradation and water content• Scales in tolerance• Uniform stockpile moistures • Eliminate stockpile segregation
22
Uniform Delivery of Concrete
Translates to minimizing paver stops• Plant production capacity must be able to
feed the paver
23
Paving Factors
• Track line• Stringline/Stringless model• Paver setup
Draft/Lead Sensitivities Vibrator frequency Vibrator height Float pan
• Concrete head• Curing and texturing
24
Human Factors
• Training• Experience• Communication• Empowerment
25
Using RTS Systems
• Step 1 – Establish a baseline• Monitor results for 1 to 2 days• Keep processes static, but make ordinary adjustments Observe typical responses to the ordinary adjustments
• Mixture• Vibrators• Speed• Head• Stops• Etc.
26
Using RTS Systems
• The RTS results are higher than the QC hardened profiles – what’s up with that?
• Don’t panic• Just focus on making the RTS results better (lower IRI)• QC profiles will improve as well
27
Using RTS Systems
• Step 2 – Pick the low hanging fruit• Eliminate large events that cause excessive
localized roughness• Stringline/stringless interference• Paver stops• Padline issues• Etc.
28
Localized Roughness Events
• Stringless system interference
29
Localized Roughness Events
• Running the paver out of concrete
30
Localized Roughness Events
• Stopping the paver
31
Using RTS Systems
• Step 3 – Adjust the paving process to improve overall smoothness
• Maintain a consistent head• Lead/draft - setup the paver as flat as possible• Sensitivities• Vibrators (height and frequency)• Mixture• Paver operation• Paving speed
32
Overall Smoothness
• Eliminating big events gave us a new “baseline” to adjust from
• Systematically make changes in small increments
• Get a minimum of 0.1 mile with consistent paving (no big events) and then evaluate if the adjustment made things smoother
• Continue adjusting in small increments and evaluating every 0.1 mile
33
Overall Smoothness
• Stay focused and incredible things can happen
• Over a mile per day – average IRI = 28 in/mi
34
Using RTS Systems
• Step 4 – Identify repeating features using a PSD plot and adjust processes when possible
• Joints• CRCP bar supports• Dumping/Spreading loads
35
Real-Time SmoothnessSHRP2 Implementation Support
Questions and Discussion