TPF-5 (013) Effect of Multiple Freeze-Thaw Versus Deep Frost Penetration on Pavement Performance - Pooled Fund Study - LTPP - Pavements

Pooled Fund Study TPF-5 (013) Effect of Multiple Freeze-Thaw Versus Deep Frost Penetration on Pavement Performance

A Pooled Fund Study, TPF-5(013) "Effect of Multiple Freeze Cycles and Deep Frost Penetration on Pavement Performance" has been initiated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to define the effects of multiple freeze-thaw versus deep frost penetration on pavement performance, and their cost implications. The study began on March 4, 2003 and will conclude on September 4, 2005.

Seasonal weakening of pavement bases and subgrades due to frost action commonly occurs in most states and provinces. Even temperate states such as Texas, California, and North Carolina have regions within each state where pavement freezing occurs. Upper layer freezing occurs even in some places that are categorized as "no freeze" zones.

Near the southern edge of the freeze/no-freeze zone, pavements are subjected to multiple freeze-thaw cycles each year. Further north, pavements may be subjected to fewer freeze-thaw cycles, but the depth of frost penetration is generally greater. It is not clearly understood how the trade-off between multiple freeze-thaw cycles versus having deep frost penetration affects the rate of pavement deterioration. State-to-state differences in materials standards and pavement design compensations further cloud our understanding.

The rate of distress accumulation increases dramatically during periods when pavements are partially thawed. Damage occurring during these critical periods is generally associated with the weakening of pavement materials in the upper layers combined with impeded subsurface drainage due to underlying frozen materials.

Many states have adapted their pavement systems to compensate for the deleterious effect of freeze-thaw. Some expend a substantial portion of their funds to transport select materials, use unique pavement systems and perform more extensive rehabilitations. Even with these mitigation efforts, pavement performance is still impacted by freeze-thaw, often resulting in shorter pavement life or decreased performance. Current national databases have the best information to date on pavement performance in different freezing environments.

Research is needed to sort out the effects of multiple freeze-thaw versus deep frost penetration on pavement performance, and their cost implications. Ultimately, the project should determine whether there are pavement design and/or materials selection practices in use by various state DOTs that help to mitigate the effects of frost penetration on pavement performance. This information must be documented if we are to be able to make the transition from a purely empirical method of pavement design to a mechanistic-empirical method.

Research Objectives:

The general objective of the pooled-fund study is to quantify the effect of seasonal frost penetration on the rate of loss of pavement performance for environments where deep, sustained frost penetration occurs, AND for environments where multiple shallow freeze-thaw cycles occur.
The extent to which local adaptations of materials standards and pavement thickness designs have compensated for and/or mitigated the effect of seasonal frost penetration should be established.
Determine financial impacts associated with freeze-thaw mitigation in the construction and rehabilitation of pavements.

A copy of the TPF Studies>>>Detailed View is available here for viewing. There is also information on the study's Funding Status.

Data Collection Analysis Products Pooled Fund Studies Operations/Analysis Feedback Reports LTPP Customer Survey	Pooled Fund Study TPF-5 (013) Effect of Multiple Freeze-Thaw Versus Deep Frost Penetration on Pavement Performance A Pooled Fund Study, TPF-5(013) "Effect of Multiple Freeze Cycles and Deep Frost Penetration on Pavement Performance" has been initiated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to define the effects of multiple freeze-thaw versus deep frost penetration on pavement performance, and their cost implications. The study began on March 4, 2003 and will conclude on September 4, 2005. Seasonal weakening of pavement bases and subgrades due to frost action commonly occurs in most states and provinces. Even temperate states such as Texas, California, and North Carolina have regions within each state where pavement freezing occurs. Upper layer freezing occurs even in some places that are categorized as "no freeze" zones. Near the southern edge of the freeze/no-freeze zone, pavements are subjected to multiple freeze-thaw cycles each year. Further north, pavements may be subjected to fewer freeze-thaw cycles, but the depth of frost penetration is generally greater. It is not clearly understood how the trade-off between multiple freeze-thaw cycles versus having deep frost penetration affects the rate of pavement deterioration. State-to-state differences in materials standards and pavement design compensations further cloud our understanding. The rate of distress accumulation increases dramatically during periods when pavements are partially thawed. Damage occurring during these critical periods is generally associated with the weakening of pavement materials in the upper layers combined with impeded subsurface drainage due to underlying frozen materials. Many states have adapted their pavement systems to compensate for the deleterious effect of freeze-thaw. Some expend a substantial portion of their funds to transport select materials, use unique pavement systems and perform more extensive rehabilitations. Even with these mitigation efforts, pavement performance is still impacted by freeze-thaw, often resulting in shorter pavement life or decreased performance. Current national databases have the best information to date on pavement performance in different freezing environments. Research is needed to sort out the effects of multiple freeze-thaw versus deep frost penetration on pavement performance, and their cost implications. Ultimately, the project should determine whether there are pavement design and/or materials selection practices in use by various state DOTs that help to mitigate the effects of frost penetration on pavement performance. This information must be documented if we are to be able to make the transition from a purely empirical method of pavement design to a mechanistic-empirical method. Research Objectives: The general objective of the pooled-fund study is to quantify the effect of seasonal frost penetration on the rate of loss of pavement performance for environments where deep, sustained frost penetration occurs, AND for environments where multiple shallow freeze-thaw cycles occur. The extent to which local adaptations of materials standards and pavement thickness designs have compensated for and/or mitigated the effect of seasonal frost penetration should be established. Determine financial impacts associated with freeze-thaw mitigation in the construction and rehabilitation of pavements. A copy of the TPF Studies>>>Detailed View is available here for viewing. There is also information on the study's Funding Status.	More Information More Information on FHWA Pooled Fund Studies Pavement Publications Events View all Upcoming Pavements Events Contacts Larry Wiser Turner Fairbank 202-493-3079 E-mail Larry Customer Service 202-493-3035 E-mail Customer
	This page last modified on 06/02/06

Pooled Fund Study TPF-5 (013) Effect of Multiple Freeze-Thaw Versus Deep Frost Penetration on Pavement Performance

More Information

Events

Contacts