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The Specific Pavement Studies (SPS) module contains construction and location information for SPS projects. The various SPS experiments are defined within table 2. New construction SPS projects include SPS-1, -2, -8, and -9 experiments, while SPS-3 , -4, -6, and -7 designations identify the maintenance and rehabilitation projects. Tables with the SPS prefix contain data that are general to all SPS experiments. Data that are specific to an SPS experiment type are maintained in tables with prefixes that indicate the SPS experiment.
Materials testing and construction details within the SPS tables vary by experiment. Tables for layer materials and thicknesses are included in the SPS modules for all experiments. These tables are similar in purpose to the INV tables for GPS sections. However, since SPS sections enter the program at the time of their construction or rehabilitation, the data within the SPS module reflect initial conditions as observed at that time. Information within this module comes from construction data sheets that are filled out by highway agencies and LTPP regional contractors and from materials testing conducted by the State highway agencies on samples collected during and immediately following construction or rehabilitation. Data entry is done at the LTPP regional offices.
Common fields unique to the SPS tables that can be used to link related data in associated tables to each other include STATION, LIFT_NO, ROLLER_CODE, and PROJECT_STATION_NO. STATION is used to denote the longitudinal position within each SPS-4 test section where transient dynamic response and Benkelman beam testing were conducted. STATION is the distance in feet from the start of the test section. The usefulness of the field for relating data from different tables is limited since no transient dynamic response testing was ever done and hence the SPS4_TRANSIENT_MEASURE table is empty of data.
LTPP Database Tip! |
Several fields within SPS tables can be used to relate SPS table data to monitoring data collected at specific locations on the test sections; however, the user must be careful to match converted units when necessary. STATION_NO is used within SPS#_LAYER _THICKNESS tables to denote the longitudinal position relative to the start of the test section. STATION is used for the same purpose within the SPS4 _BENKELMAN_MEASURE table and POINT_DISTANCE is used within the SPS#_TRANSFER_EFFICIENCY and SPS9_ LOAD_TRANS_EFFICIENCY tables. The POINT_LOC field within the monitoring data tables uses meters, while each of the SPS fields uses feet. Attention to units is required when relating data through these fields. |
LIFT_NO can be useful in linking compaction information in the SPS#_PMA _COMPACTION tables and the lift thicknesses found in SPS#_PMA_PLACEMENT_DATA. These thicknesses are found in fields with names such as AC_SURFACE_1ST_THICK, so the data cannot be directly linked to LIFT_NO values that represent the sequential numbering of PMA lifts. To do this, a manual count of the sequential lifts recorded within the SPS#_PMA_PLACEMENT_DATA table is needed to find the number that matches the first lift of the AC surface layer, then that number must be substituted for LIFT_NO to extract the compaction data from SPS#_PMA_COMPACTION.
ROLLER_CODE is also part of the SPS#_PMA _COMPACTION tables. SPS#_PMA_COMPACTION contains information on the compaction of each AC lift in the construction of the section. The variables BREAKDOWN_ROLLER_CODE, INTERMED_ROLLER_CODE, and FINAL_ROLLER_CODE within this table can be related to the ROLLER_CODE variable within the SPS#_PMA_ROLLER table, which defines the characteristics of each of the rollers used during construction.
PROJECT_STATION_NO is found only in SPS_INTERSECTION and denotes the position of any intersections or ramps in relation to the start of the first section of an SPS project. The units are in feet. PROJECT_STATION_NO can be compared to the SECTION_START and SECTION_END fields from the SPS_PROJECT_STATIONS table to determine where the intersection is located with respect to each of the individual test sections within the project.
Within the SPS module, a series of tables exists whose names begin with SPS, with no reference to the number of the experiment. The data stored in these tables are common to more than one SPS experiment. However, these data are not always common to all SPS experiments.
SPS_ID: This table contains information on the location of SPS project sites in the 1, 2, 8, and 9 experiments that started with either new pavement construction or reconstruction. Location information for SPS projects constructed on existing pavements is stored in the INV_ID table. This table contains data on roadway information, elevation, latitude, longitude, and other features of the test section location.
SPS_GENERAL: This table contains information on road geometry, and shoulder and drainage features for new construction SPS test sections classified in the 1, 2, 8, and 9 experiments.
SPS_PROJECT_STATIONS: This table links test sections that are co-located on a project and provides the order in which the test sections occur in the direction of traffic flow. The stations stored in this table are in meters.
SPS_INTERSECTIONS: This table contains project-level intersection information and data on the location of ramps, signals, and stop signs within the project boundaries.
SPS_CUT_FILL_LOCATIONS: This table contains the order and location of the cuts and fills within each SPS section. Starting and ending points are recorded.
SPS_GPS_LINK: This table links the SPS maintenance projects and some SPS rehabilitation projects to co-located GPS test sections. SPS projects that are not included within this table do not have co-located GPS test sections.
The SPS_GPS_LINK table can be used to link SPS projects to co-located GPS test sections. This table links the SHRP_ID field that identifies the project-level SPS site to the LINKED_GPS_ID field that matches the SHRP_ID field in the INV_ID table. SHRP_ID in the INV_ID table identifies the co-located GPS test section. Inventory, climatic, and traffic data can be shared. |
The fourth character of the prefix of many table names in the SPS module is a number that is intended to reference a specific experiment. The following tables are common to multiple experiments and contain the same basic information; however, they have names that differ by only the fourth character. In the following list, # is used as a "wild card" character to represent all numerical values.
SPS#_LAYER: This table contains the pavement materials layer structure used to reference data stored in other tables whose names begin with a matching SPS#. This information is based on observations made during the construction. The layer thicknesses provided in these tables were often obtained from plans and specifications. These values should not be used in performance analyses. SPS-3 and -4 maintenance experiment sections have no LAYER tables. Information on the pavement structure layers for these sections can be found in the INV_LAYER table entries for the co-located GPS sections.
SPS#_LAYER _THICKNESS: These tables have thickness values for each layer computed from elevation measurements from each test section at various offsets from the pavement edge. SPS-3 and -4 maintenance experiment sections have no LAYER_THICKNESS tables.
SPS#_NOTES_AND_COMMENTS: This table contains miscellaneous comments and notes concerning construction operations that may have had an influence on the ultimate performance of the test section or that may have caused undesirable performance differences among test sections. SPS-3 and -4 maintenance experiment sections have no NOTES_AND_COMMENTS tables.
SPS#_PMA _AC_PROPERTIES: This table contains the properties of the asphalt cement that was used in the PMA-bound layers of the SPS section. These properties were typically obtained from the asphalt supplier or from tests conducted by the State highway agency. SPS-1 , -2, -8, and -9 experiments have PMA#_AC_PROPERTIES tables.
SPS#_PMA _AGGREGATE_PROP: This table contains the properties of the aggregate that was used in the PMA-bound layers of the SPS section. These properties were typically obtained from the asphalt supplier or from tests conducted by the State highway agency. SPS-1 , -2, -8, and -9 experiments have PMA_AC_PROPERTIES tables.
SPS#_PMA _COMPACTION: This table contains compaction data, including air temperatures, roller information, and roller coverage for each lift of each PMA-bound layer of the SPS section. SPS-1 , -2, -5, -6, -8, and -9 experiments have PMA_COMPACTION tables.
SPS#_PMA _CONSTRUCTION: This table contains construction data for PMA-bound layers of the SPS section, including paving start and end dates, and mixing/lay-down temperatures. SPS-1 , -2, -5, -6, -8, and -9 experiments have PMA_CONSTRUCTION tables.
SPS#_PMA _MIXTURE_PROP: This table contains mixture properties for each PMA-bound layer. SPS-1 , -2, and -8 experiments have PMA_MIXTURE_PROP tables.
SPS#_PMA _PLACEMENT DATA: This table contains placement data for each PMA-bound layer, including asphalt-treated base (ATB), permeable asphalt-treated base (PATB), binder, surface, and friction courses. SPS-1 , -2, and -8 experiments have PMA_PLACEMENT tables.
SPS#_PMA _ROLLER: This table contains data for each roller used on any of the PMA-bound layers, roller weights, tire pressures, vibration frequency and amplitude, and roller speed. The ROLLER_CODE field can be used to link the information within this table to that stored in SPS#_PMA_COMPACTION. SPS-1 , -2, -5, -6, -8, and -9 experiments have PMA_ROLLER tables.
SPS#_SUBGRADE_PREP: This table contains subgrade preparation data, including information on compaction , stabilizing agents, and lift thicknesses (fill sections). SPS-1 , -2, and -8 experiments have SUBGRADE_PREP tables.
SPS#_UNBOUND_AGG_BASE: This table contains placement information associated with unbound aggregate base layers, including compaction equipment and lift thicknesses. SPS-1 , -2, -8, and -9 experiments have UNBOUND_AGG_BASE tables.
SPS#_QC_MEASUREMENTS: This table contains all of the construction QC procedures and the measurements that were taken during construction of SPS-5 , -6, and -7 test sections.
SPS#_OVERLAY: This table contains placement data for the AC overlays, including equipment and plant information, surface preparation, and haul times for each AC layer. This table applies to SPS-5 and -6 rehabilitation experiments.
SPS#_OVERLAY_LAYERS: This table contains information specific to each lift placed during AC overlay applications on SPS-5 and -6 test sections.
SPS#_LOAD_TRANSFER: This table contains information on the restoration of load-transfer capacity at joints in PCC pavements within SPS-6 , -7, and -9 test sections prior to the application of an overlay .
SPS#_PCC_CRACK_SEAL: This table contains data on crack sealing operations that occurred prior to the application of an overlay on SPS-6 , -7, and -9 test sections.
SPS#_PCC_FULL_DEPTH: This table contains data on full-depth repair of PCC surfaces that occurred prior to the application of an overlay on SPS-6 , -7, and -9 test sections.
SPS#_PCC_JOINT_RESEAL: This table contains data on joint resealing operations that occurred prior to the application of an overlay on SPS-6 , -7, and -9 test sections.
SPS#_PCC_PART_DEPTH: This table contains data on partial-depth patching of PCC surfaces that occurred prior to the application of an overlay on SPS-6 , -7, and -9 test sections.
SPS#_SUBDRAINAGE: This table contains data on the process of retrofitting subgrade drainage capacity within SPS-6 , -7, and -9 test sections prior to the application of a rehabilitative overlay .
SPS#_TRANSFER_EFFICIENCY: This table contains data on the load-transfer efficiency of transverse joints within SPS-6 , -7, and -9 test sections following the load-transfer restoration process, but prior to the placement of an overlay .
SPS#_UNDERSEALING: This table contains general undersealing data for work done on SPS-6 and -7 test sections prior to the application of a rehabilitative overlay .
SPS#_PCC_JOINT_DATA: This table contains construction data on joints within the test section, including skew, dowel spacing, joint forming and saw-cutting, sealant, etc. SPS-2 and -8 experiments have entries in this table.
SPS#_PCC_MIXTURE_DATA: This table contains construction data for the mixture for each PCC layer of the test section, including mix design, admixture information, aggregate composition and durability test results, and gradation . SPS-2 and -8 experiments have entries in this table.
SPS#_PCC_PLACEMENT_DATA: This table contains construction data for each PCC layer in the test section, including concrete mix plant, paver, and spreader information; and dowel placement, vibration, finishing, curing , and texturing data. SPS-2 and -8 experiments have entries in this table.
SPS#_PCC_PROFILE_DATA: This table contains information on the profiling and grinding of PCC surface layers of SPS-2 and -8 test sections.
SPS#_PMA _DENSITY_PROFILE: This table contains PMA-bound layer nuclear density measurements and profilograph data . The densities of ATB, binder, surface, and friction are courses that are included. SPS-1 and -8 experiments have entries in this table.
SPS#_AC_PATCHES: This table contains AC patching data collected at test sections in the SPS-5 and -9 experiments. This information is on patching that occurred in preparation for the applied AC overlay and was typically collected by the State highway agency or a representative of the regional support contractor.
SPS#_MILLED_SECTIONS: This table contains data on milling operations that occurred at some SPS-5 and -9 test sections in preparation for AC overlays. The table contains information on the equipment, layer delamination, milled thickness measurements, and other observations of the process.
SPS#_RUT_LEVEL_UP: This table contains data on applications of leveling treatments to correct severe rutting on SPS-5 and -9 test sections prior to the application of a PMA overlay .
The following tables are experiment-specific. The fourth character of the prefix indicates the number of the SPS experiment for which data are included in that table.
SPS2 _PCC_FULL_DEPTH: This table contains full-depth repair data for SPS-2 (study of structural factors for rigid pavements) test sections, including information on patching , slab replacement, load-transfer devices, reinforcing steel , concrete properties, finishing and curing methods, etc.
SPS2 _PCC_STEEL: This table contains information on the reinforcing steel used in each PCC layer of the SPS-2 test section.
SPS3 _CHIP: This table contains chip seal aggregate and sealant properties, placement data, surface preparation, and other information for SPS-3 test sections with chip seal maintenance treatments.
SPS3 _CHIP_EQUIP: This table contains information on all equipment used in applying chip seal maintenance treatments to SPS-3 test sections.
SPS3 _CRACK: This table contains information on surface preparation, environmental conditions, sealant properties, equipment used, and application processes for SPS-3 test sections with crack sealing maintenance treatments.
SPS3 _ROLLER: This table contains information on the roller equipment used in chip seal applications to SPS-3 test sections.
SPS3 _SLURRY: This table contains asphalt and aggregate properties, application rates, surface preparation, environmental conditions, etc., for SPS-3 test sections with slurry seal maintenance treatments.
SPS3 _SLURRY_EQUIP: This table contains information on all equipment used in slurry seal applications to SPS-3 sections.
SPS4 _BENKELMAN_GENERAL: This table contains general information on Benkelman beam deflection tests conducted on SPS-4 test sections. Included are start and end times, dates, environmental conditions, etc.
SPS4 _BENKELMAN_MEASURE: This table contains the results of Benkelman beam deflection tests conducted on SPS-4 test sections, including the station and joint number where each test was conducted and the corresponding deflection measurements.
SPS4 _CONTROL_GENERAL: Each SPS maintenance test project included a control section on which no maintenance was to be performed unless required as a safety measure. This table contains general information on the characteristics of the control section for each SPS-4 project.
SPS4 _CONTROL_LONG: This table contains the width of the longitudinal joint opening for each SPS-4 control section.
SPS4 _CONTROL_RANDOM: This table contains the widths of the surface cracks for each SPS-4 control section.
SPS4 _CONTROL_SHOULDER: This table contains the width of the shoulder joint for each SPS-4 control section.
SPS4 _CONTROL_TRANS: This table contains the widths of the transverse joints for each SPS-4 control section.
SPS4 _CRACK_SEAL_GENERAL: This table contains information on joint and crack sealing operations at SPS-4 test sections.
SPS4 _CRACK_SEAL_PVMT: This table contains information on sealant properties, temperatures, application techniques, backer rod, removal of old sealant, cleaning, etc., associated with the sealing of transverse and longitudinal joints within SPS-4 test sections.
SPS4 _CRACK_SEAL_PVMT_MEAS: This table contains joint seal measurements, including backer rod depths, for all sealing work on transverse and longitudinal joints within SPS-4 test sections.
SPS4 _CRACK_SEAL_RAND: This table contains information on sealant properties, temperatures, application techniques, backer rod, removal of old sealant, cleaning, etc., associated with the sealing of cracks within SPS-4 test sections.
SPS4 _CRACK_SEAL_RAND_MEAS: This table contains crack sealing measurements, including backer rod depths, for all sealing work on cracks within SPS-4 test sections.
SPS4 _CRACK_SEAL_SH: This table contains information on sealant properties, temperatures, application techniques, backer rod, removal of old sealant, cleaning, etc., associated with the sealing of longitudinal joints at the shoulders of SPS-4 test sections.
SPS4 _CRACK_SEAL_SH_MEAS: This table contains joint seal measurements, including backer rod depths, for all sealing work on longitudinal shoulder joints of SPS-4 test sections.
SPS4 _DYNAFLECT_GENERAL: This table contains general information on Dynaflect® deflection testing that was conducted on SPS-4 test sections.
SPS4 _DYNAFLECT_MEASURE: This table contains the point locations (stationing) and Dynaflect sensor deflections recorded at each joint or crack within the SPS-4 section that was tested.
SPS4 _FWD_MEASUREMENTS: This table contains general information on FWD deflection testing that was conducted on SPS-4 test sections. The table name is misleading since the actual test results are stored offline.
SPS4 _TRANSIENT_GENERAL: This table contains general information on transient dynamic response testing that was conducted on SPS-4 test sections.
SPS4 _TRANSIENT_MEASURE: This table contains the point locations (stationing) and transient dynamic response test results for each joint or crack within the SPS-4 section that was tested.
SPS4 _UNDERSEAL_GENERAL: This table contains general undersealing data, including information on the cement, fly ash, water source, hole installation and volume, etc.
SPS4 _UNDERSEAL_INIT_GROUT: This table contains information on the initial grouting application process.
SPS4 _UNDERSEAL_PRES_GROUT: This table contains information on the pressure grouting application process.
SPS4 _UNDERSEAL_REGROUT: This table contains information on the regrouting application process.
SPS6 _CRACK_SEAT_PCC: This table contains PCC crack-and-seat data collected at test sections in the SPS-6 experiment (rehabilitation of PCC pavements). This information is on crack-and-seat operations that occurred in preparation for overlays on PCC pavements and was typically collected by the State highway agency or a representative of the regional support contractor.
SPS6 _SAW_AND_SEAL: This table contains data on joint sawing and sealing operations that occurred prior to the application of an overlay on SPS-6 test sections.
SPS7 _DELAMINATION: This table contains general information on the removal/cleaning of the PCC surfaces of SPS-7 test sections in preparation for PCC overlay .
SPS7 _MILLING: This table contains data on milling operations that occurred at some SPS-7 test sections in preparation for PCC overlay .
SPS7 _PCCO_JOINT_DATA: This table contains construction data on joints in the PCC overlay of SPS-7 test sections, including skew, load-transfer method, joint forming and saw-cutting, sealant, etc.
SPS7 _PCC_OVERLAY: This table contains information on the placement operations of PCC overlay s on SPS-7 test sections, including air temperatures, curing , sawing, grouting, and texturing.
SPS7 _REFLECTIVE_CRACK: This table contains the methods used for controlling reflective cracking on SPS-7 test sections after a PCC overlay .
SPS7 _REMOVAL_CLEANING: This table contains the methods and dates for surface removal/cleaning of the PCC surfaces of SPS-7 test sections prior to a PCC overlay .
SPS9 _DIAMOND_GRIND: This table contains information on the diamond grinding of the PCC surface of SPS-9 test sections prior to overlay .
SPS9 _PMA _DENSITY: This table, which is unique to SPS-9 test sections, contains PMA layer density data used for construction control.
SPS9 _PMA _MIX_DES_PROP: This table contains the design mixture properties for PMA layers of SPS-9 test sections.
SPS9 _PMA _MIXTURE_PROP: This table contains the mixture properties (determined from laboratory testing) for PMA layers of SPS-9 test sections.
SPS9 _PMA _PLACEMENT_INFO: This table contains the sectionwide properties of the asphalt lay-down process for each SPS-9 project, including surface preparation, asphalt plant information, equipment information, and haul time and distances for each lift.
SPS9 _PMA _PLACEMENT_LAYER: This table contains the sectionwide properties of the asphalt lay-down process for SPS-9 sections, including lift thicknesses, tack coat information, and transverse joint locations.
SPS9 _PMA _PROFILE: This table contains profilograph measurement results for the AC overlay layer of each SPS-9 test section. This information was used for construction control.
SPS9 _SP_PMA _AC_PROPERTIES: This table, which is unique to SPS-9 test sections, contains PMA-bound layer Superpave asphalt cement properties .
SPS9 _SP_PMA _AGGREGATE_PROP: This table, which is unique to SPS-9 test sections, contains PMA-bound layer Superpave aggregate properties.
SPS9 _SP_PMA _MIXTURE_PROP: This table, which is unique to SPS-9 test sections, contains PMA-bound layer Superpave mixture properties.
SPS9 _SUBGRADE_PREP: This table contains subgrade preparation data collected on construction data sheets, including information on compaction and stabilization.
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