NCHRP 20-7
Proposed Research Needs Statement
AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials
TITLE
Planning for Database Development, Data Mining, and Engineering Analysis for Future WMA, RAP, and
RAS Research
STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM
Since 2007, ten NCHRP projects, and projects sponsored by FHWA, the Asphalt Research Consortium,
and the state DOTs, have investigated the properties and performance of asphalt mixes and pavements
containing WMA technologies, RAP, and RAS. In aggregate, the NCHRP projects alone have or are
collecting test data and materials from 65 asphalt field projects across the Unites States.
Each research project collects general information on the field pavement construction, pavement
distress over time, and properties of the original and recovered materials. In addition, most projects
have asphalt binder, aggregate, mix, and cores in storage at the research agency at the completion of
the research. However, these data generally aren’t available in a single, consistently formatted
database. And excess materials are likely to be disposed of as the projects are completed unless specific
provision is made for their long-term storage in facilities like the FHWA Materials Reference Library.
As pointed out by the NCHRP project panels and research teams, these data, materials, and the
pavements themselves are invaluable resources for future asphalt research projects, offering the
potential for significant savings in time and funds through elimination of duplicative testing. Moreover,
tracking the performance of these well-documented pavements over time can lead to a better
understanding of how material properties affect pavement performance.
Research is needed to (1) survey types and availability of data and materials from past and current
FHWA, NCHRP, and ARC research projects on WMA, RAP, and RAS technologies; (2) explore
development of a framework for a centralized electronic database and assure continuing access to
materials collected in past research projects; and (3) develop research problem statements that make
use of the data, materials, and field pavements to address key asphalt technology issues.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research is to develop plans to take advantage of existing WMA, RAP, and
RAS research data, materials, and field pavements in future asphalt research.
Accomplishment of the project objectives will require the following tasks.
TASKS
Task 1 Survey the types and availability of data, materials, and field pavement sections from past and
current FHWA, NCHRP, ARC, and other research projects on WMA, RAP, and RAS technologies. Submit
an interim report of the results within 2 months of the effective date of the project.
Task 2 Conduct a workshop to:
Define the features of a framework for a centralized electronic database of WMA, RAP, and RAS
research results.
Identify funding and logistical obstacles to long-term, centralized storage of project
materials for future research and possible solutions.
Develop a short list of research problems amenable to solution through data mining and
engineering analysis of results in a centralized database, supplemented, as necessary, by
additional materials testing and pavement distress measurements of existing field
pavements.
The workshop participants shall be drawn from (a) research staff of past and current FHWA, NCHRP,
and ARC projects on WMA, RAP, and RAS technologies; (b) NCHRP project panels and the FHWA Binder
and Mix ETGs; and (c) other outside experts.
Task 3 Submit a final report that documents the findings of the Task 2 workshop and presents (a) a
proposed framework for a centralized electronic database, (b) a discussion of a funding and logistical
obstacles to long-term, centralized storage of project materials for future research and proposed
solutions, and (c) proposed research problem statements based on data mining and engineering
analysis of results of FHWA, NCHRP, and ARC projects on WMA, RAP, and RAS technologies.
URGENCY
Completed NCHRP Projects 9-43, 9-47, 9-47A, and 9-49, active Projects 9-49A, 9-52, 9-53, 9-54,
9-55, and 9-58, and pending Project 9-59, and research projects conducted by FHWA and ARC, have
generated large amounts of valuable laboratory and field data on the performance and properties of
WMA, RAP, and RAS technologies. In most cases, these projects also have collected large quantities of
asphalt binder, aggregate, and mix that have great potential value for future research. At present,
neither the data nor the materials are easily accessible and their potential to solve other research
problems is not easily exploited. Additionally, the institutions storing the materials from these projects
have limited storage space, and will likely need to dispose of the excess materials after a short time.
RECOMMEDED RESEARCH PERIOD AND FUNDING REQUIRED
8 months & $85,000.
PERSON(S) DEVELOPING THE PROBLEM
In cooperation with NCHRP Project 09-52 panel and AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials,
Technical Section 2c on Asphalt-Aggregate Mixtures.
Matthew Corrigan, P.E.
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
Room E73-465
Washington, DC 20590
202.366.1549
Email: matthew.corrigan@dot.gov
John Grieco
Director of Research and Materials
Massachusetts Department of Transportation
Highway Division
400 D Street Phone:
South Boston, MA
Phone: 617/951-0596
Email: john.grieco@state.ma.us
PROBLEM MONITOR
AASHTO Subcommittee on Materials Technical Section 2c: Chair and Research Liaison
Allen H. Myers, P. E.
Director Division of Materials, Department of Highways , Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
1227 Wilkinson Boulevard
Frankfort, Ky. 40601-1226
Phone: 502-564-3160
E-mail: Allen.Myers@ky.gov