Current ICT Project
Investigators:
  Prof. Jeffery R. Roesler (Primary)
Project Title:
  Design and Concrete Material Requirements for Ultra-Thin Whitetopping Procedures
Start Date: 4/1/2006
End Date: 3/31/2008
Summary of Project:
  Ultra-thin whitetopping (UTW) is a pavement rehabilitation strategy where a thin layer of concrete is placed on top of an existing hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavement. The ICT conducted research to assist IDOT with optimal design and construction strategies for its UTW projects. As part of this research project, ICT developed guidelines for UTW projects that address thickness, concrete material selection, and construction practices. Specifically, ICT researchers evaluated the effects of structural macro-fibers and concrete material properties on slab size and thickness requirements for UTW rehabilitation. Other factors evaluated included the existing condition of the HMA, HMA thickness, interface preparation and strength, and saw-cut timing and depth. IDOT uses the new guidelines to improve the efficiency and quality of the design and construction for UTW projects. The expected end results include increased maintenance intervals, extended pavement life, and reduced travel delays.
Objective of Project:
  Verify the procedures developed by industry for use on the Illinois’ highway system. Include in the verification the incorporation of newer structural fibers that are currently considered to be essential by the Department and evaluate the effect of those fibers on forecast required joint spacing both for cost-effectiveness and efficacy.
Expected Outcome:
  All owners and operators of pavement systems in Illinois could reasonably be expected to be beneficiaries of a design system for Whitetopping and UTW for which they have a degree of confidence. The expected results would be reduced maintenance intervals and resultant user delay on Illinois’ highway system.
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Last Updated: 11/18/2009