Traffic Testing Results and Analysis

Embedded Strain Gauge Response in P-401 Overlay

Tensile strain at joint TT34 increased throughout the trafficking period. Joint TT34 had a residual strain response value of approximately 79 microstrain. The HMA overlay experienced a maximum tensile strain of 311.5 microstrain, which was an overall increase in tensile strain of 232.5 microstrain. Tensile strain at Joint TT56 remained consistent during trafficking at approximately -100 microstrain.

Surface Strain Gauge Response along P-401 Overlay Edge

Surface strain responses converged during the HVS-A trafficking period in undoweled joints (TT23, TT34, and TT45). For example, along West edge TT23, the top, middle, and bottom surface strain gauge response values start at values of 65.5, -73.7, and -170.9 microstrain, respectively. Whereas, at the conclusion of trafficking (HVS-A Cumulative Pass Number 2419), the top, middle, and bottom surface strain gauge response values start at values of 22.5, -21.5, and -41.2 microstrain, respectively. Surface strain responses remained consistent during the HVS-A trafficking period in doweled joints (TT12 and TT56). 

Temperature Distribution within Pavement Structure

Peak ambient temperature recorded was 75.3°F at 12:00 PM. The lowest ambient temperature was recorded at 7:00 AM with an ambient temperature of 37.8°F. The peak temperature recorded in the HMA overlay was 97.6°F (located at the mid-depth, 1.5 inches of the HMA overlay). The lowest temperature recorded in the HMA overlay was 39.8°F (located at the surface of the HMA overlay). At greater pavement depths, the temperature converged to approximately 61°F.