Coming Up

8 April 2013, 12:10-1 PM, Kings S145

Abstract: This past fall, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) built a test embankment for the new alignment segment of the proposed Exit 6 Southbound On-Ramp site off Route 4 in Newington-Dover, New Hampshire. The purpose of the test embankment is to determine effective and efficient treatment for the long-term ground settlement of the local soft marine clay native to the site. In addition to the test embankment, prefabricated vertical drains (PV drains) were installed to allow pore water from the soil to seep out and accelerate time-rate consolidation. Various in situ field testing methods were performed including: piezocone penetration (CPTU), flat plate dilatometer (DMT) and field shear vane (VST). In addition, consolidation testing was performed in the laboratory with undisturbed samples of the soft clay. A finite element analysis is presently being performed using the data collected this summer to predict the behavior of settlement for the clay. Currently, the NHDOT does not have definite parameters or knowledge of the marine clay to prepare a thorough design for construction. This research will benefit construction of the site, in addition to many other upcoming sites of construction in the local area.

Abstract: Porous asphalt is designed to filter water through pavement, and as such, behaves much differently than traditional dense mix asphalt commonly used today. Dense mix asphalts are designed to act as a barrier to water penetration. Due to these differences, porous asphalt has created some challenges in colder climates with respect to deicing operations. It has been found that traditional deicing methods such as applying rock salt do not work as effectively on porous surfaces. This research aims at helping to answer the question of how to effectively deice porous asphalt using liquid brines and alternative deicers (organic deicers) and is building on past research conducted by the UNH Stormwater Center which focused on an in-depth study using rock salt to deice porous asphalt.
The goal of this research is to demonstrate that in addition to plowing, alternative deicers can be used as a partial or complete replacement to traditional rock salt or salt brine used to control snow and ice from porous asphalt (PA).

Spring 2013 Schedule