Publications & Presentations
Ozdemir, U., Kutay, M. E., Hibner, D., Lanotte, M., & Kumbargeri, Y. S. (2018). Quantification of Aggregate Embedment In Chip Seals Using Image Processing. Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part B: Pavements, 144(4), 04018047.
Ozdemir, U. (2016) An Acceptance Test for Chip Seal Projects Based On Image Analysis, M.Sc. Thesis, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Ozdemir, U. (2016) Development of an Acceptance Test for Chip Seal Project, Presentation at the CHPP Steering Committee Meeting, February 2016, East Lansing, MI.
Ozdemir, U., and Kutay, M.E. (2015) Development of an Acceptance Test for Chip Seal Project, Poster Presentation at Michigan State University Engineering Symposium, July 2015, East Lansing, MI.
Research Projects
Field Applications of Induced Partial Saturation (IPS) for Liquefaction Mitigation – NSF Project: CMMI-1633970
Overview
During the past few years, there have been increased research efforts aimed at developing new and innovative liquefaction mitigation measures. Biological and chemical treatment techniques have shown good promise. The PI and Co-PI have been investigating the benefits of Induced Partial Saturation (IPS) as a liquefaction mitigation measure. IPS involves the injection and transport of a gas generating chemical solution in liquefaction susceptible sand, and through reactivity oxygen gas bubbles are generated in-situ, thus inducing partial saturation. The PI and Co-PI’s research results from tests on IPS treated small laboratory as well as large sand specimens in the laminar box of NEES@Buffalo (research that was funded by NEES/NSF) clearly demonstrated the technical feasibility of IPS as a liquefaction mitigation measure. These laboratory tests and an exploratory field test (collaborated with NEES@UT and NEES@UCSB) also identified the need to develop fundamental knowledge of IPS treatment and its benefits under real field conditions. The proposal addresses this need with the aim to develop IPS as a feasible field technique for liquefaction mitigation. After successful completion of this proposed phase of the research, the plan is to request funds to explore the benefits of IPS through field research in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Intellectual Merit
The goal of the proposed research is to investigate IPS as a potentially feasible field technique for liquefaction mitigation. To achieve this goal, the following three primary research areas have been identified: 1) Behavior of IPS treated real sands under field conditions. In this task, the effects of sand gradation, particle size and shape, relative density, in-situ anisotropic permeability and its reduction due to gas generation, ground water quality and PH, and overburden stress, on induced partial saturation will be investigated, 2) Numerical simulation of IPS under field implementation. In this task, the software SUTRA-Bubble developed under the NEES/NSF grant will be expanded to simulate field implementation of IPS, using multiple injection and extraction tubes in heterogeneous soil profile with anisotropic permeability, and 3) Field treatment of sands by IPS: Test Bed. In this task, the Northeastern University suburban Dedham campus will be utilized as a test bed. The site has loose to medium dense sands and was used to a limited extent to test a portable drilling equipment purchased during the NEES grant. In this task, the knowledge gained from Tasks 1 and 2 will be verified in the field. A field electric conductivity probe for in-situ determination of degree of saturation will be developed and tested. A dynamic cone that was developed but not tested during the NEES grant will be improved and tested to explore its ability to evaluate the effect of IPS on in-situ liquefaction potential.
Research Team
Prof. Mishac Yegian
PI
Prof. Akram Alshawabkeh
Co PI
Alpay Burak Demiryurek
PhD Candidate
Ugurcan Ozdemir
PhD Candidate
Development of an Acceptance Test for Chip Seal Projects – MDOT Project Research No. OR15 – 508
Chip seal is a preventive maintenance method performed by many DOTs, county road departments and cities. In this method, the deteriorated pavement surface is covered by asphalt binder and uniformly graded aggregates. Typically, asphalt emulsion (sometimes cutback asphalt) is sprayed on the surface and aggregates are embedded into the emulsion. After compaction and curing of the emulsion, loose aggregates are removed by sweeping (via rotary power brooms). The primary role of the asphalt binder is to serve as a waterproof membrane that protects the pavement surface from sun, oxidation and moisture infiltration. The role of the aggregates is to act like a ‘bridge’ so that sufficient skid resistance is provided. In general, chip seal is applied on roadways with low to moderate traffic. Also, the condition of the existing pavement should be suitable for application of chip seal. Chip seal is not applied to heavily distressed and rough pavements. Pavements with low to moderate raveling, transverse cracking, block cracking and smooth surfaces with low skid resistance are optimal for chip seal applications.
One of the most important parameters of a chip seal design is the binder aggregate embedment depth. Transportation agencies typically specify an embedment depth on a percentage basis. The embedment depth is typically defined as the height of the asphalt binder divided by the average height of the aggregates.
Specifications require the embedment depth to be assessed after construction and initial curing of the chip seal emulsion. Cold weather states generally require a 60-70% chip embedment depth while warm weather states require a 50-60% embedment depth at the time of initial acceptance. If percent embedment is too high, then ‘bleeding’ problem may be experienced, typically along the wheel path. Conversely, insufficient embedment depth may lead to insufficient bonding between the cover aggregates and the binder, leading to aggregate loss. Other factors contributing to problems like bleeding and aggregate loss include the aggregate aspect ratio, angularity, softness/stiffness of the substrate etc. Considering the wide variety of the pavement surface conditions as well as aggregate shape characteristics, and new asphalt binders (e.g., polymer modified), it is very important to be able to measure the percent embedment of aggregates in the field. While the original chip seal design is based on a given percent embedment, an objective method to quantify and confirm percent embedment after placement does not exist. Currently, evaluation of the appropriateness of the aggregate embedment is heavily based on the experience of the field inspectors. An objective field test is needed to support a more uniform method of acceptance for a chip seal treatment. Therefore, the objective of this research project is to develop an objective test method to measure the percent aggregate embedment in chip seal projects. This test method can be used as the basis for an acceptance specification by the roadway agencies
Research Team
Prof. M. Emin Kutay
PI
Ugurcan Ozdemir
Master Student