The dissertation deals with the possibilities of adding recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) to the stone mastic asphalt (SMA), which is increasingly being promoted due to its good resistance to permanent deformations and high traffic load. Thanks to the use of high-quality input materials in production, this is a valuable material source. The theoretical part describes composition of SMA mixture and problems of pavement recycling. The practical part deals with SMA 11S laboratory designs with RAP ratio of 0 to 50%. Based on these suggestions, a trial section with 17 variants was placed, which varied with the content and quality of the RAP and the used additives. All variants have been subjected to functional testing not only on mixtures but also on recovered binders. The results obtained during the dissertation were used to build a certified methodology named "Methodology of application RAP to Stone Mastic Asphalt." In conclusion, the results of the dissertation are summarized.

Diploma thesis deals with the influence of various dosing of Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) using modified bitumen on the properties of asphalt concrete (ACO 11+) of cemented by polymer modified bitumen, while a rejuvenating agents are added into asphalt mixtures. The theoretical part of the thesis summarizes the basic knowledge of pavement recycling, polymer modified bitumens and their reuse in asphalt mixtures. The practical part deals with laboratory tests of ACO 11+ mixtures with the RAP proportion of 0 % to 50 %. The asphalt mixtures compared are evaluated by means of the Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Test (TSRST) and Stiffness test. The results obtained within the diploma thesis can approximate the issue of recycling of asphalt mixtures with polymer modified bitumens.

No description available.

Asphalt joints are potentially weakest parts of every pavement. Despite of their importance, reliable tools for measuring their mechanical properties for design and performance assessments are still scarce. This is particularly true for cold joints when attaching a new hot pavement to a cold existing one as in case of large patches for pavement repair. In this study, three static fracture testing methods, i.e. indirect tensile test (IDT), direct tension test (DTT) and 4 point bending (4PB), were adapted and used for evaluating different laboratory made joints. The results suggested that joints with inclined interfaces and also the ones with combined interface treatments (preheated and sealed) seemed to show more promising behaviors than the vertical and untreated joints. It was also confirmed that compacting from the hot side towards the joint improved the joint properties due to imposing a different flow pattern as compared to the frequent compaction methods. The latter finding highlighted the importance of asphalt particle rearrangements and flow during the compaction phase as a very little known subject in asphalt industry. Studies on compaction are of special practical importance since they may also contribute to reducing the possibility of over-compaction and aggregate crushing. Therefore, in this study, a new test method, i.e. Flow Test (FT), was developed to simulate the material flow during compaction. Initially, asphalt materials were substituted by geometrically simple model materials to lower the level of complexity for checking the feasibility of the test method as well as modeling purposes. X-ray radiography images were also used for capturing the flow patterns during the test. Results of the FT on model materials showed the capability of the test method to clearly distinguish between specimens with different characteristics. In addition, a simple discrete element model was applied for a better understanding of the test results as a basis for further improvements when studying real mixtures. Then, real mixtures were prepared and tested under the same FT configuration and the results were found to support the findings from the feasibility tests. The test method also showed its potential for capturing flow pattern differences among different mixtures even without using the X-ray. Therefore, the FT was improved as an attempt towards developing a systematic workability test method focusing on the flow of particles at early stages of compaction and was called the Compaction Flow Test (CFT). The CFT was used for testing mixtures with different characteristics to identify the parameters with highest impact on the asphalt particle movements under compaction forces. X-ray investigations during the CFT underlined the reliability of the CFT results. In addition, simple discrete element models were successfully generated to justify some of the CFT results. / <p>QC 20151104</p>

Um die Verwendung der Bauweise „dünne Asphaltschicht auf Tragschicht ohne Bindemittel“ in Bereichen geringer Verkehrsbelastung in Deutschland zu forcieren, wird die Anwendbarkeit des derzeit gültigen Regelwerkes auf die genannte Bauweise überprüft und erarbeitete Hinweise zu notwendigen Anpassungen bzw. Erweiterungen bereitgestellt. Im Speziellen wird das Regelwerk RDO Asphalt unter Berücksichtigung der Anforderungen in dem Regelwerk RStO in Anwendung gebracht und weiterer Forschungsbedarf abgeleitet. Auf Grundlage von umfassenden Berechnungen zu Beanspruchungszuständen und durchgeführten Dimensionierungsberechnungen, die durch eine große Varianz der hierfür erforderlichen Eingangsdaten geprägt sind, werden Möglichkeiten und Grenzen des Einsatzes von flexiblen Straßenkonstruktionen mit nur dünnen Asphaltschichten (von ca. 4 cm) aufgezeigt. Das nichtlineare Materialverhalten der granularen Gesteinskorngemische wird dabei durch Anwendung eines nichtlinearen Stoffmodells, des Dresdner Modells, berücksichtigt. Das Dresdner Modell besteht aus zwei Ansatzfunktionen, die sowohl eine spannungsabhängige Formulierung des Elastizitätsmoduls als auch der Querdehnzahl bereitstellen. Um eine sinnvolle bzw. praktikable Anwendung des Dresdner Modells zu ermöglichen, werden zwei Varianten der Parameterbestimmung ausführlich anhand eines umfänglichen Beispiels vorgestellt und diskutiert. Auch werden der Einfluss der Korngeometrie (d. h. anisotropen Materialverhaltens) und des Verdichtungszustandes auf prüftechnisch bestimmtes Materialverhalten und die darauf aufbauende Parameterbestimmung untersucht und somit die Einsatzgrenzen des verwendeten Stoffmodells aufgezeigt. Anhand des Dresdner Modells wird erläutert, wie Stoffmodelle, die ursprünglich unter Voraussetzung homogener Spannungszustände entwickelt wurden, für inhomogene Spannungszustände angepasst werden können. Da Gesteinskorngemische nur über eine sehr begrenzte Fähigkeit verfügen, Zugspannungen aufnehmen zu können und das Dresdner Modell nur für Beanspruchungen im Druck- und nicht im Zugbereich definiert ist, werden zwei von der Autorin erarbeitete Möglichkeiten vorgestellt, um auftretende Zugbeanspruchungen zu reduzieren. Die verschiedenen Modellvarianten werden ausführlich beschrieben und anhand von dimensionierungsrelevanten Kenngrößen und weiteren ausgewählten Beanspruchungszuständen sowie berechneten Nutzungsdauern bzw. Ausfallzeitpunkten bewertet. Zudem wird erklärt, was jeweils bei der Einbindung in Finite Elemente Berechnungsprogramme zu berücksichtigen ist. Die korrekte Einbindung des Dresdner Modells wird anhand der Simulation von Ergebnissen aus Triaxialversuchen nachgewiesen. Aus den verschiedenen Modellvarianten wird eine zu bevorzugende Variante ausgewählt. Für diese Variante werden anschließend die Ergebnisse einer umfassenden Parameterstudie vorgestellt. Variiert werden sowohl Modellbedingungen, wie Geometrie- und Randbedingungen, als auch belastungsspezifische Annahmen und Materialeigenschaften. Das Dresdner Modell (d. h. ein nichtlineares Stoffmodell) wird hierbei erstmalig für eine rechnerische Dimensionierung nach den RDO Asphalt eingesetzt. Anhand umfänglicher Dimensionierungsberechnungen werden die Grenzen der derzeit geforderten Nachweise hinsichtlich deren Anwendbarkeit für Straßenbefestigungen mit dünnen Asphaltschichten auf Tragschichten ohne Bindemittel aufgezeigt und die Notwendigkeit der Berücksichtigung des i. d. R. nichtlinearen Verhaltens von Gesteinskorngemischen analysiert. Als Voraussetzung hierfür wird eine Möglichkeit vorgestellt, nichtlinear elastisches Materialverhalten durch lineares Materialverhalten zu repräsentieren. Die Berechnung von Beanspruchungszuständen erfolgt mit den eigens hierfür in Comsol erarbeiteten Finite Elemente Modellen. Anschließende Dimensionierungberechnungen wurden mittels von der Autorin bereitgestellten Excel-Makros realisiert. Ein Vergleich berechneter Beanspruchungszustände in verschiedenen Befestigungsvarianten mit im Triaxialversuch aufgebrachten Belastungen (zur Bereitstellung von Prüfdaten zur Bestimmung von Modellparametern) bietet Richtwerte zur Ableitung notwendiger Prüfbedingungen. / To demonstrate the capabilities of the construction method „thin asphalt layer on unbound granular base course“ in areas of low traffic load in Germany, the applicability of the current national regulations to the construction method mentioned is examined and information is provided on necessary adaptations and extensions. In particular, the « RDO asphalt » regulations are applied, taking into account the requirements of the RStO regulations, and the need for further research is derived. Based on comprehensive calculations on stress and strain conditions and design life calculations, which are characterised by a large variance in the input data required for this, the possibilities and limits of the use of flexible road constructions with only thin asphalt layers (of approx. 4 cm) are shown. The non-linear material behaviour of the granular aggregate mixtures is taken into account by applying a non-linear material model, the Dresden model. The Dresden model consists of two initial functions, which provide both a stressdependent formulation of the elastic modulus and the Poisson’s ratio. In order to enable a reasonable and practicable application of the Dresden model, two variants of parameter determination are presented and discussed in detail on the basis of a comprehensive example. The influence of the grain geometry (i.e. anisotropic material behaviour) and the state of compaction on the material behaviour - determined by testing - and the parameter determination based on it are also examined. Based on this the limits of the applied material model are presented. Using the Dresden model, it is explained how material models, which were originally developed under the assumption of homogeneous stress conditions, can be adapted for inhomogeneous stress conditions. Since aggregate mixtures have only a very limited ability to absorb tensile stresses, and the Dresden model is only defined for stresses in compression and not in tension, two possibilities, developed by the author, are presented to reduce occurring tensile stresses. The different model variants are described in detail and evaluated on the basis of dimensioning-relevant parameters and other selected stress conditions as well as calculated service lives or failure times. In addition, it is explained what has to be taken into account when integrating the model variants into finite element calculation programs. The correct integration of the Dresden model is demonstrated and verified by simulating results from triaxial tests. From the different model variants a preferred variant is selected. The results of a comprehensive parameter study are then presented for this variant. Model conditions, such as geometry and boundary conditions, as well as load-specific assumptions and material properties are varied. The Dresden model (i.e. a nonlinear material model) is used for the first time for a computational design of flexible pavements following the RDO Asphalt standards. On the basis of extensive design life calculations, the limits of the currently required verifications are shown with regard to their applicability for road pavements with thin asphalt layers on unbound granular base courses and the necessity of taking into account the generally non-linear behaviour of aggregate mixtures is analysed. As a prerequisite for this, an approach is presented to represent non-linear elastic material behaviour by linear material behaviour. The calculation of stress conditions is carried out with the finite element models specially developed for this purpose in Comsol. Subsequent design life calculations were realised using Excel macros created by the author. A comparison of calculated stress conditions in different pavement variants, with measured stresses obtained from triaxial tests provides orientation values for deriving necessary test conditions for future investigations. / Afin de pousser l’utilisation de la méthode de construction „couche d’asphalte mince sur la couche de base sans liant“ dans les zones à faible trafic en Allemagne, l’applicabilité de l’ensemble des règlements actuellement en vigueur à la méthode de construction mentionnée est examinée et des informations sur les adaptations ou extensions nécessaires sont fournies. En particulier, le règlement « RDO Asphalt » est appliqué, en tenant compte des exigences de règlement RStO, et le besoin de recherches supplémentaires en est déduit. Les possibilités et les limites de l’utilisation de constructions routières flexibles avec des couches d’asphalte minces (d’environ 4 cm) sont présentées sur la base de calculs complets des états de contrainte, de déformation et de calculs de dimensionnement (qui sont caractérisés par une grande variance des données d’entrée nécessaires). Le comportement non linéaire des mélanges de granulats est pris en compte en appliquant un modèle de matériau non linéaire : le modèle de Dresde. Le modèle de Dresde se compose de deux fonctions initiales, qui fournissent à la fois une formulation du module d’élasticité et de coefficient de Poisson en fonction de la contrainte. Afin de permettre une application judicieuse et pratique du modèle de Dresde, deux variantes de détermination des paramètres sont présentées et discutées en détail sur la base d’un exemple complet. L’influence de la géométrie des grains (c’est-à-dire le comportement anisotrope du matériau) et de l’état de compactage sur le comportement du matériau déterminé par les essais et la détermination des paramètres qui en découle est également examinée, ce qui permet de montrer les limites d’application du modèle de matériau utilisé. À l’aide du modèle de Dresde, on explique comment les modèles de matériaux, qui ont été développés à l’origine dans l’hypothèse de conditions de contraintes homogènes, peuvent être adaptés à des conditions de contraintes inhomogènes. Comme les mélanges de granulats n’ont qu’une capacité très limitée à absorber les contraintes de traction et que le modèle de Dresde n’est défini que pour les contraintes en compression et non en traction, deux possibilités développées par l’auteur sont présentées pour réduire les contraintes de traction qui se produisent. Les différentes variantes du modèle sont décrites en détail et évaluées sur la base des paramètres de dimensionnement et d’autres conditions de contrainte sélectionnées, ainsi que des durées de vie et des temps de défaillance calculés. En outre, il est expliqué ce qui doit être pris en compte lors de l’intégration du modèle dans les programmes de calcul par éléments finis. L’intégration correcte du modèle de Dresde est vérifiée en simulant les résultats d’essais triaxiaux. Parmi les différentes variantes du modèle, une variante préférée est sélectionnée. Les résultats d’une étude exhaustive des paramètres sont ensuite présentés pour cette variante. Les conditions du modèle, telles que la géométrie et les conditions aux limites, ainsi que les hypothèses spécifiques à la charge et les propriétés des matériaux, sont variées. Le modèle de Dresde (c’est-à-dire un modèle de matériau non linéaire) est utilisé pour la première fois pour des calculs de dimensionnement selon le règlement « RDO Asphalt ». Sur la base de calculs de dimensionnement approfondis, les limites des vérifications actuellement requises sont montrées en ce qui concerne leur applicabilité pour les construction routières avec des couches minces d’asphalte sur des couches de base sans liant et la nécessité de prendre en compte le comportement généralement non linéaire des mélanges de granulats est analysée. Comme condition préalable à cela, une possibilité est présentée de représenter le comportement élastique non linéaire des matériaux par un comportement linéaire des matériaux. Le calcul des conditions de contrainte est effectué avec les modèles d’éléments finis spécialement développés à cet effet dans Comsol. Les calculs de dimensionnement ultérieurs ont été réalisés à l’aide de macros Excel fournies par l’auteur. Une comparaison des conditions de contrainte calculées dans différentes variantes de fixation avec les charges appliquées dans l’essai triaxial (pour fournir des données d’essai permettant de déterminer les paramètres du modèle) fournit des valeurs guides pour dériver les conditions d’essai nécessaires.

The Portland Cement Association commissioned a research project at Brigham Young University to compare selected laboratory durability tests available for assessing stabilized aggregate base materials. The laboratory research associated with this project involved two granular base materials, three stabilizers at three concentration levels each, and three durability tests in a full-factorial experimental design. The granular base materials consisted of an aggregate-reclaimed asphalt pavement blend obtained from Interstate 84 (I-84) and a crushed limestone obtained from U.S. Highway 91 (US-91), while the three stabilizer types included Class C fly ash, lime-fly ash, and Type I/II Portland cement. Specimens were tested for durability using the freeze-thaw test, the vacuum saturation test, and the tube suction test. Analyses of the test results indicated that the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and retained UCS were higher for specimens tested in freeze-thaw cycling than the corresponding values associated with vacuum saturation testing. This observation suggests that the vacuum saturation test is more severe than the freeze-thaw test for materials similar to those evaluated in this research. The analyses also indicated that the I-84 material retained more strength during freeze-thaw cycling and vacuum saturation and exhibited lower final dielectric values during tube suction testing than the US-91 material. Although the I-84 material performed better than the US-91 material, the I-84 material required higher stabilizer concentrations to reach the target 7-day UCS values specified in this research. After freeze-thaw testing, the Class C fly-treated specimens were significantly stronger than both lime-fly ash- and cement-treated specimens. In the vacuum saturation test, none of the three stabilizer types were significantly different from each other with respect to either UCS or retained UCS. Dielectric values measured during tube suction testing were lowest for cement-treated specimens, indicating that cement performed better than other stabilizers in reducing the moisture/frost susceptibility of the treated materials. The results also show that, as the stabilizer concentration level increased from low to high, specimens performed better in nearly all cases. A strong correlation was identified between UCS after the freeze-thaw test and UCS after the vacuum saturation test, while very weak correlations were observed between the final dielectric value after tube suction testing and all other response variables. Differences in variability between test results were determined to be statistically insignificant. Engineers interested in specifying a comparatively severe laboratory durability test should consider vacuum saturation testing for specimens treated with stabilizers similar to those evaluated in this research. The vacuum saturation test is superior to both the freeze-thaw and tube suction tests because of the shorter duration and lack of a need for daily specimen monitoring. Although the Class C fly ash used in this research performed well, further investigation of various sources of Class C fly ash is recommended because of the variability inherent in that material. Similar research should be performed on subgrade soils, which are also routinely stabilized in pavement construction. Research related to long-term field performance of stabilized materials should be conducted to develop appropriate thresholds for laboratory UCS values in conjunction with vacuum saturation testing.

The first objective of this research was to investigate temporal trends in the mechanical properties of base materials stabilized with asphalt emulsion and to assess the rate at which emulsion-treated base (ETB) design properties are achieved. The second objective of this research was to identify construction and environmental factors most correlated to specific mechanical properties of ETB layers and to determine which construction factors exhibit the greatest variability. Additional statistical analysis was performed to determine if significant differences existed between different test sections on a given project. In this research, three experimental sections were established along a pavement reconstruction project near Saratoga Springs, Utah. Field tests were performed to assess the structural properties of the ETB immediately following construction and at 2, 3, 7, and 14 days; 4 months; and 1 year. Measured values were plotted against time to determine trends in ETB strength development. Several statistical analyses were then performed on the collected data. Modulus values were consistently low in all three sections during the first two weeks of testing, increased dramatically by 4 months, and then decreased considerably by 1 year. During the first two weeks following construction, the average ETB structural coefficient was 0.04. Only two of the three sections reached the design structural coefficient of 0.25, which occurred after approximately 3 months; however, the average structural coefficient measured for all three sections after 1 year of curing, which included a winter, was only 47 percent of the design strength. The results of this research show that, while pavement capacity is sufficient at 4 months, it is severely reduced during the first two weeks and at 1 year. Trafficking under these reduced capacities is not recommended. Statistical analysis showed that gradation, binder change during emulsion treatment, and moisture content have the most significant impact on ETB structural properties. Gradation and binder change during emulsion treatment also exhibited significant variability; tighter specifications on material gradations and improved uniformity in emulsion distribution should therefore be considered. Because of the negative impacts of moisture on ETB strength development, construction should not be performed in conditions of excess moisture.

Gegenstand dieser Dissertation ist die Etablierung des Elastizitätsmoduls als Parameter, der qualitative Aussagen über den Schädigungszustand des Baustoffs Straßenbeton ermöglicht. Zu diesem Zweck erfolgte eine systematische Ermüdung von labormaßstäblichen Betonprobekörpern bei zeitgleicher Messung des Elastizitätsmoduls mit Hilfe von unterschiedlichen Verfahren. Im ersten Schritt wurde ein Versuchsprogramm entwickelt, mit dem Probekörper mittels des Spaltzug-Schwellversuchs gezielt in einen definierten Ermüdungszustand versetzt werden können. Hierfür wurde der Parameter des Grenz-Elastizitätsmoduls definiert, welcher, wenn er unterschritten wird, zum Pausieren des Versuchs führt. In diesen systematisch eingehaltenen Lastpausen erfolgten begleitende Untersuchungen der Ultraschalllaufzeit und der Eigenfrequenz zur Bestimmung des Elastizitätsmoduls der Probekörper während des Ermüdungsvorganges. Es zeigt sich zwischen den Ergebnissen aller untersuchten Verfahren eine sehr gute Synchronität hinsichtlich des qualitativen ermüdungsbedingten Verlaufs des Elastizitätsmoduls. Die vier angewandten Verfahren, die sich voneinander unabhängiger physikalischer Phänomene bedienen, ermöglichen neben einer qualitativen Aussage über die Schädigung des Materials die Bestimmung von Absolutwerten des Elastizitätsmoduls. Je nach verwendetem Verfahren weichen die absoluten Elastizitätsmoduln leicht voneinander ab. Der Elastizitätsmodul bestätigt sich als geeigneter Parameter zur Beschreibung der Degradation des Baustoffs Straßenbeton im Zuge des Ermüdungsprozesses. Im zweiten Schritt wurden der Einfluss längerer Lastpausen sowie die Verminderung der Betonfestigkeit im Zuge der Materialermüdung tiefergehend untersucht. Es wurde festgestellt, dass längere Lastpausen in der zyklischen Belastung einen signifikanten Einfluss auf den ermüdungsbedingten Verlauf des Elastizitätsmoduls haben können. Weiterhin legen die Untersuchungen nahe, dass es im Zuge einer starken Ermüdung zu einer zum Teil signifikanten Verminderung der Festigkeit kommt. Als Resultat der Untersuchungen konnten sowohl ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung charakteristischer Verläufe für die Verminderung des Elastizitätsmoduls als auch ein Verfahren zur Abschätzung der materialspezifischen Verminderung der Festigkeit im Zuge der Ermüdung entwickelt werden. Diese Verfahren könnten zukünftig den Regelwerken der RSO Beton und der RDO Beton zugeführt werden, um die ermüdungsbedingte zeitliche Entwicklung des Elastizitätsmoduls und der Festigkeit in den durch die Regelwerke festgeschriebenen Prognose- und Dimensionierungsprozessen zu berücksichtigen. Durch die Einbeziehung zeitlich veränderlicher Werte im Prognoseverfahren, welches als Grundlage für die RSO Beton dienen soll, wird in dieser Dissertation exemplarisch gezeigt, dass die Berücksichtigung der Auswirkungen der Betonermüdung auf diese für die Prognose und die Dimensionierung von Betonfahrbahnbefestigungen sehr relevanten Parameter zur signifikanten Erhöhung der Ausfallrate gegenüber der Verwendung konstanter Werte führen kann. / The subject of this doctoral dissertation is the establishment of the elastic modulus as a parameter that enables qualitative statements about the state of damage of the concrete pavement building material. For this purpose, a systematic fatigue of laboratory-scale concrete specimens was carried out with simultaneous measurement of the elastic modulus by means of different methods. In the first step, a test program was developed for the targeted and systematic fatigue of concrete specimens by means of the cyclic indirect tensile test. For this purpose, a limit value for the elastic modulus was defined. When the elastic modulus fell below the limit, the test was paused to perform accompanying investigations of the ultrasonic transit time and the natural frequency in order to determine the change of the elastic modulus of the specimens during the fatigue process. There is a very good synchronicity between the results of all investigated methods for the qualitative determination of the elastic modulus. The four methods applied, which make use of physical phenomena that are independent of each other, allow, in addition to a qualitative statement about the damage to the material, the determination of absolute values of the elastic modulus. Although there are slight differences between the methods for the determination of the elastic modulus, it is confirmed as a suitable parameter for describing the degradation of the concrete pavement building material in the course of the fatigue process. In the second step, the influence of longer loading pauses and the reduction of concrete strength due to material fatigue were investigated in more detail. It was found that longer loading pauses during cyclic loading can have a significant influence on the fatigue-related course of the elastic modulus. Furthermore, the investigations suggest that in the course of severe fatigue there is a sometimes significant reduction in strength. As a result of the investigations, both a method for determining characteristic curves for the reduction of the elastic modulus and a method for estimating the material-specific reduction of strength in the course of fatigue could be developed. In the future, these methods could be implemented into the RSO Beton and RDO Beton regulations in order to take into account the fatigue-related temporal development of the elastic modulus and the strength in the forecasting and dimensioning processes specified by the regulations. By including time-varying values in the forecasting procedure, which is to serve as the basis for the RSO Beton, this doctoral dissertation exemplifies that the consideration of the effects of concrete fatigue on these very relevant parameters for the forecasting and dimensioning of concrete pavements, can lead to the significant increase of the failure rate compared to the use of constant values.

No description available.

Various improvements which have been made to the vehicle (reduced engine noise, reducedaerodynamic related NVH), have resulted in tire road noise as the dominant source of thevehicle interior noise. Generally, vehicle interior noise has two main sources, 1) travellinglow frequency excitation below 800 Hz from road surface through a structure- borne pathand 2) the high frequency (above 800 Hz) air-borne noise that is caused by air- pumpingnoise caused by tread pattern.The structure-borne waves of the circumference of the tire are generated by excitation atthe contact patch due to the road surface texture and characteristics. These vibrations arethen transferred from the sidewalls of the tire to the rim and then are transmitted throughthe spindle-wheel interface, resulting in high frequency vibration of vehicle body panels andwindows.The focus of this study is to develop several statistical-based models for analyzing the roadsurface and using them to predict the tire-road noise structure-borne component. In order todo this, a new methodology for sensing the road characteristics, such as asperities and roadsurface condition, were developed using virtual sensing and intelligent tire technology. In ad-dition, the spindle forces were used as an indicator to the structure-borne noise of the vehicle.Several data mining and multivariate analysis-based methods were developed to extractfeatures and to develop an empirical model to predict the power of structure-borne noiseunder different operational and road conditions. Finally, multiple data driven models-basedmodels were developed to classify the road types, and conditions and use them for the noisefrequency spectrum prediction. / Doctor of Philosophy / Multiple data driven models were developed in this study to use the vibration of the tirecontact patch as an input to sense some characteristics of road such as asperity, surface type,and the surface condition, and use them to predict the structure-borne noise power. Also,instead of measuring the noise using microphones, forces at wheel spindle were measuredas a metric for the noise power. In other words, a statistical model was developed that bysensing the road, and using the data along with other inputs, one can predict forces at thewheel spindle.