When using timber for construction purposes it is important to know its strength. One way to do this is by sorting the boards into strength classes that are defined by European standards.  A commonly used method for strength grading is based on dynamic excitation in the longitudinal direction of the board to obtain an average dynamic longitudinal modulus of elasticity (MOE). This in turn correlates with the bending strength of the board in such a way that it can be used as an indicating property (IP) to bending strength. The use of MOE as an IP has proven to give the highest coefficient of determination (R2) to both bending and tensile strength in boards. Through the research described in this thesis, one might find that both reducing the length of a board to half its initial length and by removing the part containing the lowest local MOE in edgewise bending provided similar results, the axial dynamic MOE remaining within a 1% tolerance whereas the lowest IP based on local MOE in edgewise bending increased by 6–7%.

In this thesis, nondestructive surface wave measurements are presented for characterization of dynamic modulus and layer thickness on different pavements and cement concrete slabs. Air-coupled microphones enable rapid data acquisition without physical contact with the pavement surface. Quality control of asphalt concrete pavements is crucial to verify the specified properties and to prevent premature failure. Testing today is primarily based on destructive testing and the evaluation of core samples to verify the degree of compaction through determination of density and air void content. However, mechanical properties are generally not evaluated since conventional testing is time-consuming, expensive, and complicated to perform. Recent developments demonstrate the ability to accurately determine the complex modulus as a function of loading time (frequency) and temperature using seismic laboratory testing. Therefore, there is an increasing interest for faster, continuous field data evaluation methods that can be linked to the results obtained in the laboratory, for future quality control of pavements based on mechanical properties. Surface wave data acquisition using accelerometers has successfully been used to determine dynamic modulus and thickness of the top asphalt concrete layer in the field. However, accelerometers require a new setup for each individual measurement and are therefore slow when testing is performed in multiple positions. Non-contact sensors, such as air-coupled microphones, are in this thesis established to enable faster surface wave testing performed on-the-fly. For this project, a new data acquisition system is designed and built to enable rapid surface wave measurements while rolling a data acquisition trolley. A series of 48 air-coupled micro-electro-mechanical sensor (MEMS) microphones are mounted on a straight array to realize instant collection of multichannel data records from a single impact. The data acquisition and evaluation is shown to provide robust, high resolution results comparable to conventional accelerometer measurements. The importance of a perfect alignment between the tested structure’s surface and the microphone array is investigated by numerical analyses. Evaluated multichannel measurements collected in the field are compared to resonance testing on core specimens extracted from the same positions, indicating small differences. Rolling surface wave measurements obtained in the field at different temperatures also demonstrate the strong temperature dependency of asphalt concrete. A new innovative method is also presented to determine the thickness of plate like structures. The Impact Echo (IE) method, commonly applied to determine thickness of cement concrete slabs using an accelerometer, is not ideal when air-coupled microphones are employed due to low signal-to-noise ratio. Instead, it is established how non-contact receivers are able to identify the frequency of propagating waves with counter-directed phase velocity and group velocity, directly linked to the IE thickness resonance frequency. The presented non-contact surface wave testing indicates good potential for future rolling quality control of asphalt concrete pavements. / <p>QC 20170209</p>

Master of Science / Department of Civil Engineering / Mustaque Hossain / Because of recent rises in asphalt binder prices, state agencies and contractors are now willing to use higher volumes of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP). In this project, the effects of increasing RAP percentage and using fractionated RAP (FRAP) in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures have been studied. Fractionation involved processing and separating of RAP materials into at least two sizes, typically a coarse fraction and a fine fraction. This study evaluated the effects of increasing the proportions of RAP and FRAP on moisture resistance, rutting, and fatigue cracking of Superpave mixtures. Furthermore, the effect of using different sources of RAP in the mix has been investigated. HMA mixtures with five varying RAP and FRAP contents (20, 30, and 40% RAP, and 30 and 40% FRAP) were studied. The Hamburg wheel-tracking device (HWTD) test (TEX-242-F), the Kansas standard test method no. 56 (KT-56), or modified Lottman test, and the dynamic modulus test (AASHTO TP: 62-03) were used to predict moisture damage, rutting potential, and fatigue cracking resistance of the mixes. HMA specimens were made based on Superpave HMA mix design criteria for 12.5-mm (1/2-inch) nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) and compacted using the Superpave gyratory compactor. For the first source of RAP, results of this study showed that although mixture performance declined as the percentage of RAP increased, mixtures with even 40% RAP met minimum performance requirements. The second source of RAP, however, almost failed to meet minimum requirements even at 20% RAP. Results proved the maximum percentage of RAP allowed in the mix is highly influenced by its source. Although some improvements have been observed, especially for the second source of RAP, when RAP is compared to FRAP, FRAP does not seem to considerably affect performance of the HMA mixture.

Moisture-induced damage is one the major causes of deterioration of asphalt pavements and extensive research has been conducted on this topic. Theoretical and experimental results have led the researchers to believe that moisture-induced damages are caused mainly by the generation of pore water pressure in asphalt mixtures when traffic passes over a pavement. The Moisture Induced Sensitivity Tester (MIST) has been recently developed to simulate the phenomenon of repeated pore pressure generation and deterioration in the laboratory. The objective of this study was to evaluate moisture-induced damage in typical Maine Department of Transportation (DOT) asphalt mixes, with the use of MIST, pre and post testing, and analysis of data. The MIST was used to condition Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) samples that were compacted from eight typical Maine DOT mixes, with different types of aggregates and asphalt binder. A modified Dynamic modulus test in Indirect Tensile Mode was used for the determination of damage. A layered elastic model, along with a fatigue-cracking criterion, was utilized to assess the total impact on the pavement lives. Monte Carlo analysis was conducted to determine the distribution of number of repetitions to failure of pavements that are subjected to moisture damage. The major conclusions are that most of the mixes are likely to experience a reduction in their life due to the effect of moisture and that the Micro-Deval and the fine aggregate absorption test results can be related to such damage. A composite factor, consisting of both of these test results, is recommended for regular use by the DOT to screen mixes with high moisture damage potential.

A caracterização das propriedades visco-elástico-plásticas dos materiais asfálticos são importantes para uma melhor compreensão do comportamento mecânico e performance de pavimentos. O módulo complexo visa caracterizar as propriedades viscoelásticas lineares do material presente no campo das pequenas deformações. O ensaio para obtenção do módulo dinâmico pode ser realizado a partir de um carregamento senoidal uniaxial de compressão com frequências que podem variar de 0,1Hz a 25Hz e com temperaturas de -10°C a 54°C. O valor absoluto do módulo complexo é conhecido como módulo dinâmico |E*|, que pode ser definido como uma relação entre a amplitude de tensão e a amplitude de deformação. Já, a defasagem entre a tensão e a deformação é conhecida como ângulo de fase, que é um indicador das propriedades viscosas do material. Esta dissertação possuiu como objetivo caracterizar as propriedades viscoelásticas das misturas asfálticas quentes e mornas comumente utilizadas no Rio Grande do Sul, utilizando um aditivo surfactante para as misturas mornas. Para tanto foram dosadas 4 misturas asfálticas com agregados basálticos e os ligantes CAP 50/70, AMP 60/85, AB8 e CAP TLA e obtidos os parâmetros de adesividade e resistência dessas misturas quentes e mornas. Para a realização do ensaio de módulo dinâmico foi realizado uma revisão bibliográfica sobre os procedimentos de ensaio e análise de dados, posteriormente, foi adotada a metodologia adequada para os ensaios. Os mesmos foram realizados utilizando uma prensa universal MTS e a análise dos dados foi realizada com o auxílio das ferramentas do Microsoft Excel. Através do estudo foi possível concluir que as misturas com ligante convencional possuem um comportamento similar entre a mistura convencional e a morna. O mesmo não ocorre nas misturas com ligante modificado, onde ocorre uma alteração tanto da fase viscosa como da elástica, sendo esse efeito mais predominante nas misturas modificadas por polímero. / The characterization of the viscoelastic-plastic properties of asphaltic materials are important for a better understanding of the pavements’ mechanical behavior and performance. The complex module aims to characterize as linear viscoelastic properties of the material present in the field of small deformations. The assay for obtaining the dynamic modulus can be performed from a compression uniaxial sinusoidal loading with frequencies ranging from 0.1Hz to 25Hz and temperatures from -10 °C to 54 °C. The absolute value of the complex modulus is known as dynamic module | E * |, which is defined as a relation between a stress amplitude and a strain amplitude. Already, a discrepancy between stress and strain is known as phase angle, which is an indicator of the viscous properties of the material. This dissertation aimed to characterize as viscoelastic properties of hot and warm asphalt mixtures commonly used in Rio Grande do Sul, using a surfactant additive for warm mixtures. In order to do so, four asphalt concrete mixes - composed with the basalt aggregates and binders CAP 50/70, AMP 60/85, AB 8 and CAP TLA – were designed. In addition, the parameters of adhesiveness and resistance to hot and warm mixtures were obtained. For a dynamic modulus test, a literature review was performed about the data analysis and test procedure, and a suitable methodology for testing was subsequently adopted. The tests were realized with an universal testing machine of MTS and the data analysis were performed by means of the Microsoft Excel tools. Through the study it was possible to conclude that mixtures with conventional binder presented similar behavior between a conventional and a warm mixture. The same does not occur in mixtures with modified binder, where a change in both the viscous and the elastic phases occurs, and this effect is more predominant in the polymer modified mixtures.

Due to its relative avascularity, low cellularity and lack of an undifferentiated cell reservoir, articular cartilage has a limited capacity for self-repair when damaged through trauma or disease. Articular cartilage impairment and the resultant reduced joint function affects millions of people at a substantial cost. In the U.S. alone, over 20 million adults are afflicted with osteoarthritis, costing more than $65 billion per year in health care and lost wages. Surgical techniques have been developed to address small, focal lesions, but more critical sized defects remain without a viable solution. Tissue engineering strategies produce cartilage-like constructs in vitro containing living cells in the hope of replacing damaged cartilage and restoring joint function. However, these constructs lack both sufficient integration into the surrounding tissue following implantation and the mechanical properties capable of withstanding the demanding and complex in vivo loading environment. Our central hypothesis is that exposure of engineered cartilage to fluid-induced shear stress increases the collagen content and mechanical properties (tensile and compressive). The overall objective of this project is to modulate the matrix composition and mechanical properties of engineered cartilage to be more like native tissue using a novel bioreactor. Improving the matrix components and mechanical stability of the tissue to be more similar to that of native tissue may aid in integration into a defect in vivo. The central hypothesis was proven in that shear stress potently altered the matrix composition, gene expression and mechanical properties of both thick and thin engineered cartilage. Modulation was found to be highly dependent on shear stress magnitude, duration, and waveform and affected different matrix constituents and mechanical properties in disparate ways. Our overall objective was satisfied on the basis that the bioreactor created stronger engineered tissues, but with the caveat that the tissues showed an increase in presence of type I collagen. Such an effect would be undesirable for articular cartilage engineered tissues, but could be very beneficial in fibrocartilaginous tissues such as that found in the temporomandibular joint. In conclusion, the novel bioreactor system provides a flexible platform technology for the study of three-dimensional engineered tissues, not just articular cartilage.

The KENTRACK program is a finite element based railway trackbed structural design program that can be utilized to analyze trackbeds having various combinations of all-granular and asphalt-bound layered support. It is applicable for calculating compressive stresses at the top of subgrade, indicative of potential long-term trackbed settlement failure. Furthermore, for trackbeds containing asphalt layer, it is applicable for calculating tensile strains at the bottom of the asphalt layer, indicative of potential fatigue cracking. The program was recently expanded to include both English and international units. A procedure has been incorporated to provide a path to save results in a text formation in post-Windows XP operating systems. More importantly, properties of performance graded (PG) asphalt binders and the Witczak E* predictive model have been incorporated in the 4.0 Version of the program. Component layers of typical trackbed support systems are analyzed while predicting the significance of layer thicknesses and material properties on design and performance. The effect of various material parameters and loading magnitudes on trackbed design and evaluation, as determined and predicted by the computer program, are presented. Variances in subgrade modulus and axle loads and the incorporation of a layer of asphalt within the track structure have significant effects on subgrade vertical compressive stresses and predicted trackbed service lives. The parameter assessments are presented and evaluated using sensitivity analysis. Recommendations for future research are suggested.

A caracterização das propriedades visco-elástico-plásticas dos materiais asfálticos são importantes para uma melhor compreensão do comportamento mecânico e performance de pavimentos. O módulo complexo visa caracterizar as propriedades viscoelásticas lineares do material presente no campo das pequenas deformações. O ensaio para obtenção do módulo dinâmico pode ser realizado a partir de um carregamento senoidal uniaxial de compressão com frequências que podem variar de 0,1Hz a 25Hz e com temperaturas de -10°C a 54°C. O valor absoluto do módulo complexo é conhecido como módulo dinâmico |E*|, que pode ser definido como uma relação entre a amplitude de tensão e a amplitude de deformação. Já, a defasagem entre a tensão e a deformação é conhecida como ângulo de fase, que é um indicador das propriedades viscosas do material. Esta dissertação possuiu como objetivo caracterizar as propriedades viscoelásticas das misturas asfálticas quentes e mornas comumente utilizadas no Rio Grande do Sul, utilizando um aditivo surfactante para as misturas mornas. Para tanto foram dosadas 4 misturas asfálticas com agregados basálticos e os ligantes CAP 50/70, AMP 60/85, AB8 e CAP TLA e obtidos os parâmetros de adesividade e resistência dessas misturas quentes e mornas. Para a realização do ensaio de módulo dinâmico foi realizado uma revisão bibliográfica sobre os procedimentos de ensaio e análise de dados, posteriormente, foi adotada a metodologia adequada para os ensaios. Os mesmos foram realizados utilizando uma prensa universal MTS e a análise dos dados foi realizada com o auxílio das ferramentas do Microsoft Excel. Através do estudo foi possível concluir que as misturas com ligante convencional possuem um comportamento similar entre a mistura convencional e a morna. O mesmo não ocorre nas misturas com ligante modificado, onde ocorre uma alteração tanto da fase viscosa como da elástica, sendo esse efeito mais predominante nas misturas modificadas por polímero. / The characterization of the viscoelastic-plastic properties of asphaltic materials are important for a better understanding of the pavements’ mechanical behavior and performance. The complex module aims to characterize as linear viscoelastic properties of the material present in the field of small deformations. The assay for obtaining the dynamic modulus can be performed from a compression uniaxial sinusoidal loading with frequencies ranging from 0.1Hz to 25Hz and temperatures from -10 °C to 54 °C. The absolute value of the complex modulus is known as dynamic module | E * |, which is defined as a relation between a stress amplitude and a strain amplitude. Already, a discrepancy between stress and strain is known as phase angle, which is an indicator of the viscous properties of the material. This dissertation aimed to characterize as viscoelastic properties of hot and warm asphalt mixtures commonly used in Rio Grande do Sul, using a surfactant additive for warm mixtures. In order to do so, four asphalt concrete mixes - composed with the basalt aggregates and binders CAP 50/70, AMP 60/85, AB 8 and CAP TLA – were designed. In addition, the parameters of adhesiveness and resistance to hot and warm mixtures were obtained. For a dynamic modulus test, a literature review was performed about the data analysis and test procedure, and a suitable methodology for testing was subsequently adopted. The tests were realized with an universal testing machine of MTS and the data analysis were performed by means of the Microsoft Excel tools. Through the study it was possible to conclude that mixtures with conventional binder presented similar behavior between a conventional and a warm mixture. The same does not occur in mixtures with modified binder, where a change in both the viscous and the elastic phases occurs, and this effect is more predominant in the polymer modified mixtures.

abstract: Asphalt concrete is the most recycled material in the United States and its reclamation allows the positive reuse of the constituent aggregates and asphalt binder, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the transportation infrastructure; decreasing costs, and the total energy and greenhouse emissions embodied into new materials and infrastructure. Although the national trends in Reclaimed Asphalt Pavements (RAP) usage are encouraging, the environmental conditions in Phoenix, Arizona are extreme and needs further consideration. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the viability of using RAP in future pavement maintenance and rehabilitation projects for the City. Agencies in the State of Arizona have been slow adopting the use of RAP as a regular practice. While the potential benefits are great, there is some concern on the impact to long-term pavement performance. RAP millings were sampled from the city’s stockpiles; processed RAP and virgin materials were provided by a local plant. Two asphalt binders were used: PG 70-10 and PG 64-16. RAP variability was evaluated by aggregate gradations; extracted and recovered binder was tested for properties and grading. A mixture design procedure based on the City’s specifications was defined to establish trial blends. RAP incorporation was based on national and local practices. Four different RAP contents were studied 10%, 15%, 25%, and 25% content with a softer binder, in addition to a control mix (0% RAP). Performance tests included: dynamic modulus to evaluate stiffness; Flow Number, to assess susceptibility for permanent deformation (rutting); and Tensile Strength Ratio as a measure of susceptibility to moisture damage. Binder testing showed very stiff recovered asphalts and variable contents with a reasonable variability on aggregate gradations. Performance test results showed slightly higher modulus as RAP content increases, showing a slight improvement related to rutting as well. For moisture damage potential, all mixtures performed well showing improvement for RAP mixtures in most cases. Statistical analysis showed that 0%, 10%, 15% and 25% with softer binder do not present significant statistical difference among mixtures, indicating that moderate RAP contents are feasible to use within the City paving operations and will not affect greatly nor negatively the pavement performance. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2018

A caracterização das propriedades visco-elástico-plásticas dos materiais asfálticos são importantes para uma melhor compreensão do comportamento mecânico e performance de pavimentos. O módulo complexo visa caracterizar as propriedades viscoelásticas lineares do material presente no campo das pequenas deformações. O ensaio para obtenção do módulo dinâmico pode ser realizado a partir de um carregamento senoidal uniaxial de compressão com frequências que podem variar de 0,1Hz a 25Hz e com temperaturas de -10°C a 54°C. O valor absoluto do módulo complexo é conhecido como módulo dinâmico |E*|, que pode ser definido como uma relação entre a amplitude de tensão e a amplitude de deformação. Já, a defasagem entre a tensão e a deformação é conhecida como ângulo de fase, que é um indicador das propriedades viscosas do material. Esta dissertação possuiu como objetivo caracterizar as propriedades viscoelásticas das misturas asfálticas quentes e mornas comumente utilizadas no Rio Grande do Sul, utilizando um aditivo surfactante para as misturas mornas. Para tanto foram dosadas 4 misturas asfálticas com agregados basálticos e os ligantes CAP 50/70, AMP 60/85, AB8 e CAP TLA e obtidos os parâmetros de adesividade e resistência dessas misturas quentes e mornas. Para a realização do ensaio de módulo dinâmico foi realizado uma revisão bibliográfica sobre os procedimentos de ensaio e análise de dados, posteriormente, foi adotada a metodologia adequada para os ensaios. Os mesmos foram realizados utilizando uma prensa universal MTS e a análise dos dados foi realizada com o auxílio das ferramentas do Microsoft Excel. Através do estudo foi possível concluir que as misturas com ligante convencional possuem um comportamento similar entre a mistura convencional e a morna. O mesmo não ocorre nas misturas com ligante modificado, onde ocorre uma alteração tanto da fase viscosa como da elástica, sendo esse efeito mais predominante nas misturas modificadas por polímero. / The characterization of the viscoelastic-plastic properties of asphaltic materials are important for a better understanding of the pavements’ mechanical behavior and performance. The complex module aims to characterize as linear viscoelastic properties of the material present in the field of small deformations. The assay for obtaining the dynamic modulus can be performed from a compression uniaxial sinusoidal loading with frequencies ranging from 0.1Hz to 25Hz and temperatures from -10 °C to 54 °C. The absolute value of the complex modulus is known as dynamic module | E * |, which is defined as a relation between a stress amplitude and a strain amplitude. Already, a discrepancy between stress and strain is known as phase angle, which is an indicator of the viscous properties of the material. This dissertation aimed to characterize as viscoelastic properties of hot and warm asphalt mixtures commonly used in Rio Grande do Sul, using a surfactant additive for warm mixtures. In order to do so, four asphalt concrete mixes - composed with the basalt aggregates and binders CAP 50/70, AMP 60/85, AB 8 and CAP TLA – were designed. In addition, the parameters of adhesiveness and resistance to hot and warm mixtures were obtained. For a dynamic modulus test, a literature review was performed about the data analysis and test procedure, and a suitable methodology for testing was subsequently adopted. The tests were realized with an universal testing machine of MTS and the data analysis were performed by means of the Microsoft Excel tools. Through the study it was possible to conclude that mixtures with conventional binder presented similar behavior between a conventional and a warm mixture. The same does not occur in mixtures with modified binder, where a change in both the viscous and the elastic phases occurs, and this effect is more predominant in the polymer modified mixtures.