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CHAPTER 2 Methodology Tasks Choosing Champion Agencies To ensure success of the pre-implementation phase of this project, it was imperative to identify transportation agencies that would be interested in trial testing and future implementation of the three proposed spectroscopic methods. For that purpose, the research team used the results of an electronic survey conducted in a previous phase to identify DOTs (Departments of Transportation) that could champion the implementation activities. Another criterion was the proximity of the DOTs to the University of Connecticut (UConn), in order to facilitate the field- testing trips within the available budget and time constraints. Thus, the outreach effort was mostly focused on DOTs of the Northeast. The materials engineers of those agencies were contacted and supplied with copies of the proposed AASHTO standards. Concurrently, introductory meetings with demonstration sessions were scheduled. To familiarize the participating agencies with the scope and work plan of the project, the kick-off meetings were arranged at the headquarters of the participating agencies. The discussions included presentation of the project background, introduction into methodology, and in-room demonstration of the proposed testing procedures. In addition, the preliminary scope of materials and schedules for laboratory and field tests was established. Follow-ups with the agencies indicated which ones showed an interest in the methods and commitment to collaborate and supply the necessary personnel for the needs of the pilot tests. Refinement of AASHTO Specifications The applicability and attractiveness of the proposed AASHTO testing procedures to the local settings (e.g., materials, level of personnel training, existing QA/QC procedures) were evaluated by seeking an initial input from potential users. Specifically, the research team looked for comments on language and special test parameters (e.g., set-up, need for calibration, sample preparation). Based on that feedback, the procedures were refined and used for demonstration and pilot testing. Demonstration and Pilot Testing The next step involved collection of material samples from participants and fingerprinting those samples with the use of portable devices in the laboratory settings. Once signature spectra of the materials were determined, field trips were arranged to verify applicability of the methods in real-world project environments and the ability of the devices to verify the composition of materials delivered on-site. 3
Development of Agency-Oriented Specifications Based on the feedback from agencies and the results of pilot testing, the proposed AASHTO standards were customized into state-oriented procedures to reflect the specific range of materials/brands used by the participating states. Those specifications included operations manuals for the equipment and guidelines for interpretation of test results. Development of a Generic Implementation Plan for the Proposed AASHTO Standards A successful incorporation of the innovative testing methods into an agencyâs QC/QA program is not feasible without having a road map for the implementation. The implementation plan includes a step-by-step outline of the activities and processes that should be undertaken to facilitate enhancement of the routinely performed QC test by adapting any of the spectroscopic testing methods proposed here. Project Deliverables Agency-Specific Testing Procedures The proposed earlier draft AASHTO standards had to be modified to address the local specifics of the participating transportation agencies. The modified and agency-oriented testing procedures included, for example, benchmark spectral characteristics for the range of materials whose samples were provided by the agencies (See Appendix A). Spectral Libraries for Participating Agencies Libraries of spectra for the agency-approved materials were created for each of the participating state transportation agencies. These libraries comprised signature ATR FT-IR spectra of chemical admixtures for portland cement concrete (PCC) and typical XRF results for traffic paints and bridge coatings. The spectral database is expected to supplement the procedures developed under this project and can be potentially available online for QC/QA specialists. Generic Implementation Plan A generic implementation plan outlines the activities and processes that should be undertaken to incorporate the proposed spectroscopic testing procedures into the QC/QA process of highway/bridge construction (See Appendix D). As a rule, the implementation activities should include (1) identification of personnel who would champion the process, (2) purchase and calibration (if needed) of the equipment, and (3) training of the personnel. Additional steps tailored to the status and singularities of each method are included for each method separately. 4
Webinar Based on the project results and deliverables of the pre-implementation phase of this project, the research team has prepared materials for a SHRP 2 webinar that outlines the proposed methods and provides guidance on implementation. The materials are derived from the previous presentations at the Transportation Research Board annual meetings and publications in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Transportation Research Board journals. The research team is ready to conduct a national webinar and/or TRB workshop to present and discuss the deliverables of this project. 5
