Low Cost Rural Surface Alternatives
Frost broil on a low volume road in Boone County (April 2011)
Low volume gravel surfaced road in Hamilton County (September 2011)
Rutting on a an emulsified oil stabilized gravel road surfaced with chip seal coat
Researcher(s)
Principal investigator: David White, 515-294-1463, djwhite@iastate.edu (project list)
Co-principal investigator: Kelly Miller
Project status
In progress
Start date: 06/01/11
End date: 05/31/12
Sponsor(s)/partner(s)
Sponsor(s):Iowa Highway Research Board
About the research
Research objective:
Freezing/thawing action induces physical changes to granular surface road that can negatively impact public users, reduce emergency responder access/time, and results in increased maintenance costs for secondary road departments. Stabilization can work to mitigate soft and eroded conditions of granular roads, but although technically feasible, can it be done economically? The comprehensive literature review conducted during this phase of the research will address both the technical and economical aspects of stabilization for granular surfaced roadways with consideration of mature methods and emerging methods that show promise.
The proposed objectives of this research project are to:
- Conduct a comprehensive literature survey of the state of practice for granular surface road construction with respect to freeze/thaw damage resistance
- Develop recommendations with respect to conducting a phase 2 study to demonstrate various technologies.