A University/Industry/Government Test Program to Evaluate the Durability of Trucks and Pavement Surfaces 973266

A new oval test track will be designed, constructed and operated in a manner that will successfully pull-together representatives from virtually all of the key interests in dealing with the challenging issues of highway pavement and truck durability. With construction scheduled to begin in the Summer of 1998 and completion scheduled for late 1998 or early 1999, the mission and commitment for this venture is to pull-together the people from several state DOTs, respective universities, and, of vital importance, the truck manufacturing industry. Results from these tests, over a period of a few years, will provide answers that not only greatly improve performance of hot mix asphalt pavements in all state DOTs, but also efficiently and productively address issues of durability and wear performance of medium / heavy duty trucks and key components.

Key features of this track will be the placement of test sections of asphalt pavement to be provided by the various states, utilizing the respective local materials. Data will be gathered on a regular basis during traffic so that detailed analysis of the test results can be performed. Test results from the track will provide information such as pavement rutting, pavement roughness and other aspects relating to loss of performance. This information will be used as a basis of correlation and validation of other tools and methodologies used to measure and improve the performance of hot mix asphalt.

Moreover, it is anticipated that this facility will play a major role in evaluating the durability and wear performance of medium / heavy duty truck systems and their respective components industry. Utilizing the TeamTest® process, highly controlled precision, high mileage durability tests will be run with accuracies and projectabilities rivaling that of proving ground tests. Yet these tests will be designed and constructed in a manner such that the economies will rival that of traditional fleet tests.

Although this facility will obviously exist in one location and climatic condition, together with one type of highway terrain, it is anticipated that these tests will combine with other climatic venues and road types to round-out the overall vehicle durability testing program.