Spring thaw predictor & development of real time spring load restrictions.
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2011-02-01
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Abstract:This report summarizes the results of a study to develop a correlation between weather forecasts and the
spring thaw in order to reduce the duration of load limits on New Hampshire roadways. The study used a falling
weight deflectometer at 10 sites in central New Hampshire to determine the changes in road subgrade strength.
Weather condition and frost depth data was collected at the same time.
The goal of the study was to calibrate the Enhanced Integrated Climate Model (EICM) within the Mechanistic
Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) using correlations developed between the subsurface conditions
and the strength testing.
The project did not provide sufficient data to provide a definite conclusion as to when load restrictions should
be lifted during the spring thaw. Some key observations: subsurface thawing can progress rapidly; subsurface
strength may take up to five (5) weeks to recover, especially in wetter subgrade soils; subgrade soils were
weakest after the date when frost was out of the soil; saturated soils lost strength during the spring thaw.
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