This research project compared the performance of a 0.68-mile long continuously reinforced concrete pavement test section before and after receiving next-generation diamond grinding (NGDG). The test section was transversely tined and located on Loop 610 in Harris County, Houston, Texas. The NGDG surface significantly improved the skid resistance as well as the ride quality of the test section analyzed.

The ACPA conducted OBSI testing of three diamond ground surfaces constructed by Manatts. Three diamond ground surfaces were constructed, a flush ground surface with ¾ c-longitudinal grooving, a conventional diamond ground surface (CDG) with 1/8’ grooves spaced at ¾” c-c, and a CDG section. The OBSI testing indicated the flush ground and grooved surface produced an OBSI Level of 99.1 dBA, the CDG with grooving 100.6 dBA, and the CDG 100.4 dBA.

The ACPA OBSI testing was conducted on MnROADs cells 72, 9, 8, 7 and two sections of diamond grinding on I-94 west of MnROADs near Monticello. Between April and June, 2010 MnROADs constructed an exposed aggregate test section on I-94 WB. In addition to the conventional exposed aggregate section, MnROADs also constructed an NGCS and CDG texture into the westernmost 495 feet of the exposed aggregate section. This is the first time an NGCS section has been constructed on an exposed aggregate texture. The NGCS is located in the travel lane while the CDG texture is located in the high speed lane adjacent to the NGCS section.

Partial depth repair (PDR) is a well-established technique applied to an existing concrete pavement that has spalls along joints and cracks. Nevertheless, there have been a number of failures of PDRs over the years on projects across the country. This Tech Brief focuses on PDR in Minnesota but also includes information from Missouri, Utah, Washington, Georgia, and California.

Diamond grooving of flexible (and rigid) pavements is a technique performed to reduce hydroplaning and to improve friction on all runways that serve turbojet aircrafts. Despite their widespread application, grooves in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) runways are prone to several distresses that limit their longevity at the desired level of serviceability.

The purpose of the Technical Assistance Requests (TAR 2017-2&3) was to conduct a preliminary assessment of the environmental impacts of direct discharge of concrete grinding residuals from the grinding machine to highway shoulders. Diamond grinding of concrete highway surfaces for pavement preservation generates large volumes of diamond grinding slurry (DGS) containing water and concrete residuals.