Evaluation of Cold Mixes for Winter Pothole Repair

About the report:

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of 13 proprietary cold-mix patching materials, 4 of which are currently approved under a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Special Provision for High Quality Cold Patching Materials. Cold-mix patching materials are regularly submitted to VDOT's Materials Division for approval, and the purpose of this study was to determine which of the submitted materials were of the same caliber as the existing approved materials. The addition of materials of equal quality will promote competition in VDOT's competitive bidding system. Three test sections were placed to evaluate the materials' performance, and a standardized evaluation form and performance model were developed to rank the materials. The field performance results were compared with the laboratory test results in an effort to develop a laboratory screening test that could be used for other submitted materials. Design and quality control procedures were also identified. These procedures were used to design a material that has performed well. Recommendations for changes in VDOT's cold-mix specifications were also developed.

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