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  • 1.  Research Project Ideas?

    Posted 09-07-2018 08:47 AM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 09-07-2018 09:31 AM
    Hello. I'm a freshman. After two semesters, I will start a research project. I want to get a head start. Does anyone have any suggestions on which field to focus on? I'm interested in pavement design, geometric design, and traffic signals. I'm curious if anyone has any ideas about innovative industry trends in these particular fields that would be an insightful topic to study. 

    I'm thinking about researching flexible pavement that is already used but due to fatigue cracking or ruts in pavement it gets damaged. If I use plastic, crumb rubber and polymer but in a lesser percent we can achieve strength as well as we can reduce these problems. Has such research already been done? I would appreciate any advice about where to research. 



    Thanks for your help! 

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    Aashiq Shah S.M.ASCE
    Student
    Jalandhar II
    919682 527198
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  • 2.  RE: Research Project Ideas?

    Posted 09-09-2018 10:17 AM
    Back in the 80"s I was an undergraduate student at the University of Nevada-Reno.  I had a job working in the asphalt research lab performing asphalt tests for graduate students.  I was the labor but not the brains.  We did research using plastic and rubber (latex) additives to asphalt.  I don't remember any specific results, but I would have to believe the research papers are there.  The University still performs AC research.  Also, check out Texas A&M and UC Berkeley.

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    Mark Westover P.E., M.ASCE
    Belfair WA
    (360)373-5677
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  • 3.  RE: Research Project Ideas?

    Posted 09-11-2018 04:59 PM
    Edited by Tirza Austin 09-11-2018 04:59 PM
    I would like to share my similar experience back in the seventies.

    I was a fresh M.Sc graduate and working in a major state-owned contracting company in the roads, bridges and airport department. An American specialist was invited to give a special training on the recently introduced testing method for asphalt mixes in replacement of the Marshal method. The name of the specialist was Dr. Mckay and the new testing producer utilizes the shearing fracture of the specimen by the gyratory machine. The method was introduced in the ASTM and later AASHTO standards.

    As it is well known that the Marshal test is an empirical test established originally by the American Corps of Engineers, but a convenient one. However, the Gyratory test is based on a scientific evaluation.

    Thanks!

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    Ala Al-Kazzaz C.Eng, M.ASCE
    Procurement Consultant
    World Bank
    Holly Springs NC
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    Original Message


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