Aurora

About the research

The major tasks of Phase II were to implement the models recommended from Phase I at demonstration sites and to calibrate those models, if required. The models included both degree-day threshold and frost-thaw depth prediction models. Output from the models was then compared with validation data provided by the departments of transportation (DOTs) involved in this study. These validation data consisted of subsurface temperature data (which were reduced by the research team to compute frost and thaw depths) and, in some cases, deflection and/or stiffness data from lightweight deflectometer (LWD) and falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests.

With the results of these implementation and validation efforts, recommendations based on accuracy, simplicity of use, and cost were developed to aid road management agencies in selecting which model or protocol is most appropriate for their intended purposes, personnel, and specific conditions.