Material Acceptance & Characterization
The following materials were used in CC9’s construction:
- P-152MR Subgrade (DuPont Clay)
- P-154MR Subbase Course
- P-154MR Separation Fabric
- P-159MR Geogrid
- P-209MR Crushed Aggregate Base Course
- P-307MR Cement Treated Permeable Base (CTPB) Course
- P-403MR Asphalt Mix Pavement Base Course
- P-401MR Asphalt Mix Pavement Surface Course
Most materials were tested for acceptance and characterization in-house at the NAPTF. Acceptance testing checks that the material meets FAA requirements set during design, while characterization testing provides additional information about the material’s properties. All acceptance and characterization tests conducted on CC9 are listed below, along with the standard or procedure followed.
For a PDF version of the CC9 Material Testing Plan, click here.
Acceptance Tests
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR): ASTM D4429
- Dry Density (Drive Cylinder): ASTM D2937
- Moisture Content: ASTM D2216
- Density (Nuclear Gauge): ASTM D6938
- Compressive Strength:
- Compaction: ASTM C31
- Capping: ASTM C617
- Testing: ASTM C39
- Coefficient of Permeability: ASTM C1701
- Mat Density: ASTM D2726
- Joint Density: ASTM D2726
- Air Voids (Lab): ASTM D2726, ASTM D3203
Characterization Tests
- Vane Shear: ASTM D2573 with in-house procedure
- Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD): ASTM E2583
- GeoGauge: ASTM D6758
- Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP): ASTM D6951
- Atterberg Limits: ASTM D4318
- Specific Gravity:
- Soil Solids: ASTM D854
- Coarse Aggregates: ASTM C127
- Modified Proctor: ASTM D1557
- Oversized Aggregates Correction: ASTM D4718
- California Bearing Ratio (CBR) (Lab): ASTM D1883
- Repeated Load Deformation: TBD
- Resilient Modulus: AASHTO T 307
- Unconfined Compressive Strength (Quick Shear): AASHTO T 307, ASTM 2166
- Sieve Analysis:
- Aggregates: ASTM C117, ASTM C136
- Asphalt Mix: ASTM D5444
- Portable Seismic Properties Analyzer (PSPA/ D-PSPA): in-house procedure
- Compressive Strength:
- Compaction: ASTM C1688
- Capping: ASTM C617
- Testing: ASTM C39
- Free-Free Resonant Frequency (Column): ASTM C215
- Flexural Strength: ASTM C78
- Gmm (theoretical maximum specific gravity), Gmb (bulk specific gravity): ASTM D2041, ASTM D2726
- Ignition Oven: ASTM D6307
- Dynamic Modulus, Flow Number: AASHTO T 342, AASHTO TP 79
- High Temperature Indirect Tensile Strength (IDT): ASTM D6931
- Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR): ASTM D4867
- Disk-Shaped Compact Tension Geometry (DCT) Fracture Energy: ASTM D7313
- Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA): AASHTO T 340
- Flexural Beam Fatigue: ASTM D7460
- Heavy Weight Deflectometer (HWD): ASTM D4694
For more information on the acceptance and characterization testing for each material click on the links in the table below.
Construction Tests
Below are the acceptance and characterization tests performed on each material during the construction of CC9. Some planned tests have not yet been conducted on some materials.
P-152MR Subgrade (DuPont Clay)
Acceptance Tests
CBR: Test were performed at 1 randomly selected test location per test item (named area). 3 penetrations were taken at each location and averaged for acceptance.
Drive Cylinder: Tests for dry density and moisture content were conducted at the same locations as CBR tests.
Survey: Tests were performed to check elevation, smoothness, and grade. Elevation acceptance was ±½” from grade. Smoothness was tested with a 12 foot straightedge in longitudinal and transverse directions, and was accepted if 85% of the area had less than ½” of deviation. Grade acceptance was ±½” from plan grade using a 5 foot by 5 foot grid.
Characterization Tests
Vane Shear: Tests for shear strength were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 0+10, 0+25, 0+40, 0+70, 0+85, 1+00, 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80. 3 readings were taken at each location and averaged.
LWD: Tests for LWD modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 0+10, 0+25, 0+40, 0+70, 0+85, 1+00, 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80. Drop heights of 6”, 12”, 18”, and 24” were used at each location.
D-PSPA: Tests for seismic modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 0+10, 0+25, 0+40, 0+70, 0+85, 1+00, 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80.
GeoGauge: Tests for modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 0+10, 0+25, 0+40, 0+70, 0+85, 1+00, 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80. 3 readings were taken at each location and averaged.
DCP: Tests were performed at transverse offsets of ±15 ft. at stations 0+53, 1+13, 1+73, and 2+33. These locations are the centers of the transition sections.
Atterberg Limits: Tests were performed on 2 samples that were taken from the material stockpile before construction.
Specific Gravity: Tests on soil solids were performed before construction on 2 samples that were taken during conditioning of the material stockpile.
Modified Proctor: Testing was performed on 1 sample taken during material conditioning before construction.
CBR (Lab): Tests were performed on 10 specimens taken from the material stockpile throughout the preconditioning process, before construction occurred.
Repeated Load Deformation: Tests yet to be performed.
Resilient Modulus/ Unconfined Compressive Strength (Quick Shear): Tests were performed at one location per test item. The locations were at transverse offsets of ±1 ft., but were otherwise random.
P-154MR Subbase Course
Acceptance Tests
Nuclear Gauge: Tests for dry density and moisture content were conducted on top of the final lift at 2 random test locations per test item. The 2 tests were then averaged for acceptance.
Survey: Tests were performed to check elevation, smoothness, grade, and thickness. Elevation acceptance was ±¼” from grade. Smoothness was tested with a 12 foot straightedge in longitudinal and transverse directions, and was accepted if 85% of the area had less than 3/8” of deviation. Grade acceptance was ±½” from plan grade using a 5 foot by 5 foot grid. Thickness acceptance was ±½” from target thickness.
Characterization Tests
LWD: Tests for LWD modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80. Drop heights of 6”, 12”, 18”, and 24” were used at each location.
D-PSPA: Tests for seismic modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80.
GeoGauge: Tests for modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80. 3 tests were taken at each location and averaged.
DCP: Tests were performed at transverse offsets of ±15 ft. at stations 1+73 and 2+33. These locations are the centers of the transition sections.
Atterberg Limits: Tests were performed on 1 sample per set of two test items from the Geosynthetics, CTPB, and Overload areas, taken pre-compaction of the final lift.
Specific Gravity: Tests were performed on 1 composite specimen per set of two test items from the Geosynthetics, CTPB, and Overload areas. The specimens were taken from the final lift pre-compaction from 6 random sampling locations, 3 from each test item in the set.
Modified Proctor: Testing was conducted on 1 sample before construction.
Repeated Load Deformation: Tests yet to be performed.
Resilient Modulus/ Unconfined Compressive Strength (Quick Shear): Tests yet to be performed.
Sieve Analysis: Tests were conducted after compaction on 2 random locations along the centerline of the Geosynthetics, CTPB, and Overload test areas.
P-154MR Separation Fabric
No in-house material acceptance or characterization testing was performed on the P-154MR Separation Fabric. Material specifications can be found in the CC9 Construction Report.
P-159MR Geogrid
No in-house material acceptance or characterization testing was performed on the P-159MR Geogrid. Material specifications can be found in the CC9 Construction Report.
P-209MR Crushed Aggregate Base Course
Acceptance Tests
Nuclear Gauge: Tests for dry density and moisture content were conducted on top of the final lift at 2 random test locations per test item. The 2 tests are averaged for acceptance.
Survey: Tests were performed to check elevation, smoothness, grade, and thickness. Elevation acceptance was ±¼” from grade. Smoothness was tested with a 12 foot straightedge in longitudinal and transverse directions, and was accepted if 85% of the area had less than 3/8” of deviation. Grade acceptance was ±¼” from plan grade using a 5 foot by 5 foot grid. Thickness acceptance was ±¼” from target thickness.
Characterization Tests
LWD: Tests for modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 0+10, 0+25, 0+40, 0+70, 0+85, 1+00, 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80, with some exceptions. Test item LFS-4N does not include P-209MR, and thus tests were not done for the negative transverse offsets of stations 1+90, 2+05, and 2+20. Drop heights of 6”, 12”, 18”, and 24” were used at each tested location.
D-PSPA: Tests for seismic modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 0+10, 0+25, 0+40, 0+70, 0+85, 1+00, 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80, with the exceptions of stations included on test item LFS-4N.
GeoGauge: Tests for modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 0+10, 0+25, 0+40, 0+70, 0+85, 1+00, 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80, with the exceptions of stations included on test item LFS-4N. 3 tests were taken at each tested location and averaged.
Specific Gravity: Tests were performed before construction on samples from the coarse aggregate and soil stockpiles.
Modified Proctor: Testing was conducted on 1 sample before construction.
Repeated Load Deformation: Tests yet to be performed.
Resilient Modulus/ Unconfined Compressive Strength (Quick Shear): Tests yet to be performed.
Sieve Analysis: Tests were conducted after compaction on 2 random locations along the centerline of the Fatigue Model and Base Course Thickness, CTPB, and Overload test areas.
P-307MR Cement Treated Permeable Base (CTPB) Course
Acceptance Tests
Compressive Strength: Tests for acceptance were conducted after 7 days of curing with cylinders taken during placement. 1 sample was taken from each concrete delivery.
Coefficient of Permeability: Testing was performed 4 days after curing on 3 samples taken from the test strip placed before construction. The 3 tests were averaged for acceptance.
Survey: Tests were performed to check elevation, smoothness, grade, and thickness. Elevation acceptance was ±½” from grade. Smoothness was tested with a 12 foot straightedge in longitudinal and transverse directions, and was accepted if 85% of the area had less than 3/8” of deviation. Grade acceptance was ±½” from plan grade using a 5 foot by 5 foot grid. Thickness acceptance was ±½” from target thickness.
Characterization Tests
LWD: Tests for modulus were performed at transverse offsets of -25 ft., -15 ft., and -5 ft. at stations 1+90, 2+05, and 2+20 after 7 days and 28 days of curing. Drop heights of 6”, 12”, 18”, and 24” were used at each location.
Resilient Modulus: Tests were performed on 3 specimens after 28 days of curing.
Compressive Strength: Tests for characterization were conducted at 7 days and 28 days after placement. 1 sample was taken from each concrete delivery truck.
Free-Free Resonant Frequency: Testing was not done due to the equipment malfunctioning and needing repairs at the time of testing.
Flexural Strength: Tests were performed on specimens at 7 days and 28 days after placement. 1 sample was taken from each concrete delivery truck.
P-401MR Asphalt Mix Pavement Surface Course
Acceptance Tests
Mat Density: Tests were performed on 1 core taken from each test item at a random location not in the wander pattern, with identical location across lifts. Results from each day’s placement were averaged for acceptance.
Joint Density: Tests were performed for each set of test items on 1 to 2 cores taken from the centerline at random locations. Results from each day’s placement were averaged for acceptance.
Lab Air Voids: Tests were conducted on 4 specimens made in the lab with material taken before placement. Results from each day’s material were averaged for acceptance.
Survey: Tests were performed to check elevation, smoothness, grade, and thickness. Elevation acceptance was ±½” from grade. Smoothness was tested with a 12 foot straightedge in longitudinal and transverse directions, and was accepted if 85% of the area had less than ¼” of deviation. Grade acceptance was ±½” from plan grade using a 5 foot by 5 foot grid. Thickness acceptance was ±¼” from target thickness.
Characterization Tests
Sieve Analysis: Tests yet to be performed.
PSPA: Tests for seismic modulus were performed at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 0+10, 0+25, 0+40, 0+70, 0+85, 1+00, 1+30, 1+45, 1+60, 1+90, 2+05, 2+20, 2+50, 2+65, and 2+80. If present in the test item, modulus data represents P-403MR as well as P-401MR.
Specific Gravity: Tests for Gmm and Gmb were performed on all specimens used for mat density, joint density, and lab air voids tests.
Ignition Oven: Tests yet to be performed.
Dynamic Modulus/Flow Number: Tests were conducted on 3 material samples for each temperature designation (PG 64-22 and PG 76-22).
High Temperature IDT: Tests yet to be performed.
TSR: Tests yet to be performed.
DCT: Currently, this material has not undergone this testing.
APA: Tests yet to be performed.
Flexural Beam Fatigue: Tests yet to be performed.
HWD: Tests for elastic modulus were conducted at transverse offsets of ±25 ft., ±15 ft., and ±5 ft. at stations 0+25, 0+85, 1+45, 2+05, and 2+65.
P-403MR Asphalt Mix Pavement Base Course
Acceptance Tests
Mat Density: Tests were performed on 2 cores taken from each test item at random locations not in the wander pattern, with identical location across lifts. Results from each day’s placement were averaged for acceptance.
Joint Density: Tests were performed for each set of test items on 1 to 2 cores taken from the centerline at random locations. Results from each day’s placement were averaged for acceptance.
Lab Air Voids: Tests were conducted on 4 specimens made in the lab with material taken before placement. Results from each day’s material were averaged for acceptance.
Survey: Tests were performed to check elevation and smoothness. Grade and thickness requirements were waived for this material, but were met anyway to meet as-builts. Elevation acceptance was ±½” from grade. Smoothness was tested with a 12 foot straightedge in longitudinal and transverse directions, and was accepted if 85% of the area had less than ¼” of deviation.
Characterization Tests
Specific Gravity: Tests for Gmm and Gmb were performed on all specimens used for mat density, joint density, and lab air voids tests.
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