Resilient Modulus Testing (AASHTO T 307-99) for Subgrade of Pavements

[Geotech_Pavement]

Hello Everyone

I want know which states/transportation agencies/counties/cities require the use of Resilent Modulus Lab testing of subgrade soils for pavement design. Caltrans recently adopted the mechanistic-emperical method which requires use of the resilient modulus parameter. Caltrans is only requiring resilient modulus lab testing for large prjoects and is allowing correlations to obtain resilient modulus for smaller projects. We are thinking to purchase the resilient modulus lab testing equipment but not sure it will be cost effective if not many agencies actually require testing. I would appreciate our members throughout the USA to ask around and see if their transportation agency actually requires lab testing to obtain the resilient modulus.

 

[Ron]

That debate has been around for over 20 years...since the inception of "SuperPave."
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Tough call unless you do a lot of DOT work. Private and most municipal pavement design will use correlations. Only the Feds and some state DOT's typically require RM testing.

If you have the equipment, it will certainly give you an upper hand at DOT work. You could also do the testing for smaller labs that clearly can't afford the equipment but occasionally will need the testing done for a variety of reasons.