| Abstract: | Texas continues to see the same recurring problems in seal coat construction, such as rock loss, flushing, and bleeding. Because of a loss of experienced inspectors and a shift in inspection forces, an increased risk to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) exists when making the appropriate field adjustments for construction. Better methods to identify changing pavement conditions and subsequently adjust construction binder rates have become available through the recently completed research project 0-6963 by using mobile light detecting and ranging (LiDAR) reflectivity data. In this study, researchers worked with the Bryan District on six 2019 and five 2020 seal coat projects, and with the Brownwood and Waco Districts on five projects in each district's 2020 summer seal coat contract using LiDAR equipment. The evaluation included applying the algorithm to provide the district with suggested shot rates. Researchers applied the algorithm to the LiDAR data and recommended binder rate adjustments. Researchers analyzed actual shot rates and compared those rates to the predicted rates. According to the generated results, researchers recommend determining the starting rate from the design procedure developed in TxDOT research project 0-6989 and determining the binder rate adjustments from LiDAR data analysis. This procedure can help field engineers make real-time decisions and can lead to better seal coat performance. |
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