Performance of Wicking Geotextile on Mitigating Water Pumping Issue on I-44 Highway

Water within pavement layers is the major cause of pavement distresses. An increase in pore water pressure caused by traffic loads causes fine particles of subgrade and subbase to migrate to base course layer. This migration results in the formation of void spaces and reduction in support of the pavement. On the other hand, migrated fines may clog the granular base course and reduce its drainage. All of these negative effects would reduce the durability of the pavement and damage it.
In this study, a full-scale test section located along I-44 highway was constructed and monitored to investigate the effect of a new type of wicking geotextile to enhance pavement drainage and to mitigate water pumping. 
Analyzing one year of data acquired from the sensors shows that the wicking geotextile has successfully reduced the volumetric water content of the base course material up to 5%-10% and enhanced the pavement drainage capacity. This conclusion has been verified by a set of small scale box tests in the laboratory as well. Observations showed that the efficiency of wicking geotextile is considerably better than conventional drainage systems including French drains when the pavement is under unsaturated condition.

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Report number: cmr 20-003
Published: March 2020
Project number: TR201905
Authors: Xiong Zhang and Javad Galinmoghadam
Performing organization: Missouri University of Science & Technology

Predictive Deep Learning for Flood Evacuation Planning and Routing

This research was completed in tandem as a project funded through MoDOT and the MidAmerica Transportation Center. It used deep learning methods, along with geospatial data from the USGS National Map and other public geospatial data sources, to develop forecasting tools capable of assessing water level rate of change in high risk flood areas. These tools build on existing models developed by the USGS, FEMA, and others and were used to determine evacuation routing and detours to mitigate the potential for loss of life during flash floods. The project scope included analysis of publicly available flood data along the Meramec River basin in Fenton as part of a pilot project in Missouri. This data was then used to determine the rate of rise in order to model evacuation or detour planning modules that can be implemented to assure the safety of the community and highway personnel, as well as the safe and secure transport of goods along public roadways. These modules were linked to existing real-time rainfall gauges and weather forecasts for improved accuracy and usability. The transportation safety or disaster planner can use these results to produce planning documents based on geospatial data and information to develop region-specific tools and methods.

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Report number: cmr 20-002
Published: March 2020
Project number: TR201912
Authors: Dr. Steven Corns and Dr. Suzanna Long
Performing organization: Missouri University of Science and Technology