Intelligent Compaction for Evaluating Pavement Subgrade

Status: Active (MoDOT TR202604: 03/01/2025 to 02/28/2027)

The full project title is: Piloting the Use of Intelligent Compaction for Evaluating Pavement Subgrade Uniformity and Adequacy

Summary

This MoDOT project is to:

  • Pilot the use of IC as a subgrade QA tool in new construction projects, widening, or full-depth repairs.
  • Validate its feasibility, efficiency, and effectiveness in evaluating subgrade and its scope for broader adoption.

Tasks

Task 1: Kick-off meeting

The Consultant project team (Consultant) shall develop a work plan based on the SOW and conduct a kick-off meeting with MoDOT TAC. The purpose is to review the work plan and determine any updates or modifications if needed.

Task 2: Feasibility planning

Task 2-1: Project Selection

Under MoDOT’s instructions, the Consultant shall conduct the following subtasks, including but not limited to:

  • Identify and scope potential candidates for up to three pilot projects with new construction, widening, or full-depth repairs within MoDOT’s existing or upcoming projects.
Task 2-2: Special Provision

Under MoDOT’s instructions, the Consultant shall conduct the following subtasks, including but not limited to:

  • Develop a special provision to be used in JSP for project letting of the pilot projects. It shall include (but is not limited to) IC system and host roller requirements, operator training and support (from the equipment vendor), data collection, and data submission with a lump sum pay item
Task 2-3: Test Plan Template
  • Under MoDOT’s instructions, the Consultant shall conduct the following subtasks, including but not limited to:
  • Develop a pilot testing plan template that includes but is not limited to project information, personnel contact information, staging/briefing locations, and daily schedule. The test plan template will be used for each pilot project.

Task 3: Field demonstrations

Task 3-1: Coordination

Under MoDOT’s instructions, the Consultant shall conduct the following subtasks for each pilot project, including but not limited to:

  • Conduct online planning meetings to include all personnel that will be involved in the pilot project.
  • Develop a project-specific testing plan based on the test plan template with, but not limited to, a daily schedule, including IC mapping and GPS rover tests within the project budget.
Task 3-2: Test Devices and Testing Services

Under MoDOT’s instructions, the Consultant shall procure necessary test devices and testing services, including but not limited to the following, within the budget:

  • A DCP test device.
  • A FWD testing service.
Task 3-3: Conduct Field Pilot Projects

Under MoDOT’s instructions, the Consultant shall conduct the field pilot projects, including but not limited to the following:

  • Mobilize the Consultant’s staff to perform the field’s spot verification tests according to the test plan.
  • Coordinate with the pilot project paving contractor to conduct IC mapping and data submission.
Task 3-4: Tech Memo

The Consultant shall document each pilot project, including the following.:

  • A tech memo to include, but not limited to, project plans and objectives, data collection activities, analysis results and discussion, and lessons learned/recommendations for future projects.

Task 4: Documentation

Task 4-1: Final Report

The final report should be a detailed report summarizing the methodologies, data analysis, research findings, and conclusions.

This report will include background and objectives for the research, a description of the IC technology used, details of the pilot projects and methodologies adopted, data analysis protocols, evaluation metrics, and recommendations for implementation. The final report’s format shall be 508-compliant and meet MoDOT’s publication requirements

Task 4-2: Technical Guidelines

This document shall include a set of guidelines for using IC technology in pavement subgrade evaluation.

This document will include equipment setup and calibration, data collection and interpretation, data quality management plan and procedures, successful case studies, and examples from pilot projects.

Task 5: Quarterly reports

The Contractor shall submit one (1) electronic copy of a draft final report on the complete work by November 30, 2026, or upon the completion of the work. Acceptance of the final report by the Commission shall be the requirement for Agreement completion.

Project Team 

  • Dr. George Chang, P.E., The Transtec Group – Principal Investigator
  • Amanda L. Gilliland, P.E., The Transtec Group – Pavement Engineer
  • Subu Sankaranarayanan, The Transtec Group – Pavement Specialist

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) 

  • Jacob Graessle, MoDOT
  • Lydia Brownell, MoDOT
  • Jason Blomberg, MoDOT
  • Willie Johnson, MoDOT

Reports and Publications

  • (TBA)