The project specifications required the use of a profilograph for smoothness measurement, but after inspecting the existing conditions, the contractor informed the base engineers that it was not possible to match the existing pavement and still meet the smoothness requirements. After all the information was presented, the base engineers waived the profilograph smoothness requirement in favor of matching the existing pavement.

The contractor used averaging skis on the paver helped to remove the variations that were present in the existing pavement, and to create a significantly smoother surface than the existing pavement that was to be matched. Even though profilograph traces were not required, the Surianello team still profiled the new pavement after installation was complete. The results indicated a significant increase in the smoothness of the pavement, which met or exceeded the ¼ in. in 10 ft. straight edge specifications.

The new concrete was placed using different pieces of transfer equipment. One phase used a GOMACO RTP-500 rubber-tracked placer, while the other phase used a GOMACO PS-2600 placer/spreader.

The pavement was slipformed with a GOMACO GHP-2800 slipform paver with averaging skis located on the four corners of the machine. An autofloat attachment was mounted on the back of the paver. A motorized work bridge then completed the paving train, applying the burlap drag surface texture and the cure.

Extra steps were taken to ensure that the only pavement that matched the existing pavement would be near the edge, not in the wheel paths of the planes using the taxiway. Wheel paths were hand finished after the paver passed over to further enhance smoothness.

In spite of delays, complexities, safety and security considerations, and the requirement to keep one lane of the taxiway open, the project was completed under budget and within schedule. The end result is a quality taxiway that will serve this vital military base for many years.

Concrete Pavement Restoration (CPR) — Gold

Project:               Interstate-664 Pavement Rehabilitation, Newport News, Va.

Contractor:            Denton Concrete Services Company
Owner/Engineer:      Virginia Department of Transportation

This large-scale concrete pavement restoration (CPR) project was challenging, not only because of the scale of the project, but also because of the traffic management requirements.