Training development for pavement preservation: chip sealing and fog sealing

Abstract

<p>The benefits of pavement preservation are only achieved if properly selected, designed, and applied. In some cases there is a lack of training when conducting one of these steps and the objective of applying pavement preservation techniques gets hampered. Literature on pavement preservation is extensive, but from a training point of view there is no structured approach on how to train people for selecting, designing, and applying pavement preservation techniques.</p> <p>The objective of the research is to develop a training learning management system that addresses pavement preservation treatments (chip seals, fog seals, slurry systems, and crack seals and fills) as they are dealt with during the phases of selection, design, and construction. This thesis will focus on training for chip seals and fog seals. Although Iowa was used as a case study, the findings can be applied in other locations.</p> <p>To begin the study, it was critical to identify the staff divisions to be trained and the treatments to be included. Through several meetings with the agency three staff divisions were identified. The staff divisions are: the maintenance staff (in charge of selection), design staff, and construction staff. Also, the treatments mentioned before were identified as the focus of the study due to their common use.</p> <p>Through means of needs analysis questionnaires and meetings the knowledge gap and needs of the agency were identified. The training presentations developed targets such gap and needs as the primary focus. The concepting (selection) training focuses on providing the tools necessary, such as life cycle cost analysis and asset management, to help make proper selections. The design trainings focus on providing the information necessary on the properties of the materials (mostly binders and aggregates) and how to make proper material selection. Finally, the construction trainings focus on providing equipment calibration procedure, inspection responsibilities, and visual images of poor and best practices.</p> <p>The research showed that it is important to train each division staff (maintenance, design, and construction) separately as each staff division has its own needs and interests. Also, it is preferred if each pavement preservation treatment is approached on its own. The research also determined that it is critical to create a structured plan aimed to develop a structured learning management system. It was also found that the results of this research are applicable in many locations across the nation, not just Iowa. Finally, it is recommended to research for the performance of pavement preservation treatments pre and post-training to compare their results and verify the effectiveness of the learning management system.</p>