The goal of the performance-engineered mixtures (PEM) initiative is to specify the critical properties that make concrete pavements “good” in varying climates as well as to identify tests that contractors and agencies can use to measure each critical property so that mixtures meeting the needs of each unique paving context are reliably delivered. Toward this goal, on June 11, 2020, representatives from 18 out of the 19 PEM states, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and the PEM team held a virtual meeting. The meeting covered a “year-3 update” on the 5-year PEM transportation pooled fund research and implementation project facilitated by the National Concrete Pavement Technology Center (CP Tech Center).
Key points from the meeting included how:
• Recent contact with 19 PEM member state agencies has largely confirmed positive movement toward the new PEM perspective on assuring concrete pavement durability
• PEM test information is being collected via shadow projects
• PEM test information is being analyzed to verify PEM test reliability
• PEM test information determines each test’s best use — as prequalification, QC, or acceptance?
COVID-19 PANDEMIC:
Due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, FHWA’s Mobile Concrete Testing Center (MCTC) will not be on the road this construction season.
However, FHWA is focusing efforts in the area of:
• Virtual training
• Technical webinars
• Testing equipment loan program
5 CP Tech Center VIDEOS: PEM TEST METHODS:
https://cptechcenter.org/performance-engineered-mixtures-pem/
Guidance for test methods falling under the PEM umbrella that may be new to many agencies, contractors, testing labs, and consultants is provided below as follows:
- Vibrating Kelly Ball (VKelly)
- Super Air Meter (SAM)
- Box Test
- Maturity Method
- Formation Factor