Title:
Field Evaluation of the Tarantula Curve and the Box Test to Assess/Predict the Workability of Concrete Paving Mixtures
Author(s):
Jagan Gudimettla
Publication:
Web Session
Volume:
ws_F24_Gudimettla.pdf
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
Keywords:
DOI:
Date:
11/4/2024
Abstract:
The Tarantula curve and the Box Test are a recent concept and test method to asses / predict the workability characteristics (workability, finishability, edge-slump and constructability) of slip-formed paving concrete. Both are good (and complementary) tools for contractors to use during the concrete mixture design process for designing mixtures that are workable. This paper shows the Tarantula curve and the Box Test field data from 20 mainline paving projects (from across the United States) collected by the FHWA Mobile Concrete Technology Center as part of its new-technology implementation work. Specifically, data /observations from 6 of the 20 projects will be presented in detail to showcase the effectiveness of the Tarantula Curve and the Box Test in predicting field constructability issues. The paper also shows how the Box test data at multiple intervals of time can be used to assess the workability window from two additional paving projects. The data presented in this paper is not from a controlled study/experiment in a laboratory but observations from the field and relies significantly on photos.