Projects were judged based on overall appearance, ride, texture uniformity, longitudinal and transverse joint construction, edges, approaches, utility cover adjustments, and degree of complexity.  Out of 56 projects submitted in 10 different award categories, the judges ranked the Bosch VDA Test Track project as the overall highest scoring project based on the award criteria.

 

The test track project covered over 138,000 square yards or nearly 30 acres of pavement, and included two separate and independently challenging aspects —a very large superflat skid pad and a steeply banked high-speed loop that was built with parabolic banking. 

 

SME served as the Pavement/Geotechnical Engineer of Record for this challenging project. We performed the subsurface exploration and geotechnical and pavement evaluation of the site and developed recommendations for site preparation, earthwork and pavement design. During construction, SME provided construction materials services. SME also provided recommendations related to materials and methods for obtaining surface smoothness required for Bosch’s vechicle sensors to perform properly.

 

There was also a “friction” requirement related to test vehicle tire/pavement surface interaction that had to be met. The team worked together during construction, constantly monitoring results during the leveling course to continuously improve paving operations, resulting in the final surface exceeding the flatness and friction criteria required by Bosch. 

 

The high-speed loop required the use of a special paver equipped with a parabolic screed, and differently curved rollers for different heights on the curve, as well as additional equipment to hold both the paver and the rollers on the steep incline during construction. 

 

The Asphalt Pavement Association of Michigan is a nonprofit trade association representing the Hot Mix Asphalt industry in Michigan. The organization was formed in 2005 when the Michigan Asphalt Pavement Association (MAPA) and the Michigan Pavement Association (MPA) merged to create APAM. The organization is recognized as the voice of the asphalt paving industry in Michigan. For more information, visit www.apa-mi.org.

 

SME supports clients at every stage of development and ownership, from site acquisition, design and construction, to maintenance, restoration and redevelopment. Since 1964, our mission has been to add significant value to our clients’ projects and become a trusted member of their project team. Our staff of over 200 professionals operates from nine offices in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. We assist our clients locally and across the world by providing practical, sustainable solutions to the most challenging site and building related problems, including solutions for soil, pavement and building material issues. Our geosciences, materials and environmental capabilities serve many markets in the built and natural environment, covering Commercial, Development/ Redevelopment, Education, Energy, Healthcare, Industrial, Retail, State/Local Government, Telecommunications, Transportation, and Agriculture. From land use and brownfield redevelopment to green buildings and alternative energy sources, we are committed to helping our clients achieve a sustainable future.