Over 5000 miles of pavements throughout the state of Nevada are maintained and rehabilitated by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). The pavements in the northern part of the state are subjected to cold environment and medium traffic while the pavements in the southern part of the state are subjected to hot environment and heavy traffic. Moisture damage occurs in all types of climates including hot, dry, and desert climates. This research differs from previous studies in several respects. First, because lime is used in HMA primarily for anti-stripping benefits, previous studies rarely quantified lime's other performance benefits. Second, because testing is typically performed on only the HMA mix being considered for a project, and only as necessary to satisfy specifications, typical studies do not capture the full range of failure modes and environmental stresses. Furthermore, once specifications are met, test results are rarely translated into pavement performance characteristics. This research, by contrast, evaluated four typical HMA mixtures used by NDOT with the most widely accepted laboratory tests.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of hydrated lime on the mechanical properties of typical HMA mixtures in Nevada. This research differed from previous studies in several respects. First, because lime is used in HMA primarily for anti-stripping benefits, previous studies rarely quantified lime's other performance benefits. Second, because testing is typically performed on only the HMA mix being considered for a project, and only as necessary to satisfy specifications, typical studies do not capture the full range of failure modes and environmental stresses. Furthermore, once specifications are met, test results are rarely translated into pavement performance characteristics. This research, by contrast, evaluated two typical HMA mixtures from the northern part of Nevada and two HMA mixtures from the southern part of Nevada used by NDOT with the most widely accepted laboratory tests. The Hveem mix design method was used in all mixtures. The tests were conducted at 0 and 6 freeze thaw cycles. The moisture damage was evaluated through the dynamic modulus test at various temperatures and frequencies. The asphalt pavement analyzer test and the repeated load triaxial test were used to evaluate the permanent deformation of the mixtures. The flexural beam test was used to assess the fatigue resistance and the thermal stress restrained specimen test was conducted to evaluate thermal cracking resistance. Additionally, mechanistic analysis was performed as an attempt to determine the pavement responses for each mix. In overall, the laboratory results and the mechanistic analysis showed that lime improved the mechanistic properties of Nevada's mixtures and its relative performance when is compared with the un-treated mixtures.

The design and construction of “long and deep” tunnels, i.e. tunnels under mountains, characterised by either considerable length and/or overburden, represent a considerable challenge. The scope of this book is not to instruct how to design and construct such tunnels but to share a method to identify the potential hazards related to the process of designing and constructing long and deep tunnels, to produce a relevant comprehensive analysis and listing, to quantify the probability and consequences, and to design proper mitigation measures and countermeasures. The design, developed using probabilistic methods, is verified during execution by means of the so called Plan for Advance of the Tunnel (PAT) method, which allows adapting the design and control parameters of the future stretches of the tunnel to the results of the stretches already finished, using the monitoring data base. Numerous criteria are given to identify the key parameters, necessary for the PAT procedure. Best practices of excavation management with the help of real time monitoring and control are also provided. Furthermore cost and time evaluation systems are analysed. Finally, contractual aspects related to construction by contract are investigated, for best development and application of models more appropriate for tunnelling-construction contracts. The work will be of interest to practising engineers, designers, consultants and students in mining, underground, tunnelling, transportation and construction engineering, as well as to foundation and geological engineers, urban planners/developers and architects.