Research
I decided to post updates every now and then discussing the research I am doing for my masters degree. My topic relates to pavement design in arid regions. The specific topic is the design of highway pavements on expansive subgrade.
Texas department of transportation uses a very different model to account for subgrade expansion than Arizona does. My goal is to compare the two models using soils in Arizona. If I can obtain actual pavement performance data and link it to the properties of the subgrade I will be able to determine which model provides a more accurate prediction of how the roadway will respond, and therefore recommend a design method suitable for the soil in Arizona.
At the moment it seems like a very daunting task. First I have to figure out exactly how the Texas method works, and either obtain the computer code used in Texas, or write some myself to provide pavement designs for specific soil characteristics. Since I am familiar with the design methods used by the Arizona Department of Transportation it won’t be so difficult to write computer code for this.
Once this is done it will be a bit easier. I will feed the programs the same soil data and see what the recommended pavement design is. I will then compare the results and see how the two are related, if there is any relation. If I can get my hands on pavement performance data I will feed the programs the soil information and see which, if any, of the design methods is able to predict the actual pavement performance.
Then comes the time to write.
Hopefully I will be able to have all of this done by mid November. It is still dark, but there is a little light at the end of the tunnel.
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2 Responses to “Research”
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Wow… That’s a lot of work… You need to get crackin’!
An advanced degree is a very wonderful accomplishment. Your thesis sounds interesting and practical. Your ability to study and draw conclusions will carry over into all aspects of life and be a blessing to your family and others. (i.e. I’m sure you will eventually get a good product from your bread machine as well as a Masters Degree.)