Purdue University Lyles School of Civil Engineering Professor Jan Olek’s paper, "Quick Determination of Freeze-Thaw Durability of Concrete Aggregate Using the Indiana DOT Hydraulic Fracture Test Equipment" was selected as the Transportation Research Board 2015 Best Paper for the Geology and Properties Section of the Mineral Aggregates Committee.

The TRB paper was based on JTRP research conducted by Professor Olek and Purdue Research Scientist Nancy Whiting to determine if an alternate test procedure could be developed to determine the expansion of aggregates in freeze/thaw applications. “The current test procedure to determine the AP status of aggregates is a 3.5 month test and the Hydraulic Fracture Test would reduce this to 8 days,” states Ron Walker, INDOT, upon approval for implementation in June 2015. In an additional test on recycled materials, HFT provides contractors assurance for quick feedback of the AP status of the recycled concrete to be used in PCCP, thereby increasing the number of sources that provide AP virgin aggregates for concrete. Walker, along with Tommy Nantung of INDOT and consultant Mark Snyder are among those who collaborated on the project.

Professor Olek and co-authors Nancy Whiting, Belayaneh Desta, Mark Snyder and Tommy Nantung will accept the award at the 2016 TRB Conference in January.