The Wyoming T~2/LTAP Center and two Wyoming Counties investigated the use of RAPin gravel roads. The Wyoming DOT along with the Mountain Plains Consortium funded thisstudy. The investigation explored the use RAP as a means of dust suppression while consideringroad serviceability.Test sections were constructed in two Wyoming Counties and were monitored for dustloss using the Colorado State University Dustometer. Surface distress evaluations of the testsections were performed following a technique developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineersin Special Report 92-26: Unsurfaced Road Maintenance Management. The data collected wassummarized and statistically analyzed using statistical analysis software.Analysis of the relationship between dust and moisture content of the roadway as well asdust and wind speed were performed. A contrast analysis was also performed on the collecteddata. This technique allowed for more than one section to be in a given group allowing forcomparison to be made on more than a one-to-one basis. The groupings included sectionscontaining the following characteristics: Laramie County, Johnson County, RAP, no RAP,calcium chloride (CaCl), and no CaCl.The results of the contrast analysis allowed for fundamental conclusions andrecommendations to be made for RAP and its ability for dust suppression. It was found thatRAP incorporated into gravel roads can reduce dust loss. Other counties and agencies canexpand on this research to add another tool to their toolbox for dust control on gravel roads.
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