Planning and execution of research and testing programs utilizing our laboratory capabilities for special construction materials and methods; evaluation of solid waste disposal utilization potential; systems design and analysis; computer applications; product evaluation; engineering services concerning property damage investigations.
An example of VFL's capabilities in this area is our Patent for Lightweight Synthetic Aggregate developed as part of a US Department of Energy research effort.
PENNDOT PLANNING AND RESEARCH PROJECTS:
As prime contractor, VFL is under contract to PENNDOT to provide rapid forensic investigative services on an as-needed basis. The "Materials-Related Forensic Analysis Specialized Testing" program has been in progress since 1994 and in its current funding level of $3 million will continue through mid-2005. Thirty work orders were issued for new product assessments and forensic investigation during the first two contracts and they included: water proofing membranes, insulating for cold weather concrete, geotextiles, dowel bars and many other new products. The following is a partial list of work order subjects:
Drying Shrinkage Evaluation of Bridge Decks with Class AAA and Concrete with or without Type K Cement.
Investigation of the Substandard Performance of Concrete Pavement Shoulders on Sections SR 0080 in District 4.
Long Term Pavement Performance of Asphalt and Bituminous Concrete Samples.
Evaluation of Pavement Base Drain Geotextile and Premature Cracking PennDOT District 1-0.
Investigation of Pavement Slab Failures on Renewed Sections of Roads in Districts No. 1 and No. 3, Mercer, Union, Montour-Northumberland, Montour-Columbia, and Columbia Counties.
PHASE II - Investigation of Pavement Slab Failures on Renewed Sections of Route I-80 in Districts No. 1 and No. 3, Mercer, Union, Montour, Northumberland, and Columbia Counties.
Median Barrier Investigation in Districts 2-0, 10-0, and 12-0.
Metallurgical Investigation of Reinforcing Steel.
Testing of Neoprene Bearing Pads.
Determination of Total and Free CaO in Steel Slag Aggregate.
Fire Damage Assessment: Concrete Bridge Deck on I-81, Structure No. 53008112942091, Schuylkill Co., District 5-0.
Dowel Pullout and Corrosion Characteristics as Affected by Long Term Storage.
Flexible Pavement Crack Sealing.
Length Change of Hardened Cement Concrete for Pavements.
Determination of Soil Strength and Consolidation Parameters.
Develop the engineering properties for a pre-cast concrete parapet wall and the connection of the parapet wall to the bridge deck on the SR 0083.
4.75 mm Superpave HMA Mixes plus Rubber and Rubber with Additive for SGC Sample Testing.
Evaluation of Lithium Vacuum Impregnation on an Existing Structure (ELVIS).
Driving Safety Enhancements for Curves.
Evaluation of Steel Paving Mesh Installations by FWD Analysis.
Develop and Evaluate a Plan for a Consistency Evaluation of Hot-Mix Asphalt Plant Production.
Evaluation of Sensitivity of Indirect Tensile Test for Usefulness in Determining the Rut Resistance of Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures.
Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Cement Concrete for Highway Construction Applications.
Special Provisions and Use Guidelines for Product Evaluations.
Laboratory Evaluation of Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) Mixtures Containing Recycled or Waste Product Materials Using Performance Testing.
Research and Special Studies 
