Description

While overlays are widely used, they are not always targeted. Targeted overlay pavement solutions, or TOPS, uses different overlays for different locations where they can get the biggest bang for your buck. Targeted means the selection and intentional use of the most effective, enhanced, and longer-lasting method.

In the United States, there is a huge gap between available funding and needed funding for highways and bridges. There is also a significant portion of roadways that are in poor or mediocre condition. Those deteriorated roadways have real impacts on the users of the transportation system.

Many of the pavements in the Nation's highway system have reached or are approaching the end of their design life. These roadways still carry daily traffic that often far exceeds their initial design criteria. Overlays are now available for both asphalt and concrete pavements that enable agencies to provide long-life performance under a wide range of traffic, environmental, and existing pavement conditions. This is where TOPS come in.

TOPS integrate innovative asphalt and concrete overlay procedures into practices that can improve performance, lessen traffic impacts, and reduce the cost of pavement ownership.

Topics covered

• Introduction to TOPS
• Mix Types and Applications
• Construction and Inspection
• Quality Control and Best Practices

Who Should Take This Course

This course is intended for a variety of positions within local agencies and tribal governments, focused on those in pavement and materials engineering, design engineering, and supervisory roles, as well as those providing input and information in support of agency decisionmakers, such as consultant engineers.

Accessing the Course

This training is offered via the course management system Canvas. Upon completing your online registration, you will receive an email confirmation. To access the course, please visit Canvas and login with your University of Minnesota internet ID and password. Once you have been enrolled, your course will appear on your Canvas dashboard.

If for any reason you do not have access to the course after enrolling, please contact Katherine Stanley at sell0146@umn.edu for assistance.

Technical Requirements

Because it's built using web standards, Canvas runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, or any other device with a modern web browser. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer work best for this course.

Credit

• To the best of our knowledge, this course meets the continuing education requirements for 3.0 PDHs as outlined in Minnesota Statute 326.107. More information concerning continuing education for professionals is available on the Minnesota Board of AELSLAGID website.

Sponsors

This course is sponsored by the Minnesota Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) at the University of Minnesota. Minnesota LTAP is sponsored by the Minnesota Local Road Research Board (LRRB) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Course curriculum was developed and compiled by FHWA Center for Local Aid Support in conjunction with a technical advisory panel of experts including local agencies and state DOTs.