Who is the intended end user for this device?
As you say, there are few building contractors familiar with performing AASHTO T 363, so accelerating this test will not benefit those not currently performing it. Perhaps the cost benefit comes from reduced failures and maintenance costs? How will DOT evaluate the broad benefit from this new technology in terms of who will actually be using it.
Justin Italiano
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Michelle Cooper
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The proposed solution should be usable in laboratory or field settings. If the proposed solution is intended for laboratory purposes, then end users for the device may include laboratories performing materials evaluations, quality control testing, and/or materials acceptance testing. If the proposed solution is intended for field settings, then end users for the device may include laboratories, researchers, contractors, and/or agencies. The ability to measure total shrinkage and expansion of cementitious materials immediately upon initial stress development may reduce the need to separately measure chemical, autogenous, and drying shrinkage, and therefore reduce the number of tests performed to arrive at a total shrinkage measurement.