Improving the Design and Construction of Pavements Impacted by Energy Development in the Permian Basin

The exploration, development, production, and delivery of oil and gas from the Permian Basin have been ongoing for 100 years. These activities have been an important part of the Texas economy and will continue to provide economic opportunity to the state and the nation. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been responsible for providing most of the transportation network for this oil and gas development and production over the years. While the Permian Basin has experienced boom and bust cycles, the fact remains that this is the third largest oil and gas reserve in the world, and drilling, development, and production will take place over the next 50-plus years at a minimum. TxDOT must continue to provide the backbone transportation network for this vital part of the state's economy. Technological improvements in design, materials, mixtures, and construction and maintenance operations have given TxDOT a variety of improved tools to construct, rehabilitate, and maintain the roadway network in the Permian Basin. This document provides state-of-the-practice methodologies for consideration by the Odessa Districts to cost-effectively rehabilitate and maintain this roadway network. The items for consideration are divided into three topics: 1. Structural design of pavements. 2. Construction materials selection. 3. Construction.