Robert Bosch Vehicle Dynamic Area


Project Highlights:

  • MDOT mix design specific to the project, with three lifts required to achieve a 5-inch thick pavement
  • International Ride Index (IRI) of 30 measured longitudinally and diagonally to ensure ride quality
  • For us to ensure a smooth finish, a Roadtech material transfer vehicle equipped with a 40-foot conveyor to continuously feed the paver was used for the VDA pad

What We Did


Originally built by Ajax in the 1980s, the Vehicle Dynamic Area was in dire need of a new design and upgrade. Ajax was involved with every aspect of removal and reconstruction of the existing VDA and construction of a new 30-degree banked, high-speed parabolic return road. The newly designed 139,000 square-yard VDA pad required a 12-inch crushed limestone base course, 5 inches of HMA pavement, and a wearing surface of 1.5-inch HMA Superpave mixture specifically designed for a surface coefficient of friction of 90mu.

Stringent ride quality specs required an International Roughness Index (IDI) of 30 measured longitudinally and diagonally. An MDOT mix design was used for the project with three lifts required to make the 5-inch pavement. Keeping with Bosch’s “green” commitment, a portion of the existing asphalt pavement was recycled and mixed with on-site materials for the track’s shoulders.

High-Performance Paving

When millions of dollars are riding on the line, racing bodies and automotive manufacturers alike turn to Ajax Paving. Thanks to our highly experienced crews and the most advanced equipment in the industry, we can meet specifications for consistency to fractions of an inch across miles of track. Ajax Paving is one of two road construction companies in the nation to make the cut by NASCAR®. Their high-power race cars can go over 200 mph, so track surface quality and precision are essential for victory and driver safety. Fans can catch our work on race days at Michigan International Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, and Watkins Glen International. Additionally, Ajax is always on the shortlist for precision paving projects for automakers. Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation, Fiat Chrysler Automotive, and Toyota Motor Corporation have all trusted Ajax to help them build proving grounds to test their next generation of cars, trucks, and SUVs.
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