Influence of binder and mixture properties on thermal cracking of asphalt pavements

Title: Influence of binder and mixture properties on thermal cracking of asphalt pavements
Author(s): A. Shah, J. Olek, R. S. McDaniel
Paper category : conference
Book title: Fifth International RILEM Conference on Reflective Cracking in Pavements
Editor(s): C. Petit, I.L. Al-Qadi and A. Millien
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-47-0
e-ISBN: 2912143764
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 241 - 248
Total Pages: 8
Nb references: 6
Language: English

Abstract: This study was conducted a part of the Indiana's Specific Pavement Study 9-A (SPS9-A) program to study the long-term pavement performance (LTPP) of Superpave mixtures in the field. A 2.5-km long asphalt pavement consisting of six test sections, each with a different binder grade was constructed on interstate highway I-70 E near Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. Of the six test sections, one was a Marshall mix, four were Superpave mixes and the one was a Superpave mix with 15% recycled asphalt pavement (RAP). One of the test sections was instrumented to record the pavement and air temperature on site. Field core samples were recovered from the site every six months for a period of two years and an additional set was obtained at the end of four years. Binder was extracted and recovered from the surface layer of the cores and binder tests (Dynamic Shear Rheometer, Bending Beam Rheometer and Direct Tension Tester) were conducted. Low temperature testing was conducted on mixture samples obtained from the field at the time of construction using the Indirect Tensile Tester (IDT). Field distress surveys were conducted to observe the pavement condition and distress maps were generated at the end of 1.5 and 3.5 years. The BBR and DTT data were analysed using thermal stress analysis software (TSAR). The critical temperatures obtained from both BBR testing and TSAR analysis were compared with mixture critical temperature obtained from IDT testing and correlated with the observed thermal cracking in the test sections. In addition, mixture stiffness at 60 s obtained from creep compliance testing and indirect tensile strength were used to assess the relative performance of the mixtures. It was observed that the minimum pavement temperature, as indicated by the pavement temperature data, did not exceed the critical temperatures of the surface course mixtures. However, it did exceed the mixture critical temperature of the intermediate course for two test sections. Maximum amount of thermal cracking was observed in these two sections.

Online publication: 2004-04-15
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00