Constructing High Performance Asphalt Pavements by Improving in Place Pavement Density

Increasing the density of asphalt concrete materials is expected to result in significant economic and environmental benefits by increasing asphalt mix strength and reducing cracking and rutting. In addition, reduced air-void content is expected to reduce permeability and moisture-induced pavement damage. Reduced permeability is also expected to reduce asphalt mix aging in the field and mitigate top-down cracking, which is currently the most critical distress type in Oregon. Improved cracking performance is expected to result in reduced life cycle costs, increased pavement condition ratings, and reduced roughness for the Oregon roadway network. This research study provided information and guidelines for ODOT to implement in asphalt mixture design to achieve high density and better compactibility during construction. Current Contractor Mix Design guidelines (suggested limits for filler contents, gyration levels, etc.) are expected to be modified based on the findings of this research study. Pilot sections with high densities (95-96%) were suggested to be constructed by using the asphalt mixes designed by following the findings of this research study. Long-term performance of pilot sections should be monitored by automated pavement condition surveys (performed every two years by ODOT) to further evaluate the impact of high density on rutting and cracking resistance. Using the results of this study, cost and performance benefits of using high-density mixes were quantified by life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA). Environmental impact of using warm-mix asphalt and increased recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) content strategies on compactibility and cracking resistance was also quantified and evaluated by using pavement life-cycle assessment (LCA).

• Record URL:
  https://www.oregon.gov/odot/Programs/ResearchDocuments/SPR826AsphaltPavementsImproving.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/60286
• Corporate Authors:

  Oregon State University, Corvallis

  School of Civil and Construction Engineering
  101 Kearney Hall
  Corvallis, OR  United States  97331-2302

  Oregon Dept. of Transportation

  ,    

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Kumar, Vikas
  • 0000-0002-8480-2654
  • Coleri, Erdem
  • 0000-0002-1904-878X
  • Obaid, Ihsan Ali
  • 0000-0001-9048-8342
• Publication Date: 2021-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Web
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 175p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Compaction; Density; Life cycle analysis; Pavement performance; Road construction; Warm mix paving mixtures
• Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01781802
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA-OR-RD-22-04, SPR 826
• Files: NTL, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 20 2021 2:52PM