GB5: innovative design of high-performance asphalt mixes for longlife and cost-effective pavements by optimizing aggregates and using SBS modified bitumens

Aggregate packing concepts developed in the field of high-performance cement concretes, initially by Caquot then by contemporary researchers since the 1970's, were transposed to the field of asphalt concretes. These concepts, associated with the use of the gyratory compactor on aggregates only, enabled the development of a new laboratory design procedure of dense high-modulus asphalt concretes. These mixes are characterized by great coarse aggregate interlock and no need for low penetration grade bitumens to obtain the EME2 specifications requirements, in particular the 14,000MPa stiffness modulus value at 15 degrees C. Besides, the use of only 3.9 per cent of SBS modified bitumen combined with such an optimized aggregate packing leads to the design of the so-called GB5 material, showing excellent compactability, very high stiffness modulus and above all high fatigue resistance in a single formulation, allowing for reduced pavement thickness and greater longevity. Laboratory assessment of such materials consisted in the evaluation of compactability, moisture resistance, rutting resistance at 60 degrees C, complex stiffness modulus at 15 degrees C and fatigue resistance at 10 degrees C. Apart from these results, the paper also addresses the successful application of this new material on different job sites, located mainly in France. The paper illustrates that the proposed innovative material may be potentially considered from now on as a relevant solution for sustainable long life pavements that do not deteriorate structurally, needing only timely surface maintenance.

• Authors:
  • Olard, F
• Conference:
  • Conference on Asphalt Pavements for Southern Africa [CAPSA11], 10th, 2011, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
• Publication Date: 2011-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 16p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregates; Bitumen; Compaction; Durability; Pavement components; Pavement design; Pavement performance
• Uncontrolled Terms: Pavement technology
• ATRI Terms: Aggregate; Bitumen; Compaction; Durability; Pavement design; Pavement materials; Pavement performance
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01381326
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 22 2012 12:03PM