PUTTING THE "SUPER" BACK IN SUPERPAVE : INCREASING DURABILITY IN SUPERPAVE MIXES

Superpave is a system that includes requirements for aggregates, asphalt binders and the compacted mixture. These requirements are in place to help ensure that resulting pavements are rut resistant and durable. In a recent National Center for Asphalt Technology review, Superpave was shown to provide good resistance to rutting. However, the report indicated durability problems. Problems included fatigue damage, age hardening and damage caused by extreme weather. One solution is to develop better mix designs. For instance, a higher asphalt bind content in asphalt concrete mixtures has been shown to increase resistance to fatigue and to reduce the potential for moisture damage. However, high bind contents make rutting more likely. In addition, good construction practices are essential to increasing durability. Of key importance are physical segregation of the mix and proper compaction of the mix on the roadway.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • January/February 2004; Page range: pp 17, 19-21
• Authors:
  • Christensen, D
  • Cooley, A
• Publication Date: 2004-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos;
• Pagination: 4 p.
• Serial:
  • HMAT: Hot Mix Asphalt Technology
  • Volume: 9
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregate gradation; Asphalt pavements; Bituminous binders; Density; Durability; Hot mix asphalt; Superpave
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00971465
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
• Files: BTRIS, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 1 2004 12:00AM