Innovative Design Approach to High-Performance Asphalt Concretes with Long-Life Base and Binder Courses by Use of Aggregate Packing Concepts and Polymer-Modified Binders

First, the aggregate packing methods initially developed in the field of high-performance cement concretes were successfully transposed to the field of asphalt concretes. Indeed, some basic concepts associated with granular combinations and aggregate packing characteristics, along with the use of the gyratory compactor (GC) on aggregates only, enabled the development of a new laboratory design procedure of high-modulus self-blocking asphalt concretes with great aggregate interlock. Second, the use of polymer modified binders (PMB's) combined with such an optimized aggregate packing led to the design of the so-called high-performance asphalt concretes (HPAs) characterized by an excellent compactability, a very high stiffness modulus and especially a high fatigue resistance in a single formulation, allowing for a reduced pavement thickness and an increased longevity. The paper illustrates that polymer modified high-modulus asphalt concrete 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 to maintain their overall condition. Laboratory assessment of such HPAs for long-life base and binder courses consisted in the evaluation of compactability using the gyratory compactor (GC), moisture resistance using the so-called Duriez test, rutting resistance thanks to the wheel tracking tester at 60°C, complex stiffness modulus at 15°C and fatigue resistance at 10°C.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Olard, Francois
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2011-1-23 to 2011-1-27
• Date: 2011

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: DVD
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 14p
• Monograph Title: TRB 90th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt concrete; Binder course; High performance concrete; Innovation; Interlocking aggregates; Pavement design; Service life
• Uncontrolled Terms: Aggregate packing; Gyratory compactors; Polymer modified binders
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01334156
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 11-0259
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Mar 25 2011 10:28AM