The effect of binder film thickness on asphalt cracking and ravelling

Asphalt mixes require a minimum amount of bitumen binder to ensure cohesion, durability and a minimum level of fatigue resistance in a mix after it is placed. In the Austroads asphalt mix design procedure this is addressed by the requirement for a minimum binder film thickness value of 7.5 micrometres. This requirement was based on the results of field and laboratory investigations. The most useful evidence was the field performance of VicRoads' mixes placed with a range of film thicknesses between 1962 and 1975. Information on the film thickness used by VicRoads at a later period is also presented, together with the results of a laboratory investigation to determine the effect of binder film thickness on asphalt fatigue life. The separate effects of a change in binder content and a change in compaction on fatiguelife were determined from these laboratory results. A further study showed that where increase in film thickness was caused by increase in binder content, the expected increase in fatigue life occurred. However, where the same calculated increase in film thickness was caused by a decrease in filler content there was no change in fatigue life. It was concluded that, based on the available data, the existing minimum film thickness requirement of 7.5 micrometres should be retained.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/26087078
• Authors:
  • Oliver, J W
• Publication Date: 2011-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 3-13
• Serial:
  • Road and Transport Research
  • Volume: 20
  • Issue Number: 3
  • Publisher: ARRB
  • ISSN: 1037-5783

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt; Binders; Bitumen; Cracking; Mixtures; Pavement performance; Pavements
• Uncontrolled Terms: Pavement technology
• Geographic Terms: Australia
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01357366
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ARRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Nov 28 2011 8:03AM