Usage of emulsion mixes to mitigate the effect of subgrade movements

The standard pavement structure in Canada consists of layers of manufactured materials laid onto an often-heterogeneous roadbed soil. The upper portion of the roadbed soil is commonly exposed to frost action. Differential frost heaving of frost-susceptible roadbed soils may lead to distortion and subsequent cracking of the pavement upper layers. Complete excavation of frost-susceptible material is not economically viable in all cases. Emulsion mixes have been used successfully to follow roadbed soil movement without cracking. Laboratory and field observations indicate that emulsion mixes have membrane-like mechanical properties rather than the slab-like properties of standard hot bituminous mixtures. Furthermore, emulsion mixes are not as susceptible to thermal cracking as regular standard hot bituminous mixtures. Emulsion mixes are used as base layer in a pavement structure as well as surfacing courses. They are produced in cold mix plants as well as with mix-pavers. The aggregate gradation of these mixes may be open or dense. The experience acquired over the last 25 years in Ontario has contributed to define the conditions under which these emulsion mixes may be produced and used. This paper presents an overview of emulsion mixes as well as the work carried out on York/Durham Line 30 in York Region.

• Authors:
  • Croteau, J -
  • Boston, B
  • Davidson, J K
• Conference:
  • World of Asphalt Pavements, International Conference, 1st, 2000, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 28-43 (Session 2c)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Cracking; Emulsions; Field tests; Frost; Laboratory tests; Mix design; Motion; Pavement components; Pavement performance; Soil structure interaction
• Geographic Terms: Canada
• ATRI Terms: Cracking; Emulsion; Field test; Frost; Laboratory test; Mix design; Movement; Pavement materials; Pavement performance; Soil structure interaction
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01395275
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 23 2012 12:24PM