Effect of Inappropriate Binder Grade Selection on Initiation of Asphalt Pavement Cracking

Abstract

This paper is aimed at assessing in-service asphalt pavement cracking in order to fully understand its causes as well as reviewing the possible impact of implementing a new mix design method on failures observed. Field and laboratory investigations were conducted as well as a review of design and construction records. Substitution of a Performance Grade (PG) binder with straight run pen grade binder without performing independent Superpave PG verification tests greatly contributed to cracking. A 20/30 pen grade binder which was utilised had already undergone some change in its properties since its manufacture and therefore did not provide the required workability and crack resistance that it would otherwise have been expected to provide. Target mixing and compaction temperature ranges during construction were higher than those recommended confirming that the binder used had already undergone a change in its physical and chemical characteristics between the time of its manufacture and use. Additionally, a lapse in quality control and assurance during asphalt production and laying resulted in a highly voided wearing course which exacerbated the situation.

Durability of bitumen binder reinforced with polymer additives: Towards upgrading Nigerian local bitumen

“…Environmental factors, type, composition, and origin of bitumen [ 46 , 47 ], aggregate type and size, fillers [ 48 ], manufacturing process and temperature at which the mix is heated [ 7 ], used chemicals [ 49 ], are some of the factors that can affect durability and overall performance of bitumen pavements. The effects of these factors have been investigated on bitumen binder and its mixture with aggregates.…”

Climate Zones of the Asphalt Binder Performance for the Highway Pavement Design

“…Areas affected by high temperatures are almost all over the coastal area province located in the south of Yemen, and the low temperature is mainly affected by the mountainous area located in the northern part of Yemen. Field Experiments showed that the changes in the temperature of the asphalt pavement structure change with the surrounding environment, these changes make the properties and the conditions of the pavement materials change correspondingly [15][16][17].…”

“…Although most parts of Yemen are dry with little rainfall, in the hot and rainy season, the asphalt pavement is seriously damaged after heavy rain, especially after exposure to the sun. Therefore, the negative impact of rainwater must be fully considered when selecting the structural combination and materials of the asphalt pavement [17].…”

Effect of Unstable Mix under Severe Traffic Loading on Performance of Asphalt Pavements in Tropical Climate

“…Tests were conducted on 3 samples and average values used for analysis. e methods used in the selection of sections, as well as conducting field and laboratory investigations, are as already presented elsewhere [30].…”