Performance of Polymer Modified Asphalt Mixes in Kentucky

Abstract

Historically, Kentucky has been synonymous with coal. This is because Kentucky produces 160 million tons of coal per year. This translates into relatively heavy volumes of coal-haul truck traffic moving on public highways. Excessive load and tire pressure are common problems in Kentucky. In response to these severe truck traffic conditions, the Kentucky Department of Highways in conjunction with the Kentucky Transportation Center developed an experimental program to evaluate effectiveness of modified asphalt systems that are available in the market. This paper deals with two projects that were designed to study polymer modified asphalts. Polymer modified asphalts are claimed to: (a) reduce thermal cracking, usually associated with low temperatures and (b) reduce rutting, usually associated with high temperatures and heavy loads. Kentucky's unique environment conditions provided the opportunity to test these claims.

Material Utilization in Military Pavement Systems (MUMPS) Program - FY 95.

“…Although Fleckenstein, Mahboub, and Allen (1992) reported the polymermodified mixture to be less susceptible to rutting, they also reported its cost to be approximately 30 percent higher than the cost of a similar unmodified mixture. The modified mixture cost about $52 per metric ton, while the unmodified mixrure cost about $40 per metric ton.…”

“…Marshall stability increased and creep stiffness at 40 oc (104 °F}, increased by 100 percent (Ahlrich and Anderton 1994). Fleckenstein, Mahboub, and Allen (1992) reported the use of an SBSmodified asphalt concrete for a highway pavement in Kentucky. As part of preliminary laboratory testing, resilient modulus tests were performed at room temperature.…”

Rheological and Mechanical Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt Incorporating Polypropylene and Polyethylene Fibers

“…The rheological characteristics of polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) mixtures are of particular interest due to their tight relationship with pavement performance. In addition, the modest amount of polymer fibers drastically alters the asphalt's rheological properties [19]. It is essential to accurately and effectively characterize pavement material to comprehend the behavior and response of asphalt mixtures to environmental stimulation and traffic loads.…”

“…The rheological behavior of PMA is of particular interest due to its tight relationship with pavement performance. In addition, the modest amount of polymer fibers drastically alters the asphalt's rheological properties [19].…”

Assurance of the Quality of the Asphalt Concrete Coating in the Zone of the Longitudinal Joint of Strips

“…Дослідження [3][4][5][6], які проведені у США та Європі, показують, що основними причинами виникнення дефектів є недостатня щільність та надмірна пористість асфальтобетону у зоні стиків. Так, у роботах [3,4] зазначається, що навіть при проведенні спеціальних заходів щодо підвищення надійності стиків захваток, щільність асфальтобетону на таких ділянках нижча, ніж в основному покритті.…”