An in-situ method to evaluate the interlayer bond between hot-mix asphalt and portland cement concrete surface

Abstract

Proper bonding between different layers of a composite pavement is a major factor in ensuring that the entire structure acts as a monolithic layer under load. This paper studies the bonding between hot mix asphalt (HMA) overlay and Portland cement concrete (PCC) pavement using tack coats. An in-situ pull-off test method was developed for use on project sites on a routine basis to screen and test the quality of bond between asphalt layer and concrete layer. This test replaces the arduous process of coring through often times very thick concrete layer with steel rebars, transporting the core to a lab, trimming the concrete side of the core to fit the shear jig, and finally conducting a shear test. Results show that the in-situ pull-off test method developed in this study is strongly correlated to the laboratory based direct shear test. Limits were also suggested to indicate an adequate bond strength in the PCC–HMA interlayer on the basis of laboratory and field testing. This study also evaluates the influence of various factors on the performance of the interlayer bond in laboratory. These factors include the type of tack coat, application rate, the texture of the concrete pavement surface, the surface cleanliness and the surface moisture. Results indicate that sandblasting and hydro-demolition textures offer the best interlayer bond strength, the influence of application rate is not significant on the interlayer bond strength and the influence of surface moisture and cleanliness are dependent on the type PCC surface texture.