Abstract
To enhance the crack resistance of asphalt-treated base (ATB), a type of gapped and semiopened gradation ATB mixture, GSOG, was designed. Its design method was proposed based on the volume design method and performance tests. Firstly, several gradations were designed preliminarily in which middle particle sizes of coarse aggregates were partially or completely gapped according to the gradation specification. Secondly, their voids in coarse aggregates (VCA) were determined through dry rod compaction test on coarse aggregates, and then their theoretical voids were calculated. Gradations whose theoretical voids met the requirements were selected to fabricate specimens with Superpave Gyratory Compactor, and their voids were determined using vacuum sealing method and submerged weight in water method. Finally, gradations whose voids meet requirements were selected to fabricate different types of specimens for various performance tests, and the optimal gradation can be selected comprehensively considering their performances, especially focusing on their crack resistance. According to this gradation design method, the gradation of GSOG-25 was designed, and its performances, including high-temperature stability, water stability, fatigue, and antireflection crack resistance, were measured and compared to ordinary ATB-25. The results demonstrate that the performance of GSOG-25 is much better than that of ordinary ATB-25, especially in anticracking capacity.
Highlights
In China, semirigid inorganic binding material stabilized macadam was used as a base course in 95% of asphalt pavements [1, 2]
The cracks in the base course will result in reflection cracks through asphalt pavement surface after being opened to traffic for only 1 or 2 years whether the pavement is in the frozen or unfrozen regions
In order to improve the reflection crack resistance of asphalt-treated base (ATB), the requirements of the mixture and gradation characteristics were put forward, and the gradation design procedures were put forward based on the volume design method and performances tests
Summary
In China, semirigid inorganic binding material stabilized macadam was used as a base course in 95% of asphalt pavements [1, 2]. The semirigid base course can objectively provide the necessary structural capacity for pavement under heavy traffic condition in our country. The cracks in the base course will result in reflection cracks through asphalt pavement surface after being opened to traffic for only 1 or 2 years whether the pavement is in the frozen or unfrozen regions. Schwartz and Khosravifar studied the design and evaluation of foamed asphalt base materials [18]. Li et al studied the materials and temperature effects on the resilient response of asphalttreated alaskan base course materials [20]. Zhang et al studied the volumetric properties and permeability of asphalt-treated permeable base mixtures [22]. The best performance was shown by pavement sections with asphalt-treated bases [23]
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