Effect of Binder Modification and Recycled Asphalt Pavement on the Performance of Permeable Friction Course

Abstract

Permeable Friction Course (PFC) is a hot-mix asphalt that contains interconnecting voids that provide improved pavement surface drainage during rainfall. The objective of this study was to determine if PFC mixtures which incorporate reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) will provide performances that are similar to PFC mixtures which only use virgin materials and whether binder type will affect performance. Utilizing current design specifications, PFCs were designed with RAP contents of 0%, 15%, and 25% and four asphalt binders. These mixtures were subject to a barrage of tests which measured their ability to resist draindown, abrasion, fatigue cracking, rutting, and moisture damage. Other testing determined permeability, porosity and workability. Rutting testing employed the industry standard asphalt pavement analyzer. Fatigue cracking and moisture susceptibility testing utilized the semicircular bending test. It was determined that it is possible to design a PFC incorporating RAP which will have good performance. However, this will only be achieved when the proper materials are used. The RAP must be properly fractionated and a modified binder such as asphalt rubber or a highly modified asphalt binder (HiMA) must be used. The mixture tests combined with Life Cycle Cost Analyses demonstrated that a PFC with up to 15% RAP combined with an asphalt rubber or HiMA can provide good performance and be cost effective. Furthermore, the use of 25% RAP in combination with these binders was only limited by the asphalt rubber not meeting the specification for permeability.