Field and Laboratory Performance of Superpave Mixtures in Nevada

Abstract

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has strongly supported Superpaver-related research and implementation efforts since the completion of the Strategic Highway Research Program. However, it is one of the state highway agencies that has not implemented use of the Superpave mix design system. Instead of rapidly implementing Super-pave in the mid-1990s, NDOT chose to build field test sections composed of Superpave and the mixtures conventionally used at the time (Hveem) and placed side-by-side to evaluate the Superpave system relative to the system in use. Extensive laboratory evaluations were conducted on the materials and mixtures placed on each section, and field performance was monitored over time. This study presents a synopsis of the field and laboratory performance information gathered over the past 6 years. Planned NDOT evaluations of Superpave mixtures based on the findings of this effort to date are outlined.