High-Performance Thin-Lift Overlays with High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Content and Warm-Mix Asphalt Technology

Abstract

A high-performance thin asphalt overlay (HPThinOL) is specified as having a thickness of 1 in. or less and is used in applications requiring high levels of rutting and fatigue resistance. HPThinOLs are used as a pavement preservation strategy and are placed on pavements that have remaining structural capacity that is expected to outlive that strategy. Current specifications for HPThinOLs generally call for a polymer-modified asphalt (PMA). However, PMA binders are more expensive than unmodified asphalt binders. This expense, coupled with the higher binder content requirement generally associated with HPThinOL, could lead to an initial higher cost in relation to other pavement preservation strategies. Although the higher initial cost can be offset by incorporating high amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), the use of high amounts of RAP in PMA mixtures might adversely affect the mixture performance (stiffness, cracking, or workability). Warm-mix asphalt (WMA) technology may improve the workability of HPThinOL that incorporates high RAP content and PMA binders. This study evaluated the effect of PMA binders, high RAP content, and WMA technology on the stiffness, resistance to reflective cracking, moisture susceptibility, and workability of HPThinOL mixtures. PMA binders and high RAP content increased the stiffness of HPThinOL significantly; however, the use of WMA technology lowered mixture stiffness and improved workability. PMA may improve the cracking resistance, moisture susceptibility, and rutting resistance of high-RAP HPThinOL mixtures, depending on whether a WMA technology is used.