Research into Applications of Acrylic Fibres in Porous Asphalt: Laboratory, Numerical and Field Study

Abstract

A laboratory and numerical study were conducted to gain insight into the performance of a short fibre containing Porous Asphalt (PA) mixture. Laboratory works include microscopy analysis and mechanical tests using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). From microscopic analysis it was observed that the fibre serve as a good drainage inhibitor. The DSR test results showed the fibre has stiffening effect to the mastic and improved fatigue behaviour. Numerical work performed to evaluate winter performance showed that the fibre containing PA mixture has comparable performance with other good-performing PA layers in literature. Field performance data that was obtained from test sites constructed on Dutch motorways showed the fibre-containing PA is performing very well. The results from the laboratory and numerical investigations were found consistent with the performance data obtained from field observations. The methods used in this study demonstrated the possibility of utilizing the lab and numerical methods for evaluating expected performances of newly designed PA mixtures. Based on the obtained results on the use of acrylic fibres, the good performance of the fibre containing PA mixtures potentially indicate a new route to PA layer design without the use of polymer modified bitumen.