Ruggedness Evaluation and Precision Estimates for Newly Developed Test Methods for Asphalt-Treated Cold Recycled Pavements

Abstract

Asphalt-treated cold recycled pavements, including cold in place recycling, full depth reclamation, and cold central plant recycling, are becoming popular rehabilitation options because they are economical, sustainable, and provide good performance. Because asphalt-treated cold recycled pavements use foamed or emulsified binder, they require a curing period post-construction before being opened to traffic or surfaced. Uniform guidelines on when an asphalt-treated cold recycled roadway can be opened to traffic or surfaced are not widely established, many are based on time or moisture content, and extreme ranges exist among agency specifications. Mixture designs also vary widely among agencies with regard to active filler use and asphalt recycling agents, further complicating the determination of necessary curing time. NCHRP Project 09-62 investigated a variety of test methods for determining when a recycled roadway could be opened to traffic or surfaced. This included extensive laboratory and field evaluations. New shear strength and raveling test methods were developed. For each test method a ruggedness study and inter-laboratory study were performed. The ruggedness study revealed critical test fixture and operation parameters. Six asphalt-treated cold recycled pavement process/material combinations were tested by three entities to develop precision estimates and statements (i.e., repeatability and reproducibility) for the new test methods. Tools and information from this study provide a rational basis for establishing specifications, which will help reduce pavement damage from early traffic and minimize roadway closures and delays.