Study on Field Application of Glass Fiber-reinforced Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract

PURPOSES : This study evaluated the field applicability and laboratory performance of glass fiber-reinforced asphalt (GFRA) mixtures. METHODS : The general hot-mix asphalt (HMA) and GFRA mixtures were paved in five sites, including three national highways, one express highway, and an arterial road, to evaluate field applicability and durability. The plant mixing and construction method for the GFRA were similar to those for the general HMA. The lab performances of the field samples were relatively compared through the mechanical measures from the Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, and dynamic stability. The field performance was surveyed after a year. RESULTS : The lab tests verified the superior lab performances of the GFRA compared to the general HMA. The Marshall stability of the GFRA increased for about 128% of the general HMA. The indirect tensile strength of the GFRA was 115% greater than that of the general HMA. The dynamic stability of the GFRA resulted in 16,180 reps/mm, which indicated that high rut resistance may be expected. No noticeable defects, such as cracks or deformation, were observed for the GFRA sections after a year. CONCLUSIONS : The lab tests and field survey for the five GFRA sites resulted in superior performances compared to the general HMA. The relatively low-cost GFRA, which required no pre-processing procedures, such as polymer modification, may be a promising alternative to the polymer-modified asphalt mixtures. The long-term performance will be verified by the superior field durability of the GFRA in the near future.