Comparative study on mechanical characteristics of precast HMA block versus concrete block

ABSTRACT

While precast cement mortar block has often been used in modular pavement, precast HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) block has the advantages of flexible behaviour, no curing and recycling, etc. In this project, the mechanical characteristics of the precast HMA block were evaluated by comparing with precast cement mortar block. The objective of this project was to develop a method for the design of precast HMA block and the evaluation of its mechanical characteristics. The research contents include proportion design and preparation of precast HMA block, mechanical test of precast HMA block, comparative analysis between precast HMA block and precast cement mortar block. Through analysis on the mechanical characteristics of precast HMA block with non-reinforced and reinforced, the research results have indicated that the bending strength of precast HMA block decreases gradually with the increase of aggregate diameter. The comparative results have further indicated that the bending strength of precast HMA block can match the strength of the precast cement mortar block and that it can be applied in modular asphalt pavement. The precast HMA block has provided a feasible technology in modular pavement option.

KEYWORDS:

• Asphalt pavement
• precast HMA block
• cement concrete block
• bending strength
• mechanical characteristics

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully appreciate the supports from the province key laboratory of road in Northeast Forestry University and the foundations for the project of National Natural Science Foundation of China (E080703) and the project of Heilongjiang Traffic and Transportation Department.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.