Influence of shotblasting treatment on asphalt pavement performance

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of using shotblasting treatment to improve surface friction of asphalt pavements. This study selected six pavement sections with low skid resistance from the National Center for Asphalt Technology Test Track for shotblasting abrasion. These sections included three surface mixture types (open-graded friction course and dense-graded asphalt with and without reclaimed asphalt pavement material) and four coarse aggregate types (limestone, granite, dolomite and sandstone). The dynamic friction tester and lock-wheel skid trailer were used to measure the surface friction of these sections at the different traffic polishing cycles. In addition, the pavement performance including rut depth, cracking and surface roughness were periodically monitored. The test results indicated that shotblasting treatment was effective in improving the friction performance of asphalt pavements and had no detrimental impact on pavement performance in terms of cracking, rutting and surface roughness. The friction improvement by shotblasting treatment was significantly dependent on surface mixture type and coarse aggregate type.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank specially the friction team from the Alabama Department of Transportation for conducting the locked-wheel skid trailer test, Jason Nelson from NCAT for coordinating the field construction and testing, and Travis Walbeck from NCAT for providing technical guidance.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support provided by the West Virginia Division of Highways and Skidabrader Company.