Investigation of the rutting performance of modified stone matrix asphalt (SMA) using the dynamic creep and Hamburg Wheel-Tracking Device tests

ABSTRACT

In this study, Forta Fibers (FFs) with a constant length of 19 mm and 0.5 kg/ton were added to the stone matrix asphalt (SMA) to investigate flexible pavement's permanent deformation. Hence, the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device (HWTD) and Dynamic Creep test were performed to investigate the rutting performance of the SMA. The results of the HWTD showed that using FFs reduces the rutting depth of the SMA by about 42% compared to the control specimens by continuing the loading cycles up to 5000. Also, the amount of Stripping Inflection Point (SIP) for the SMA and SMA modified with FFs occurred in more than 10000 passes, which increased the resistance to moisture susceptibility. Besides, the dynamic creep test results showed that the number of loading cycles of SMA modified with FFs was 61% higher than the control specimen. Also, the Flow Number (FN) of specimens containing fibers was about 44% higher, which indicates an increase in the rutting resistance of the modified specimens compared to the control specimens. Also, an increase in creep modulus of modified specimens resulted in less plastic deformation. Finally, the resilient modulus result showed that the SMA modified with FFs is more resistant to permanent deformation.

KEYWORDS:

• Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device
• dynamic creep
• forta fiber
• rutting resistance
• stripping inflection point
• stone matrix asphalt

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Data availability statement

b. All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the submitted article.