Evaluation of polymer-modified chip seals at low temperatures

Abstract

This paper compares the performance of chip seals constructed with polymer-modified emulsion (PME; CRS-2L) versus those constructed with unmodified emulsion (CRS-2). The overall performance evaluation is based on aggregate retention performance. The adhesion of the emulsions is examined using the Vialit test with various curing times and temperature conditions. To evaluate the aggregate retention performance of the chip seals, we used the Vialit test, the flip-over test and the third-scale Model Mobile Loading Simulator (MMLS3). The results from these tests indicate that the PME (CRS-2L) enhances aggregate retention performance, and does so more significantly in the early stages and at low temperatures.

Keywords::

• chip seal
• polymer-modified emulsion
• aggregate retention
• Vialit test
• flip-over test
• third-scale Model Mobile Loading Simulator
• lightweight aggregate

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the NCDOT under Project No. HWY-2007-06. The authors express their gratitude to the NCDOT for supporting the project and providing the resources to construct the field sections.

Notes

^1. Email: [email protected]