Emergency paving using hot-mixed asphalt incorporating warm mix technology

Abstract

This paper presents results of a study on hot-mixed and warm-compacted asphalt incorporating warm mix technologies for use in emergency construction following a natural disaster. Case studies were first reviewed to investigate feasibility of the concept. Next, an overall emergency paving framework was developed, complemented by a two-component laboratory investigation. Component one developed a series of short-term ageing protocols for use in preparation of test specimens; component two evaluated those specimens for compactability and rut resistance. Results indicated that (1) material could be hauled up to 6 h and still be effectively used in emergency paving, (2) the two warm mix additives studied improved compactability of hot-mixed and warm-compacted asphalt and (3) rut resistance was acceptable for emergency applications. A discussion on the post natural disaster permanent residual value of the hot-mixed and warm-compacted material is also provided.

Keywords::

• asphalt
• emergency paving
• disaster
• rutting
• WMA

Acknowledgements

This research was funded by the Department of Homeland Security and sponsored by the Southeast Region Research Initiative (SERRI) at the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The authors wish to thank James Williams (MDOT State Materials Engineer) for guiding and reviewing the work and for providing an agency perspective regarding disaster applications. The authors also wish to thank Mr Larry Michael of Asphalt Technology Consulting for his donation of Sasobit®, MeadWestVaco (MWV) for its donation of Evotherm™ 3G and Ergon Asphalt and Emulsions, Inc. for its donation of all asphalt. Jonathan MacIver (Business Manager) and Dr Everett Crews (Director of Research and Development) of MWV also provided the Yushu project information, which was greatly appreciated. APAC Mississippi and Huey Stockstill, Inc. are also owed thanks for their donation of aggregates and assistance in locating appropriate mix designs. Dr John D'Angelo (consultant) is owed thanks for assistance with data analysis. Permission to publish was granted by the Director, Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center.

Notes

^1. Email: [email protected].

^2. Email: [email protected].

^3. Email: [email protected].

^4. Email: [email protected].