PAVEMENT DESIGN WITH POROUS ASPHALT

Abstract

In this research study, a strategy was used for assigning stiffness values to various layers of the pavement system so that there are negligible tensile stresses in the subgrade and base layers. The stiffnesses of the aggregate base layers were assigned double the values of the corresponding subgrade materials. The layer thicknesses were designed to achieve surface deflection values within the acceptable limit. An innovative design procedure was developed for designing pavement sections covering various layer thicknesses, material and environmental variables. The designed sections were compared with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) procedure and the differences were critiqued. Porous asphalt layer was used as the surface course for all pavement sections. The calculations validated the general principle of pavement design, as the subgrade stiffness decreased the base thickness increased for the same surface course thickness and traffic. Structural design of 63 pavements sections was accomplished representing various temperature and materials including additives. Low Density Polyethylene, performance graded asphalt, different soils, aggregates, lime and cement were the component materials utilized in this research study. An explanation on the mechanics of the mixtures is given in the results and discussion section.