Effect of synthetic fibers on the mechanical performance of asphalt mixture:A review

Numerous studies showed that synthetic fibers are effective for reinforcing the mechanical performance of the asphalt mixture due to their high strength properties,ductility,and durability characteristics.In this paper,the objective is to present a review of the reinforcement effect of synthetic fiber on the mechanical performance of the asphalt mixture.This paper reviews the relevant literature on the characterizations and applications of synthetic fibers to improve different mechanical properties of asphalt mixes,which can provide a reference for the applications and development of synthetic fibers in asphalt pavement.The characteristics of common synthetic fibers are introduced and the utilization of synthetic fibers in asphalt mixture is discussed.Different surface treatment methods for fiber are reviewed and it is found that surface treatment can improve the performance of the synthetic fibers in asphalt mixtures,especially the chemical surface treatment method.The influence of synthetic fiber addition on the mechanical properties of the asphalt concrete such as rutting resistance,tensile strength,water stability performance,and cracking resistance are then discussed.The research results show that aramid,glass,and polyester fibers improve the fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt mixture.Polyester fibers,polyamide fibers,and carbon fibers are used to improve resistance to the permanent deformation of asphalt pavement.

Application of viscoelastic continuum damage approach to predict fatigue performance of Binzhou perpetual pavements

For this study, the Binzhou perpetual pavement test sections constructed in Shandong Province, China, were simulated for long-term fatigue performance using the layered viscoelastic pavement analysis for critical distresses （LVECD） finite element software package. In this framework, asphalt concrete was treated in the context of linear visco- elastic continuum damage theory. A recently developed unified fatigue failure criterion that defined the boundaries of the applicable region of the theory was also incorporated. The mechanistic modeling of the fatigue mechanisms was able to accommodate the complex temperature variations and loading conditions of the field pavements in a rigorous manner. All of the material models were conveniently characterized by dynamic modulus tests and direct tension cyclic fatigue tests in the laboratory using cylindrical specimens. By comparing the obtained damage characteristic curves and failure criteria, it is found that mixtures with small aggregate particle sizes, a dense gradation, and modified asphalt binder tended to exhibit the best fatigue resistance at the material level. The 15 year finite element structural simulation results for all the test sections indicate that fa- tigue performance has a strong dependence on the thickness of the asphalt pavements. Based on the predicted location and severity of the fatigue damage, it is recommended that Sections 1 and 3 of the Binzhou test sections be emoloved for perpetual pavement design.

Construction quality acceptance performance-related specifications for chip seals

The research described herein details the establishment of a framework for construction quality acceptance performance-related specifications(PRS) for chip seal surface treatments. This paper establishes acceptance quality characteristics(AQCs) and relationships between the AQCs and related chip seal performance measures. This work is a critical step in developing PRS for constructed chip seal treatments and establishing suitable guidelines for the PRS. The main objective of this paper is to determine appropriate test methods to evaluate each defined AQC. The relationships that are established between the AQCs and chip seal performance are used to define performance ranges and threshold values for a particular performance measure. These performance ranges and threshold values then can be used to define pay factors for the constructed chip seal section. The threshold values and pay factors for each AQC described herein are preliminary recommendations and require further validation prior to implementation. However, this research demonstrates how these PRS would be utilized to ensure acceptable chip seal construction quality in the field.The developed construction quality acceptance PRS framework uses the percent within limits(PWL) concept to determine whether a chip seal lot passes the PRS threshold values and whether the contractor receives full pay, is subject to a pay penalty, or fails the construction PRS and must correct the chip seal within the first year in service, which constitutes the typical warranty period for contracted chip seal work.Finally, recommendations are made as to the next steps in the development and validation of these construction quality acceptance PRS that are needed for implementation by contractors and state roadway maintenance agencies.