United States Department of Transportation
i
Evaluation of thin asphalt overlay practice preserving Nebraska's asphalt pavements.
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2015-06-01
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[PDF-11.56 MB]
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Abstract:This study examined the current thin asphalt overlay practices implemented in Nebraska. To that end, the mechanical
properties and performance characteristics of the two mixtures (i.e., SLX and SPH) were compared by carrying out
laboratory tests such as dynamic modulus test, dynamic creep test, static creep-recovery test, semi-circular bending test,
and Hamburg wheel tracking test. The laboratory test results were also used to characterize the material properties for
pavement performance prediction simulation. Structural performance analysis was conducted using the MEPDG and finite
element method in order to compare the pavement structures with the two different mixtures (i.e., SLX and SPH). In
addition, a life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) was performed to compare the economic benefits associated with the thin-lift
overlay to the conventional overlay practice. This provided insights into how the thin asphalt overlay with the SLX
mixture behaved compared to the previous practice, which replaced the old asphalt with the SPH mixture. Laboratory
results clearly showed that the SLX mixture behaved similarly to the SPH mixture in terms of mixture stiffness, rutting
potential, and cracking resistance. However, the Hamburg wheel tracking test found that the SLX mixture had greater
moisture susceptibility, a result that requires more investigation. Pavement performance simulation results from finite
element analysis showed that the rutting and cracking potential of the pavement with SLX thin overlay mixture was lower
than the pavement with SPH mixture. MEPDG simulations predicted that both pavements would perform satisfactorily
during their expected design life, but the LCCA indicated that the practice of using the thin SLX preservation technique
can reduce both the agency’s and user’s costs compared to the conventional SPH rehabilitation practice. Both
performance prediction results need to be compared to actual field performance data. Only one-year field performance is
available to date, which needs to be continuously monitored to judge how both pavement structures perform.
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