Open-Graded Friction Courses Suitable for Suburban Environments

Details

• Creators:
  Tran, Nam ; Chen, Chen ; Tran, Trung ; Taylor, Adam ; Yin, Fan ; Watson, Donald ; Musselman, Jim
• Corporate Creators:
  Auburn University. National Center for Asphalt Technology
• Corporate Contributors:
  Florida. Department of Transportation
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Durability FC-5 High Polymer Modified Binder Laboratory Tests Literature Reviews Mix Design OGFC Mix Design OGFC Mixture Performance Open Graded Aggregates Permeability Polymers Rutting Socioeconomic Areas

  More +
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Final Report: May 2021 – April 2024
• Corporate Publisher:
  Auburn University. National Center for Asphalt Technology
• Abstract:
  The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) uses a 12.5-mm nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) open-graded friction course (OGFC) called FC-5 on multi-lane roads to enhance safety. However, FC-5 is susceptible to premature raveling on high-speed suburban roads due to increased lateral turning, braking and accelerating stresses. To address this issue, the project explored using a finer 9.5-mm NMAS OGFC gradation, a high polymer (HP) modified binder, an alternative friction course (AFC), and a 12.5-mm NMAS stone matrix asphalt (SMA) to improve durability with minimal impact on permeability for its potential use in suburban environments. A literature review was first conducted to review the application of OGFC in the United States and design factors that influence OGFC performance. Subsequently, the study compared 9.5-mm NMAS OGFC, 12.5-mm AFC, and 12.5-mm SMA mixtures with current FC-5 mixtures using two asphalt binder types through comprehensive laboratory testing. Results indicated that the 9.5-mm gradation and HP binder independently impacted OGFC performance in a positive manner and enhanced durability and friction without compromising permeability or rutting resistance. The AFC mixtures demonstrated better durability than FC-5 and 9.5-mm OGFC mixtures while maintaining reasonable drainability and permeability. Therefore, it is recommended that FDOT consider using a 9.5-mm OGFC mixture, AFC mixture, and/or HP binder in suburban areas to improve pavement durability while maintaining safety characteristics. The increased cost of utilizing 9.5-mm OGFC and AFC mixtures is approximately $2 per ton. The study provides mix design procedures and performance requirements for these mixtures. These recommendations aim to facilitate the implementation of 9.5-mm OGFC and AFC mixtures, maintaining construction practices consistent with FC-5 mixtures.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  BEB15
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:d4f3b0a01ebdbe85b7c7a3b426e7d36ba8a9b5f01f7b5f120ef0c3557d055e4dfac4b8c42e13ac659d3385ad2e4bd671ff96e726d8eac98084938349b0a6c32b
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/89381/dot_89381_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 3.83 MB ]