Resumen de Implementation of Performance-Based HMA Specialty Mixtures in New Jersey
THOMAS BENNERT, FRANK FEE, EILEEN SHEEHY, ROBERT BLIGHT, ROBERT SAUBER
The Superpave mixture design system provided an excellent foundation for the proper selection of materials to conduct a volumetric-based asphalt mixture design. However, one thing lacking in the Superpave system is a test procedure(s) to verify that the asphalt mixture produced will perform as anticipated by the designer. Another important aspect generally not linked to pavement design is the quality control during production of these asphalt mixtures. It is well understood that there are differences in the asphalt mixture properties between lab prepared and plant prepared asphalt materials, therefore a good performance-based system should include a quality control component to ensure that the asphalt mixture design performs as intended. With budgets for roadway infrastructure extremely tight, owners want the maximum service life from every dollar invested.
This paper covers the implementation of performance-based mixture design and quality control for �specialty� asphalt mixes currently specified by the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT). The NJDOT utilizes different mixture types for specific pavement applications and bridge deck overlays, hence, different test procedures and performance criteria are established for the different mix applications. For all of the �specialty� asphalt mixtures utilized by NJDOT, performance-based testing is conducted on the mix produced during mix design, test strip construction, and project production to ensure that the mixture meets the performance requirements and that the asphalt mixture produced for the project continually meets the specified performance criteria. Specifications and examples of field projects are also provided.
___________________________ 1Assistant Research Professor, Rutgers University, Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) 2 Technical Support Manager, NuStar Energy 3Manager and Project Engineer, Materials Bureau, New Jersey Department of Transportation 4Executive Director, New Jersey Asphalt Pavement Association The oral presentation made by Dr. Thomas Bennert.
