The principal advantage of introducing some percentages of crumb rubber in production of asphalt mixtures is related to pavement environmental sustainability, since this process allows to recycle a significant amount of an industrial waste and, in some specific cases, to reduce tyre/road noise emissions; there are some other not unanimously recognized advantages related to this process that are the improvement of asphalt mixture mechanical properties and durability as well as friction on pavement surface. This paper reports on a research project carried out to evaluate the advantages of using crumb rubber in construction of low noise gap graded asphalt concrete surfaces, specifically designed to reduce rolling noise by optimizing surface texture, by using both the wet and the dry processes. The study also aimed to compare the mechanical and functional performances of the mixes obtained by using the two technologies in order to assess their respective potentials for use as viable alternatives to other low noise asphalt surfaces aimed to improve pavement sustainability by reducing environmental, social and economic impacts. Results of laboratory and on site tests, carried out on two specifically built field trials, clearly show these mixes can have optimal mechanical and functional performance as well as they can reduce tyre/road noise and warrant greater durability of wearing layers; this considering, crumb rubber modified asphalt concrete can be classified as a construction material that can enhance the three dimensions of sustainability.
IMPROVEMENT OF PAVEMENT SUSTAINABILITY BY THE USE OF CRUMB RUBBER MODIFIED ASPHALT CONCRETE FOR WEARING COURSES
LOSA, MASSIMO;LEANDRI, PIETRO;
2012-01-01
Abstract
The principal advantage of introducing some percentages of crumb rubber in production of asphalt mixtures is related to pavement environmental sustainability, since this process allows to recycle a significant amount of an industrial waste and, in some specific cases, to reduce tyre/road noise emissions; there are some other not unanimously recognized advantages related to this process that are the improvement of asphalt mixture mechanical properties and durability as well as friction on pavement surface. This paper reports on a research project carried out to evaluate the advantages of using crumb rubber in construction of low noise gap graded asphalt concrete surfaces, specifically designed to reduce rolling noise by optimizing surface texture, by using both the wet and the dry processes. The study also aimed to compare the mechanical and functional performances of the mixes obtained by using the two technologies in order to assess their respective potentials for use as viable alternatives to other low noise asphalt surfaces aimed to improve pavement sustainability by reducing environmental, social and economic impacts. Results of laboratory and on site tests, carried out on two specifically built field trials, clearly show these mixes can have optimal mechanical and functional performance as well as they can reduce tyre/road noise and warrant greater durability of wearing layers; this considering, crumb rubber modified asphalt concrete can be classified as a construction material that can enhance the three dimensions of sustainability.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
