Description
LONG-LIFE PAVEMENT WITH RUBBER-MODIFIED ASPHALT BINDER: A CASE STUDY OF THE TEST SECTION ON THE S-19 EXPRESSWAY
Aleksander Zborowski, Ph.D, Eng.
Research & Development Manager, TPA Sp. z o.o., Poland
aleksander.zborowski@tpaqi.com
Igor Ruttmar, Ph.D, Eng.
Central Division Manager, TPA GmbH, Austria
igor.ruttmar@tpaqi.com
Karolina Pełczyńska, Ph.D, Eng.
Senior Pavement Engineering Specialist, TPA Sp. z o.o., Poland
karolina.pelczynska@tpaqi.com
Agata Grajewska, M.Sc. Eng.
Pavement Engineering Group Manager, TPA Sp. z o.o., Poland
agata.grajewska@tpaqi.com
Sebastian Kopytko, Eng.
Chief HMA Technologist, TPA Sp. z o.o., Poland
sebastian.kopytko@tpaqi.com
ABSTRACT. Contemporary challenges related to the need to reduce the negative impact of road construction on the environment require the implementation of solutions based on the principles of sustainable development, circular economy, and design of resilient infrastructure. It is crucial to take into account the full life cycle of the pavement in cost-effectiveness analyses and carbon footprint assessments. The article presents the implementation of a 400-meter test section on the S19 expressway between Kraśnik and Janów Lubelski in eastern Poland, which is fully in line with this strategy. The article presents an innovative approach to the design and construction of road pavements, based on the synergistic combination of the concept of long-life pavement structures with the use of wet method modified rubber-asphalt, as the binder in asphalt mixtures that meet the specific requirements of long-life pavements. The described layer structure includes a weather-resistant and heavy-traffic-resistant wearing course made of SMA mix, a stiff and rutting-resistant binder course made of asphalt concrete, and a flexible, thin anti-fatigue layer at the bottom of the asphalt package. This solution has made it possible to significantly extend the service life of the pavement without increasing its thickness, while ensuring that the structure is fully recyclable at the end of its service life. The article discusses in detail the methodology for designing a long-life structure, the results of rheological tests of rubber-modified asphalt compared to traditional binders, including tests in a DSR apparatus, as well as the advanced properties of HMA mixtures, including dynamic complex stiffness modulus master curves, fatigue tests using the 4PBB method, and ITSR and permanent deformation resistance tests. The analyses carried out have shown that the combination of both technologies allows for a reduction in the carbon footprint and maintenance costs throughout the entire life cycle of the pavement, while maintaining high technical parameters and service life. The results of laboratory and field tests confirm the improvement in the mechanical properties of the mixtures and increased resistance to deformation and fatigue cracking. The presented solution is an important step towards the sustainable development of resilient road infrastructure, combining technological innovation with environmental care and economic efficiency.
KEYWORDS: long-life pavement, rubber-modified asphalt, sustainable development, resilient infrastructure, circular economy.
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