Premature pavement failure of a Superpave asphalt mix – a unique failure mechanism
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Keywords
Superpave, premature pavement failure, pavement performance in tropics
Abstract
Research outputs undertaken in temperate climates require adaptation and customisation before they can be applied to tropical conditions. This often requires the use of research trial sections with a revised technology. The construction and performance monitoring of trial sections takes time, often spanning several years. However, the demands of road agencies can mean that there is insufficient time to undertake the necessary trials. In such cases, large scale projects are often undertaken with inflated factors of safety. This frequently results in higher execution costs and no guarantees of adequate performance. This paper examines the circumstances under which the application of Superpave asphalt mix design technology in a major road project in Uganda (a tropical country) resulted in premature pavement failure, which started within two years of completion. The Superpave asphalt mix design method was developed under the Strategic Highways Research Programme in the United States of America (a temperature region), funded by AASHTO. Defects were first observed on the project road (Mbarara to Katuna) during the works execution and within the one-year defects liability period. To assess the performance of the sections, detailed visual condition surveys were undertaken; asphalt cores were used to test for strength, water sensitivity, and volumetric characteristics in the laboratory. Deflection measurements and analysis were also carried out. The results showed that the pavement failure was confined to the asphalt surfacing. The Superpave asphalt mix did not perform as expected, due to the difference in climatic, traffic, and construction characteristics Adjustments should have been made, based on findings from trial sections, to make the surfacing suitable for tropical conditions. Ultimately, tropical countries should engage in coordinated and targeted applied research that places emphasis on the adaptation of technologies.
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