Abstract

One of the most significant problems in asphalt pavements in cold weather climates like New England is thermal cracking. Thermal cracks allow water to penetrate into a pavement, significantly weakening the entire structure which necessitates expensive maintenance and repair. The main goal of this research project was to investigate how heated silo storage time, a process during asphalt production, impacts how likely asphalt pavement is to experience thermal cracking related problems. Asphalt concrete specimens aged for various amounts of time in a storage silo were tested using the Disk-Shaped Compact Tension test, a laboratory test that evaluates asphalt specimens' thermal cracking susceptibility. Although the results were not definitive, the data analysis indicated that silo storage time is having certain negative effects on asphalt’s thermal cracking resistance. Ideally, the results from this research will give transportation agencies and private contractors a better understanding of how production processes impact the performance of asphalt concrete.

Publication Date

Spring 4-1-2016

Series

UNH Undergraduate Research Journal

Journal Title

Inquiry Journal

Editor

Brigid C. Casellini

Mentor

Jo Sias Daniel, Eshan V. Dave

Publisher

Durham, NH: Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research, University of New Hampshire

Document Type

Article

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