Characterization of Permanent Deformation of Different Asphalt Pavements Using the Advanced Repeated Load Permanent Deformation Test

Abstract

An advanced repeated load permanent deformation (ARLPD) test that can simulate the lateral confinement and temperature gradient in actual pavements was employed in this study. The test was conducted based on field cores and laboratory-made specimens of several newly constructed hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements, reclaimed asphalt pavements (RAP), and asphalt overlay pavements. The rutting resistance and distribution were evaluated using various rutting indicators. It is found that newly constructed HMA layers using the SBS modified binder show a great improvement in the rutting resistance. Overlay and hot in-place recycling (HIR) pavements exhibit similar anti-rutting performance. The cold in-place recycling (CIR) mixture could be used in the bottom asphalt layer for highway maintenance. For overlay and HIR pavements, the new top asphalt layer contributes approximately half of the total rut depth. The rutting distribution is relatively uniform when SBS modified binder is used in the middle asphalt layer.