Features of the Method of Surrounded Design of Asphalt-Concrete on Superpave Technology

Abstract

The article describes the technology of designing asphalt pavements, according to the Superpave method. The Superpave System (SUperior PERforming Asphalt PAVEments) is developed by the US Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). The goal of the program is to search for new ways of designing asphalt concrete pavements that will work better under extreme temperatures and intensive traffic loads. The Superpave system is primarily concerned with two problems associated with road surface: constant deformation, which is a consequence of insufficient strength of asphalt concrete in shear at high temperatures; and low-temperature damage, which is formed during the compression of the asphalt concrete pavement, the tensile stress exceeds the tensile strength. The solution of these problems is carried out by the most rational selection of components of the asphalt concrete mix. This technology has interested Russia relatively recently. In 2016, preliminary national standards have been translated and issued. They describe requirements of materials for design and selection of the mixture. The article reviews technical documentation in order to develop a methodology for the selec-tion of asphalt mix. In the course of the research, the technological features of selection and design of the asphalt mix using the given method are considered and a block diagram is made for the selection of asphalt composition. This system makes it possible to design the fine-grained and gravel-mastic as-phalt mixes. The introduction of foreign experience in the construction of roads can contribute to the quality improvement of Russian highways