Improving the Permeability and Surface Texture of HMA Using AMIR II

摘要

The results of field tests using an early version of the AMIR asphalt roller showed the potential benefits and advantages of this innovative compaction technology. Challenges with maneuverability were considered critical to resolve if a full scale AMIR compactor was to be used on commercial highway projects. Several modifications and upgrades were completed on the original AMIR compactor in 2012, which produced an improved AMIR II compactor with better steering abilities. This paper describes the experience gained with the AMIR II compactor through its use in the construction of test sections on two MTO highway construction projects and on one in-house test section. The results supported the findings of earlier AMIR field trials and indicated that HMA compacted with the AMIR II had a much tighter surface appearance, consistently lower permeability and equivalent or better density achieved with fewer roller passes. Additionally, results showed that the same asphalt mixes compacted in the field to a similar in-situ density by the AMIR II roller and by conventional rollers had very different permeability rates.