Demonstration of the Placement of Stone Matrix Asphalt in Colorado

摘要

A Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) experimental feature on SH-119, from SH-52 East toLongmont, is the Colorado Department of Transportation's (CDOT's) first attempt under contract to construct test sections for evaluation. The project successfully demonstrated the design, production, and placement of the European SMA. The research experiment on the project consisted of placing 11,000 tons of SMA using three different mix designs (two polymer stabilized mixtures and one fiber mixture). The two polymers were (1) Vestoplast S from Huls America and (2) PM-ID from Kock Materials Co. The fiber mixture used a cellulose fiber in pellet form from Arbocel. The material specifications used for the design of the SMA were adequate with a few exceptions. Several plant modifications were required to add the mineral filler and additives. Production through the plant was reduced significantly because of the addition of mineral filler. The rate of production was virtually cut in half for the normally expected 250 tons per hour to 150 tons per hour. Field performance data will be evaluated on an annual basis. Results will be available in approximately 3 years. Based on the European torture tests, it is expected that the SMAs will have very good field performance with respect to rutting and moisture damage.