Epoxy Modified Open-graded Porous Asphalt

ABSTRACT Investigations into the cohesive properties and oxidation resistance of an acid cured, epoxy modified, Open-Graded Porous Asphalt (epoxy OGPA) were undertaken together with a limited accelerated loading test carried out at Transit New Zealand's CAPTIF facility. Results indicated that the early life cohesive properties of cured epoxy OGPA should be comparable to that of standard OGPA at 25 °C and markedly superior at 10 °C. The modulus of the cured epoxy mixture was much higher than that of the standard OGPA. The superior oxidation resistance of the epoxy material was clearly evident, based on specimens aged to the equivalent of approximately 7 years in the field. Changes in the infrared spectra of the oxidised epoxy binder appear to be the result of oxidation of the bituminous component of the binder. The CAPTIF trial demonstrated that full scale manufacture and surfacing construction with epoxy OGPA can be easily undertaken without any significant modification to plant or operating procedures. Trafficking of the test sections resulted in early signs of surface abrasion in the control section but not in the epoxy. Early life rutting of epoxy mixtures is not likely to be greater than that of equivalent standard materials.