EVALUATION OF USING DIFFERENT STABILIZERS IN THE U.S. ROUTE 15 (MARYLAND) STONE MATRIX ASPHALT

Abstract

Stone matrix asphalt (SMA) is a gap-graded hot mix that maximizes the binder and coarse-aggregate contents. A stabilizing additive, such as cellulose fiber, rock wool fiber, or polymer, is added to prevent the binder and aggregate dust from draining when the mixture is hot. Stabilizers should reduce the amount of draindown without decreasing the performance of the mixture. The effects of using different stabilizers in an SMA on draindown, rutting, low temperature cracking, and aging are evaluated. Stabilizers had no significant effect on rutting or low temperature properties. The two polymers were not as effective as the four fibers for preventing draindown, although they were better at reducing age hardening.