In a jointly executed program, Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands and Kraton Polymers have developed a new generation of SBS modified asphalt binders that allow construction of thinner and more durable pavements. To validate findings from these studies, Kraton committed to a field trial in 2009 at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) in Auburn, Ala. A highly modified asphalt base course at reduced thickness is compared to a standard base course under heavy truck loading.
As a result of the good performance of the first section, the opportunity arose to pave another section at NCAT in August 2010. An adjacent section needed urgent repair as high deformations in the subgrade lead to severe cracking of the asphalt. A highly modified, fatigue resistant overlay mix was paved over the cracked base.
In this paper the latest results are given of the two full-scale test sections for highly modified asphalt pavements at NCAT.