Thesis
Optimizing asphalt pavement performance for climate zones within Washington state
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2015
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/100167
Abstract
Asphalt pavement performance in Washington State varies greatly across the different climatic zones found within the state. There are three general climatic categories within Washington State. West of the Cascade mountain range, the climate is classified as mild marine with warm, humid summers and cool, wet winters. East of the Cascade range is classified as continental with hot, dry summers and cold winters. There are also mountain areas with associated harsh, wet winters controlling pavement life. The average surface life of pavements west of the Cascades is 16.7 years, compared to 10.9 years for pavements east of the Cascades and as low as 5 years in mountain pass areas. Currently, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) standards specify the same HMA classes and only two standard PG binders with the standard one or two grade bump to account for the climate conditions. This study evaluates potential material and construction practices to improve the longevity of pavements in the harsh climates of Eastern Washington and mountain pass areas. Promising strategies for improving pavement performance are determined from a literature review, survey of state agencies, and interviews of industry professionals. Performance history within the Washington State Pavement Management System (WSPMS) is analyzed to determine the causes of pavement failure within these climatic zones and verify the promising methods/technologies from the literature review, survey of state agencies, and interviews of industry professionals to determine if these methods/technologies have been tried in the state. Performance tests are conducted on field cores and extracted binders from some in-service pavements in Washington to quantify the effects of some of the methods/technologies. Recommendations for strategies to improve pavement performance are made for project-specific factors of traffic volume and historical failure modes.
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Details
- Title
- Optimizing asphalt pavement performance for climate zones within Washington state
- Creators
- Skyler Lee Chaney
- Contributors
- Haifang Wen (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525192501842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis