A pavement performance and life-cycle cost evaluation of a polymer modified asphalt cement (Styrelf) has shown technical advantages and cost savings. The evaluation involved seven Ontario asphalt concrete pavements, representing various traffic and climatic conditions, placed between 1987 and 1992. A surface distress survey was completed for representative sections with the polymer modified asphalt cement and control sections with conventional asphalt cement. Rut depth was determined from transverse profiles. The surface distress information was analyzed using the American Public Works Association PAVER procedures to determine the Pavement Condition Index for each section. This information was used to model the pavement condition through a 30 year analysis period. Life-cycle costing was completed to determine the present worth of the construction, maintenance and rehabilitation costs. The pavement performance modelling indicated the polymer modified asphalt cement extended the pavement service life by about 4 to 6 years compared to conventional asphalt cement. This service life extension was confirmed by testing representative asphalt concrete cores in the Nottingham Asphalt Tester, which indicated improved rutting resistance and increased fatigue life. The results of the life-cycle cost analysis showed significant life-cycle cost savings for pavements incorporating polymer modified asphalt cement mixes. (A)
Abstract