Stone mastic asphalt (SMA) came to Australia from Europe in the early 1990's, around the same time that it was introduced to the USA. Asphalt surfacing types developed for cool European climates and heavily bound pavement types do not necessarily translate directly into warm climates or readily adapt to use as thin surfacings on granular pavements. It was always expected that a period of evaluation and possible modification would be required in for use in Australia. Individual stone mastic asphalt projects have now been in service in Australia for periods of up to ten years. Experience has been mostly positive, leading to development of guidelines and specifications in most Australian states. This paper discusses the development of local guidelines and specifications and some of the learning experiences in adapting the SMA concepts to the Australian operating environment. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E208431.
Abstract