Evaluation of Longitudinal Joint Density Specification on 2012 Polymer Modified Warm-Mix Asphalt Projects in Connecticut

016007822015Final ReportPDFTech ReportCT-2280-F-14-6Project Number SPR 2280Laboratory testsIn place densityPavement performancePavement jointsPilot studiesPolymer asphaltSpecificationsLongitudinal jointsWarm mix paving mixturesConstructionHighwaysPavementsPavement jointsPavement performanceWarm mix paving mixturesConnecticutUnited StatesUniversity of Connecticut. Connecticut Transportation InstituteZinke, ScottJames MahoneyUniversity of Connecticut. Connecticut Transportation InstituteConnecticut Advanced Pavement LaboratoryUnited States. Federal Highway AdministrationConnecticut. Dept. of TransportationUS Transportation CollectionIn order to examine performance and establish future longitudinal joint density requirements on projects using Polymer Modified Asphalt (PMA) and Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), this study examines test data from several pilot projects that were constructed during the 2012 construction season on limited access highways in Connecticut. The current requirement for in-place longitudinal joint density on non-WMA/PMA projects is 91.0 percent of maximum theoretical density. A major focus of this study was to determine if that requirement was achievable using PMA. Inspection of the project during construction revealed no indications of issues that may have contributed to lower in-place density. Core samples of the bridge deck and roadway longitudinal joints were collected from the projects and specimens analyzed. Based on these results, it is recommended that the specification for joint density on pavements using WMA/PMA asphalt remain at 91.0 percent for roadway lots. The dataset from bridge deck joints is insufficient to make any recommendations