MPC
Project Details

Title:	Predicting the Fluctuations in Temperatures of Asphalt Pavements
Principal Investigators:	Cenk Yavuzturk and Khaled Ksaibati
University:	University of Wyoming
Status:	Completed
Year:	2000
Project #:	MPC-198

Abstract

Fluctuation in temperatures significantly affects pavement stability and the selection of asphalt-grading to be used in pavements. Ability to predict the asphalt pavement temperature at different depths based on ambient air temperatures will greatly help pavement engineers in performing back-calculations of pavement modulus values. In addition, it will help engineers in selecting the asphalt grade to be used in various pavement lifts. The top pavement layer is normally exposed to greater temperature fluctuations than the layers below it. Knowledge of the temperature distribution of asphalt slabs will allow for a more sophisticated specification of asphalt for lower lifts (through specification of less expensive asphalt binders in lower lifts) and thus provide an economical solution to rising pavement construction costs. The study will also examine the variability of predicted pavement temperatures on various pavement materials such as dense and open-graded asphalt mixes.

Project Deliverables

• [Final Report] Assessment of Temperature Fluctuations in Asphalt Pavements Due to Thermal Environmental Conditions Using a Two-Dimensional Transient Finite Difference Approach — MPC-02-136