Recycling Sections Tested - Performance Exceptional

In 2011, VDOT made a bold decision to rehabilitate a section of I-81 using various pavement recycling approaches. These approaches included cold in place recycling (CIR), cold central plant recycling (CCPR) and full-depth reclamation (FDR). While these approaches were not new, the combination of these recycling methods on a major interstate highway was. To assist in predicting the future performance of these rehabilitation processes, VDOT joined the pooled fund study at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) Test Track in Auburn, Alabama. In 2012, VDOT built 3 test sections very similar to the sections build on Interstate 81 south of Staunton. Since the original construction, researchers at NCAT, Auburn University and VTRC have been tracking and studying the structural and functional performance of each section.

 

Recently, NCAT hosted the 2018 Test Track Conference. The conference spotlights the various research being performed by NCAT at the Test Track and other off-site locations. Virginia’s three test sections were highlighted for the exceptional performance at 20 million ESALs. To date, none of the three sections show any signs of cracking distress. Minimal rutting was noted in the thicker section (N3), but the rutting is less than a ¼" and is most likely due to the densification of the conventional asphalt mixtures and not the underlying 5-inch CCPR layer.

 

In the next Test Track cycle where another 10 million ESALs will be applied, VDOT will continue to sponsor two sections – S12 and N4. The main objective is to determine how long these pavement sections will perform before structural failures occur or if these sections are perpetual. To learn more about these sections and others at NCAT, visit www.pavetrack.com.