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The first Superpave project in
West Virginia has been successfully completed. This has moved West
Virginia up into the ranks of other states that are implementing
Superpave as a viable mix design option in the construction of our
highways. Overall, the Superpave project has been deemed a success by
the state as well as the contractor, Orders & Haynes. Furthermore,
since this was the first project of its kind in West Virginia, it also
served as a valuable learning tool. The knowledge acquired from this
project will certainly be helpful in future Superpave projects. In fact,
West Virginia will be initiating four more projects using Superpave
technology in 1998. Furthermore, some of the new highway construction
taking place in Corridor H will take advantage of the Superpave mix
design method.
The Superpave Trailer, parked in its
current location - Poca, WV. |
The laboratory was designed and
constructed by Pavement Technology, Inc. (PTI) and is the first of its
kind purchased in the United States. The lab consists of a tandem-axle
mobile trailer with a fifth wheel connection and standard trailer
air-braking system. The trailer is 15.2 m in length, 4.3 m high and 3.7
m wide.
This is one of the first labs
of its kind that is completely paperless. The testing lab equipment such
as the gyratory compactor, ignition oven and balance are connected to a
computer that stores and collects all test data. ASTER Systems, Inc
developed this system. The software for this system can design Marshall
and Superpave mixes and evaluate the mix’s properties before the mix
is actually produced.
Over 90% of all paved surfaces
in the United States are hot mix asphalt. Studies have shown that in the
past twenty years, vehicle miles traveled per year in the United States
have increased by 75% and in the past ten years, equivalent single axle
loads (ESAL’s) applied to the roadways have increased by approximately
61%. Superpave was developed with these factors in mind in hopes to
design and produce a better performing hot mix asphalt pavement. Through
this project, we hope to learn how our conventional pavements compare to
Superpave designed pavements and if Superpave can improve the
performance of our pavements in West Virginia.
With this project, we have been
able to compare Superpave with conventional asphalt mixes. This has been
a learning experience for the state and contractor alike; as a result,
we have developed a better understanding of Superpave technology. We
have seen how this technology can be applied to situations unique to our
state, including not only geography and climate conditions but economic
situations as well. By applying the knowledge we have gained we will
achieve our ultimate goal in this endeavor -- building better roads.
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