Publications

Sunmount Paving Co. takes on the high-banking turns at Atlanta Motor Speedway - and makes them even higher.

A critical step in achieving long-lasting asphalt pavement performance begins with mixture design. An asphalt mixture should possess adequate stability (i.e., resistance to permanent deformation/rutting) and durability (i.e., resistance to cracking) for the intended design application (pavement). Recently, State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) researched and implemented a variety of approaches, including Balanced Mixture Design (BMD), aimed at improving the long-term performance of asphalt mixtures. Defined as “using performance tests on appropriately conditioned specimens that address multiple modes of distress taking into consideration mixture aging, traffic, climate and location within the pavement structure” Balanced Mixture Design means designing the right mixture for the right job.

Many performance test options exist for rutting and cracking evaluation of asphalt mixtures. Some are fundamental, while others are more empirical. Likewise, there are significant differences between tests related to total test time (specimen preparation + testing), complexity, and overall cost. Selecting the ‘best’ test can be a complex and debatable process.

Paving a racetrack – particularly one as steeply banked as the all-new Atlanta Motor Speedway – is no small undertaking.

This guide provides comprehensive guidance on using Thinlays for pavement preservation — including how Thinlays fit within pavement management systems, when and how they should be used based on existing pavement condition, how Thinlay mixes should be developed and specified, and best practices for Thinlay construction.

Informaton Series 141 (IS-141)