Read what independent studies have shown about the performance of our natural asphalt across variable weather conditions and try RockAsphalt© for free today.
GRANT NUMBER: 2-18-89-1176
RESEARCHERS: L. J. Sequeira Ph.D, J. W. Button Ph.D
INSTITUTIONS: Texas A&M University, Texas Transportation Institute
SOURCE: View research publication
In a study commissioned by TXDOT and the FHWA, independent researchers from Texas A&M University and the Texas Transportation Institute conducted long-term field trials in seven cities comparing the performance of RockAsphalt© (here simply referred to as “Limestone Rock Asphalt” or “LRA”) to two popular cold mix alternatives across hot-cold and dry-wet weather conditions. Their objective was to “evaluate the long term performance of each repair, with respect to the material’s ease of handling, susceptibility to raveling, bleeding, shoving, and its ability to maintain stockpile workability.”
Lab Test | UPM | Instant Road Repair | Limestone Rock Asphalt |
---|---|---|---|
Air Void (%) | 2.65 | 14.25 | 3.4 |
VMA (%) | 11.7 | 19.4 | 13.2 |
Marshall Stability (lbs) | 900 | 1088 | 893 |
Hveem Stability | 22 | 41 | 35 |
Tensile Strength Before Moisture (psi) | 30 | 61 | 53 |
Tensile Strength After Moisture (psi) | 23 | 22 | 22 |
Bitumen Content (%) | 6.07 | 5.12 | 6.1 |
Marshall Flow (.01’’) | 17 | 11 | 20 |
The researchers suggested that the consistent performance of LRA across dry-wet and hot-cold weather conditions could in part be explained by its native properties. Not only did they note that a high-purity bitumen binder is integrally bound into the LRA aggregate, they also observed that: (hereafter are direct quotes)
Most importantly, based on LRA’s performance in lab and field test across variable weather conditions, the researchers concluded their report by recommending “the removal of UPM from the sole source proprietary item list” maintained by TXDOT having found that our Limestone Rock Asphalt “could meet specifications and prove to be a suitable alternative to UPM for use in wet potholes.” The authors of this independent study, both professors of engineering at Texas A&M, even noted in their final remarks that when all unit costs were considered “there are currently no products available in Texas which can compete directly with LRA.”
RESEARCHERS: L. J. Sequeira Ph.D, J. W. Button Ph.D
GRANT NUMBER: 2-18-89-1176
REPORT: FHWA/TX-91-1176-1f
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