Abstract: A method of selecting a crack resistant layer to be applied to an existing surface, the method comprising the steps of: selecting at least one emulsified bituminous binder to examine, where the emulsified bituminous binder comprises bitumen, one or more emulsifier, and one or more polymers, where the one or more polymers, the one or more emulsifier, or both include a sufficient amount of conjugated diene such that at least 2.5% of the emulsified bituminous binder residuum weight comprises conjugated diene, preferably at least 3.0%, more preferably at least 3.5%, and most preferably 4.0%; forming at least one bituminous mixture comprising the emulsified bituminous binder and an aggregate; testing each bituminous mixture for mixture fracture energy properties; and selecting a emulsified bituminous binder for use in the crack resistant layer.

Abstract: A system for repairing roads is provided. The system includes a highly strain tolerant, substantially impermeable, reflective crack relief interlayer. The interlayer includes a polymer modified asphalt binder mixed with a dense fine aggregate mixture. About 100% of the aggregate should be able to pass through about a 9.5 mm sieve. The interlayer mix is designed using volumetrics and verified using a Flexural Beam Fatigue test and a Hveem Stability test. Preferably, an HMA overlay that is compatible with the interlayer, as well as the demands of local traffic, is placed over the interlayer so that a protected, smooth road surface is provided. The system may delay the first appearance of cracks and the severity of cracks for several years compared with traditional hot mix overlays and extend pavement service life.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in shearing paving material applied to a surface is provided. This apparatus includes a blade for shearing the asphalt mixture to a desired thickness, cylinders for raising and lowering the blade in response to elevational changes in the surface, at least one signal generator associated with each cylinder and adapted to produce a signal indicative of the elevation of the surface, and at least one signal receiver associated with each signal generator. This blade apparatus is coupled with a prime mover. The receiver is operable to activate the cylinders in response to a signal received from the generator. The blade is raised and lowered as the elevation of the surface changes in response to signals emanating from the generator allowing surface level variations to be evened out while paving.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing a road is provided. This method includes taking representative cores of the road, analyzing the cores, selecting a substantially solvent-free emulsion based on climate history, mixing the emulsion and reclaimed asphalt pavement particles to form an asphalt emulsion mix, testing the asphalt emulsion mix for performance using a raveling test, a thermal cracking prediction test by an indirect tensile testing, a moisture susceptibility test utilizing vacuum saturation, and a dry Marshall stability test. It also includes designing a CIR layer based on this test data. It further includes grinding off a layer of the existing asphalt road leaving at least about an inch, adding an emulsion to the reclaimed asphalt pavement particles, applying the designed cold in-place recycling layer to the road, and compacting it.

Abstract: A method of selecting a bituminous emulsion with enhanced performance for paving is provided. This method includes selecting polymer modified bitumen with a penetration value of about 25 to 450 dmm at 25° C. and selecting one or more emulsifiers comprised of at least about 5% by mass of a cationic nitrogenous compound selected from compounds having a carbonyl carbon atom bonded to a nitrogen atom, compounds having a carbon atom double bonded to a nitrogen atom, or combinations thereof based on the total mass of the selected emulsifier. Each selected emulsifier is reacted with a carboxylic acid to create one or more carboxylate salts. Each carboxylate salt created from a different proposed emulsifier separately is mixed with the bitumen to form one or more proposed bituminous emulsions. The coalescence of each proposed bituminous emulsion is measured using a rheology test, and a bituminous emulsion of the composition described above is chosen for paving a surface based on its coalescence properties.

Abstract: A drag box for use in applying cold mix asphalt paving material to a surface includes a pugmill for distributing the cold mix over the surface, a strike blade for shearing the asphalt mixture to a desired thickness, cylinders for raising and lowering the strike blade in response to elevational changes in the surface, at least one signal generator associated with each cylinder and adapted to produce a signal indicative of the elevation of the surface, and at least one signal receiver associated with each signal generator. The drag box is pulled behind a prime mover but preferably is not rigidly coupled with the prime mover. The blade is raised and lowered in response to signals emanating from the generator as the elevation of the surface changes, allowing surface level variations to be evened out while paving.