MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Assessment of Temperature Fluctuations in Asphalt Pavements Due to Thermal Environmental Conditions Using a Two-Dimensional Transient Finite Difference Approach
Authors:	Khaled Ksaibati and Cenk Yavuzturk
University:	University of Wyoming
Publication Date:	Oct 2002
Report #:	MPC-02-136
Project #:	MPC-198
TRID #:	00939327
Keywords:	air, asphalt pavements, evaluation and assessment, finite differences, forecasting, pavement layers, stability (mechanics), temperature

Abstract

Fluctuation in temperatures significantly affects pavement stability and the selection of asphalt grading to be used in pavements. Ability to accurately predict the asphalt pavement temperature at different depths and horizontal locations based on ambient air temperatures will greatly help pavement engineers in performing back-calculations of pavement modulus values. In addition, it will help engineers in selecting the asphalt grade to be used in various pavement lifts. The top pavement layer normally is exposed to greater temperature fluctuations than the layers below it. Knowledge of the temperature distribution in asphalts will allow for a more sophisticated specification of asphalt for lower lifts (through specification of less expensive asphalt binders in lower lifts) and thus provide an economical solution to rising pavement construction costs. The study also will allow for examination of the variability of predicted pavement temperatures on various pavement materials such as dense and open-graded asphalt mixes.

Related Reports

• [Final Report] Assessment of Thermal Stresses in Asphalt Pavements Due to Environmental Conditions