An improved interface temperature distribution in shallow hot mix asphalt patch repair using dynamic heating

Abstract

This study focuses on the issue of hot mix asphalt patch repairs, the performance of which is greatly reduced by repair edge disintegration. This is caused by low interface temperatures which result in poor repair bonding between fill material and host pavement. Twenty-four pothole repairs, 45 mm in depth, comprising 12 static and 12 dynamic repairs heated for 10 min 15 s and 21 min 49 s, respectively have been investigated. Dynamic heating has been completed using an experimental infrared heater. Temperatures were measured at 11 locations on the repair interfaces during the pouring and compaction of the fill mix. Volumetric of asphalt mixtures were also investigated. The results demonstrated that for static repairs, the lowest maximum temperatures were located at corners and on vertical repair boundaries. It was found that high thermal contact resistance in these interfaces dramatically affect the temperature levels. However, the figures improved in dynamically heated repairs. Comparing dynamically heated repairs of 10 min 15 s and 21 min 49 s with static repairs, showed average corner temperatures increase 10.85–24.45°C and 29.51–36.73°C, respectively, with accompanying increases in vertical interface temperatures 34.97°C and 46.41°C, respectively.