Frequently
Asked Questions
How
long do hot-mix polymer modified asphalt pavements last?
What
are the best applications for hot-mix polymer modified asphalt pavements?
How
much latex should be used to make the best polymer modified asphalt?
How
much does polymer modified asphalt cost?
This
is a difficult question to answer as the asphalt is only one of several
ingredients that make up a hot-mix asphalt pavement. Obviously, workmanship
and an appropriate pavement selection have a significant influence on the
success of any pavement. Generally properly constructed polymer modified
asphalt pavements typically last at least 50% longer than the same pavement
paved with conventional asphalt. The use of polymer modified asphalt makes
possible the construction of thin overlays and other specialized mixes
that can last even longer, saving tax dollars and inconvenience to motorists.
See Asphalt Contractor article Asphalt Keeps Going and Going for more
information.
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Polymer
modified asphalt can be used to enhance pavement performance for essentially
any conventional hot-mix asphalt application. Due to the toughness imparted
by the polymer to the asphalt, the most dramatic successes for polymer
modified asphalt is for applications in which the binder is greatly stressed.
These applications include open graded friction courses, thin sand asphalt
wearing courses, high traffic count pavements, interstates, intersections,
ramps, pavements exposed to excessive heat or cold and pavements that are
often stay damp such as those found in tunnels, under bridges and tree
lined residential streets.
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The
amount of latex to be used varies depending upon the application. For most
hot-mix paving 3% by weight of latex solids is typically added to 97% asphalt
solids. In typical dense graded asphalt approximately two thirds of a gallon
of latex is added per ton of hot mix. Specifications requiring SHRP grade
“bumping” or those having special elastomer tests, the quantity of latex
could vary from 2% to 5% of the asphalt content.
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Polymer
modified asphalt does not cost you money; it saves you money. Yes, you
will pay more for a ton of hot mix. Typically you will pay about 15% to
20% more per ton of mix. In many applications, pavements can be laid thinner
so that the initial cost can be even less than conventional asphalt paving.
In any case, the proven added longevity will yield big savings as polymer
modified pavements typically last at least 50% longer.
