Meltable Pavement Substrate for Crack Reflection and Adhesion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anti-reflective cracking (ARC) interlayer fabrics used in asphalt road renovation often result in lower adhesion between new and existing layers, especially when compared to renovations without these fabrics.
Innovation Solution
A reinforcement structure for pavements comprising a substrate made of a non-metal material with a melting temperature between 60 and 135°C, which integrates reinforcement elements oriented in a parallel position. This substrate melts and dissolves when asphalt or bitumen is applied, enhancing adhesion and facilitating recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an ARC interlayer fabric is used to prevent crack reflection, then crack reflection is reduced, but adhesion between new and existing layers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate's melting temperature is changed to a specific range (60-135°C) that allows it to melt when asphalt or bitumen is applied at typical paving temperatures. This parameter change enables the substrate to transition from a solid state during installation to a melted state during asphalt application, thereby improving adhesion between layers while maintaining crack reflection prevention functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate undergoes a phase transition from solid to liquid/melted state when exposed to asphalt or bitumen during application. This phase transition allows the substrate to integrate with the asphalt layer, eliminating the interface between substrate and asphalt and thereby improving adhesion. The reinforcement elements maintain their structural integrity while the substrate melts, creating a strong bond between the reinforcement and the new asphalt layer
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution improves adhesion between new and existing pavement layers, even when an ARC interlayer is used, and simplifies the recycling process by eliminating the need to separate the substrate from other components.
Implementation Method 1
the substrate melts and/or dissolves when asphalt or bitumen or any other bitumen based material, preferably with a temperature similar to or higher than the melting temperature, is applied during installation
Implementation Method 2
the molten and/or dissolved substrate may thereby possibly for example mix with the asphalt or bitumen or any other bitumen based material
Data Source
AI summary
A structure for the reinforcement of pavements, said structure having a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, said structure comprising a first group of reinforcement element, said reinforcement elements of said first group being oriented in a first direction in a mutual parallel or mutual substantially parallel position, said reinforcement elements being integrated in a substrate, whereby said substrate comprises or consists of a non-metal material with a melting temperature between 60 and 135° C.