Open-Graded Asphalt Fortified with Non-Segregating Grout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heavy-duty pavement structures, whether concrete or asphalt, lack the necessary strength and flexibility for high-traffic areas, with asphalt being prone to cracking and concrete being brittle, and existing composite designs like resin-filled macadam face practical limitations due to grout segregation issues that affect the strength and durability of the pavement.
Innovation Solution
A method for creating a heavy-duty pavement structure using an open-graded asphalt layer fortified with a non-segregating grout mixture, comprising a specific blend of portland cement, sand, and a cement binder system, which enhances the strength and durability by preventing grout separation and ensuring uniform bonding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional asphalt cement is used in the open graded asphalt layer, then the pavement is flexible under loading and hot weather, but the strength is limited and it is more susceptible to temperature and loading effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite pavement structure by filling the voids in the open-graded asphalt layer with cement grout. This composite design combines the flexibility of asphalt with the strength of cement, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and strength. The asphalt provides flexibility under loading and hot weather, while the cement grout fills the voids to provide structural strength and resistance to temperature and loading effects.
2Ease of manufacture
If ordinary portland cement grout is used to fill the voids in open graded asphalt, then the grout mixture can be applied, but it segregates so that sand settles to the bottom and water rises to the top, resulting in low strength and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the grout mixture parameters by using a specific water-cement ratio and incorporating air-entraining agents. These parameter changes prevent segregation of the grout components during application. The adjusted water-cement ratio ensures proper consistency without excessive water that would rise to the top, while air-entraining agents create stable air bubbles that prevent sand settlement, maintaining uniform strength and durability throughout the filled layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air-entraining agents as intermediaries in the grout mixture. These agents create stable air bubbles that act as spacers and distributors, preventing the sand from settling to the bottom and water from rising to the top. The air bubbles distribute the grout components uniformly throughout the open-graded asphalt voids, ensuring consistent strength and durability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If grout is mixed in small batches and immediately applied to reduce separation, then the degree of separation is reduced, but the time needed to complete the grout application dramatically increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the grout mixture parameters by incorporating air-entraining agents and optimizing the water-cement ratio. These parameter changes allow the grout to remain stable and uniform even when mixed in larger batches, preventing segregation during storage and transport. This enables rapid construction by allowing bulk mixing while maintaining grout uniformity, thus resolving the contradiction between grout stability and construction speed.
4Strength
If air voids or bubbles form within the filled layer, then the grout mixture is displaced causing a lack of bonding between the grout and the open graded asphalt layer and the underlying structure layer, but proper mixing and application can prevent this
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses air-entraining agents as intermediaries that create stable, uniformly distributed air bubbles in the grout mixture. These controlled air bubbles act as bonding promoters rather than defects, improving the adhesion between the grout and both the open-graded asphalt layer and the underlying structure layer. The air bubbles increase the surface area for bonding and create a mechanical interlock, preventing the lack of bonding issue while maintaining a relatively simple application process.
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 provides a robust, economical, and flexible pavement structure that surpasses the properties of both asphalt and concrete pavements, allowing for rapid construction and minimizing maintenance needs, with improved strength and durability suitable for heavy loading and long-term wear.
Implementation Method 1
the sand settles to the bottom of the open graded asphalt layer and the water rises to the top of the layer
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a heavy duty pavement structure comprising an open-graded asphalt layer fortified with a non-segregating grout mixture. The heavy duty pavement structure is made through the steps including forming an open-graded asphalt layer and then fortifying the layer with a non-segregating grout mixture that includes a predetermined amount of portland cement, sand and cement binder system.