Multifunctional Thin Bituminous Layer for Road Pavement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bituminous thin surface treatments and Stress-Absorbing Membrane Interlayers (SAMI) fail to provide adequate mechanical performance and adhesion in severely deteriorated road pavements, leading to increased stress and deformation issues.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional thin bituminous layer composed of a bituminous mixture with bitumen, polyolefin plastic materials, and optionally graphene, which provides high mechanical performance without the need for nets or grids, ensuring suitable stiffness and adhesion to enhance load-bearing capacity and prevent imbalance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bituminous thin surface treatments are used to restore surface deteriorations, then surface sealing and friction resistance are improved, but mechanical performance and adhesion in severely deteriorated pavements are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface sealing and friction resistanceVSAvoidmechanical performance and adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of bitumen binder, polyolefin plastic materials (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), and inorganic inert materials (aggregates and fillers). This composite structure combines the adhesive properties of bitumen with the mechanical strength of polyolefin plastics and the structural stability of inorganic aggregates, thereby simultaneously improving both surface sealing and mechanical performance in severely deteriorated pavements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the bituminous mixture by incorporating polyolefin plastic materials that undergo phase changes at specific temperatures. These materials alter the viscosity, adhesion, and mechanical properties of the bitumen binder, enabling the mixture to achieve optimal bonding strength and mechanical performance under varying service conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If SAMI layers are applied to prevent crack propagation, then stress redistribution is improved, but bending stiffness is reduced causing greater pavement deflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrack prevention and stress redistributionVSAvoidbending stiffness and pavement deflection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the principle of local quality by using polyolefin plastic materials that provide localized stress absorption and crack prevention at critical points within the pavement structure. The inorganic inert materials are strategically distributed to provide local structural support and maintain bending stiffness, while the bitumen binder ensures local adhesion between layers. This localized functional distribution allows crack prevention without compromising overall pavement stiffness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 multifunctional thin bituminous layer effectively reduces stress and deformation, increases the load-bearing capacity of road pavements, and extends their lifespan by providing excellent mechanical performance, waterproofing, and sound-absorbing properties, while maintaining surface runoff and reducing maintenance interventions.

Implementation Method 1

a multifunctional thin bituminous layer based on a bituminous mixture comprising bitumen, an additive composition, and inorganic inert materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

said additive composition comprising at least one polyolefin plastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymer modification:

Implementation Method 3

excellent mechanical performance, including a suitable stiffness to reduce stresses in the structure in which the thin layer is applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 4

providing a durable and friction-resistant surface on the existing pavement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaterproofing:

Implementation Method 5

providing excellent mechanical performance, waterproofing, and sound-absorbing properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS20240417563A1Multifunctional thin bituminous layer with high mechanical performance

Publication Date: 2024.12.19 ITERCHIM SRL

AI summary

The present invention discloses a multifunctional thin bituminous layer, intended to be used as a layer with high mechanical performance in an infrastructural element, for example a road, based on a bituminous mixture containing bitumen, an additive composition, and inorganic inert materials. The additive composition includes at least one polyolefin plastic material and optionally further additives. The present invention also refers to an infrastructural element including the above-mentioned multifunctional thin bituminous layer, as well as a process for producing the multifunctional thin bituminous layer and its application to said infrastructural element.