Recommended Citation
Montgomery, S. R., & Haddock, J. E. (2017). Fog seal performance on asphalt mixture longitudinal joints (Joint Transportation Research Program Publication No. FHWA/IN/JTRP-2017/18). West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284316572
DOI
10.5703/1288284316572
Abstract
Due to the nature of construction, it is common for longitudinal joints in asphalt pavements to have lower densities and higher permeabilities than the main portions of the pavement lanes. To address this concern, many states employ joint sealant techniques such as fog seals or void reducing asphalt membranes (VRAM). Qualitative evidence in Indiana appears to indicate that longitudinal joint lives have been improved by the use of joint sealers and adhesives, but the specific materials and application rates used to treat longitudinal joints has not been quantitatively investigated. This research aims to specifically investigate the fog seal materials and application rates specified for use on longitudinal joints in Indiana and to compare the performance of fog seal and VRAM treatments in order to provide guidelines for future joint sealant treatments. These objectives were accomplished by employing laboratory testing of both laboratory prepared specimens and field samples.
The research performed on the laboratory specimens found the application of fog seals can improve the performance of the longitudinal joints with respect to permeability. While the permeability was affected by the presence of a fog seal treatment, the benefits were irrespective of the specific fog seal material. The results also indicate that the fog seal should be reapplied at 5-7 year intervals.
The data from the field samples indicated that the VRAM samples had on average higher air void contents than did the SS-1h fog seal samples. Additionally, the VRAM samples had permeability coefficients that were statistically higher than the SS-1h fog seal samples. These differences may be attributable to the lack of VRAM migration up into the asphalt surface mixture. While the SS-1h fog seal treatment appears to have better performance than the VRAM, the effectiveness of the treatments over time is not known.
Report Number
FHWA/IN/JTRP-2017/18
Keywords
longitudinal joints, fog seal, joint permeability, asphalt pavement
SPR Number
3903
Performing Organization
Joint Transportation Research Program
Sponsoring Organization
Indiana Department of Transportation
Publisher Place
West Lafayette, Indiana
Date of this Version
2017