ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: Rutting is a major problem in asphalt pavements in Norway. This is partly because of wear from studded winter tires and partly because of deformations from growing traffic with increasing tire pressures and heavy axle loads. This development in traffic together with more severe Nordic climatic influences now calls for innovative pavement solutions. To meet these growing traffic and climatic challenges, pavements need to exhibit improved cracking and deformation resistance (flexibility and stability). Therefore, there is now more focus on polymer modified binders (PMB). A number of Norwegian asphalt pavements with PMB from the last years are now closely monitored to evaluate the long term field performance. For some of these sections, extensive laboratory investigations have been conducted related to both wear resistance (Prall testing) and deformation properties (Dynamic creep test/Nottingham Asphalt Tester and Wheel Track). The paper presents the recent results from these studies, comparing field and laboratory data. The main objective is to learn in what way PMBs can be a practical and economical tool for obtaining longer lasting pavements in Norway.
