Performance and durability of grouted open grade asphalt concretes

In recent years, new design techniques have been developed to ensure high performance and durability. In semi-flexible pavements (SFPs) the upper layer is an open graded asphalt in which the voids are filled with cement mortar. This represents an attractive solution both for new pavements and rehabilitation in areas subject to the action of heavy traffic loads and thermal stresses. Actually, semi-flexible pavements have been widely used in many practical applications, as heavily trafficked areas, airport infrastructures, container terminal; however it is not well known the increment in terms of service life that results by the use of semi-flexible instead of traditional pavement. With this aim, the Authors carried out a full-scale experimentation, by the use of the open grade filled with mortar as overlay of new pavements. Laboratory fatigue tests on beam specimens were carried out in order to evaluate the long term performance. In conclusion, the paper provides a reference for design engineers of an innovative pavement.