Experimental Use of Rubber-tire Rollers as a Means of Improving Density in Asphalt Overlays

Report No: 91-R29

Published in 1991

About the report:

This study reports the results of comparative tests on sections of asphalt pavement rolled with conventional steel-wheel rollers and those rolled with a rubber tire roller added between the steel-wheel breakdown and steel wheel finish rollers. Nuclear density and air voids were used as measures of potential differences between sections. Of the 15 projects tested, which included 90 comparisons of averages and standard deviation, the sections rolled with the rubber-tire roller added were statistically significantly (a = .05) "better" in only 11 percent. Sections rolled with the conventional steel-wheel rollers were statistically significantly (a = .05) "better" in 13 percent. In the author's opinion, this does not indicate that the addition of the rubber-tire roller was actually detrimental. There were most likely other variables in the pavement, rolling, and/or testing that created the differences. However, it is obvious that this testing showed no consistent measurable benefit as a result of the addition of a rubber-tire roller.

Documents

91-R29

_{Disclaimer Statement:The contents of this report reflect the views of the author(s), who is responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Any inclusion of manufacturer names, trade names, or trademarks is for identification purposes only and is not to be considered an endorsement.}

Authors

Charles S. Hughes, P.E.

Last updated: December 25, 2023