Glasphalt Test Sections in Virginia

Report No: 98-R6

Published in 1997

About the report:

There is an effort to utilize waste materials in construction processes to diminish the amount placed in landfills. Mixed-color glass, which is not recyclable in the glass industry, has been used in asphalt, but there have been reservations about the durability of a pavement containing glass. The purpose of this project was to install and evaluate field test sections of an asphalt surface mix containing glass, i.e., glasphalt. Although no major problems were encountered in constructing the sections, the contractor had a problem obtaining a steady supply of glasphalt from the recycling company. The sections have performed satisfactorily for 2.5 years, but some safety problems have been associated with loose glass raveling from the pavement surface. One report of a child being cut and several reports of cut automobile tires necessitated a monthly sweeping of the curb and gutter sections during their early life; one street will be repaved because of these difficulties. Because of these problems, the author recommends that glass not be used in surface mixes, especially in urban areas subjected to parking and pedestrian traffic.

Documents

98-R6

_{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

G. W. Maupin, Jr., P.E.

Last updated: December 15, 2023