OBJECTIVES : In this study, microstructural components of crumb rubber modified asphalt (CRMA) binder were investigated using environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). To clearly understand the elemental composition of the CRMA binder, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was employed on the ESEM samples. METHODS: CRMA binders were produced using open blade mixers at 177℃ for 30 min. The binders were artificially aged through a series of accelerated aging processes. Sample preparation was done by making a mold shape on the glass slide. Thereafter, the morphology of the CRMA binder was observed using the ESEM coupled with the EDX. RESULTS : The images captured from the ESEM indicate that the unaged CRMA binder appears to have a single-phase continuous nonuniform structure after the addition of crumb rubber particles, whereas the artificially aged CRMA binder was observed to have two different phases. ESEM coupled with EDX shows detailed internal structure of the modified binders compared to other technologies (i.e., optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and conventional scanning electron microscope). CONCLUSIONS: The captured images resemble the internal structures such as the viscous properties of the unaged CRMA binder and the interaction between the rubber particles and the base binder at aged condition. ESEM is a powerful instrument and with the introduction of EDX, it provided more details of the network microstructure of the asphalt binder. ESEM coupled with EDX is recommended for use in future investigation of microstructure of asphalt binders.

PURPOSES : The performance properties (indirect tensile strength, rutting resistance, and resilient modulus) of recycled aged CRM mixtures and their correlation with Superpave binder properties (viscosity, high failure temperature, G*sinδ, and stiffness) were investigated. METHODS: A series of Superpave binder tests was performed by using a rotational viscometer, DSR, and BBR to evaluate the performance properties. In addition, the CRM mixes were artificially aged through accelerated aging processes, and their properties were evaluated. The correlation between the properties of recycled aged CRM binders and the engineering properties of recycled aged CRM mixtures was experimentally determined. RESULTS : The rut depth values decreased and the ITS values increased with increasing high failure temperature. In general, the resilient modulus properties seemed to be poorly correlated with the high-temperature values, regardless of the aggregate source. CONCLUSIONS: The recycled aged CRM binders and mixtures can lead to satisfactory performance, and the properties of these binders are strongly correlated with the engineering properties of the mixtures.

PURPOSES : This paper presents a description of the current issues facing road managers regarding the surface-type conversion of lowvolume roads for cost savings. METHODS: The paper reviews previous works conducted toward this end, acknowledges gaps in the current research, and lays out what information is needed for further studies. RESULTS : If the cost to maintain an unsurfaced road is less than the cost of maintaining a surfaced road, then there is potential for cost savings for the management agency. However, the problem is bigger than simply maintaining the roads that already exist. If unsurfaced roads prove to be more economical than surfaced roads, then the cost to convert from a surfaced to an unsurfaced roadway, and vice versa, when necessary, must also be examined. CONCLUSIONS : No other studies have addressed the un-surfacing of a road for cost savings, and it is therefore unknown whether substantial savings can be realistically obtained by converting from a surfaced to an unsurfaced road. To determine whether a conversion policy would be a viable option, additional data and research are needed.

PURPOSES: This study set out to investigate the current state of microsurfacing in Texas and compared the results with the current state of the practice nationwide. METHODS: For this study, case studies were extracted from the existing literature and compared with the data obtained both from site visits by the research team and data obtained from a survey by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) personnel. The successes and failures of microsurfacing are detailed and explanations of different issues are outlined. Forensic studies from Texas are included in the descriptions of those microsurfacings that failed when configured as part of the cape seals. RESULTS : Microsurfacing has been shown to be an effective pavement preservation technique when applied to an appropriate road, at an appropriate timing, and as a remedy for certain issues. The failures experienced in Texas can mostly be attributed to cape seals and an inability to recognize structurally faulty pavement. CONCLUSIONS : When applied to an appropriate road, at an appropriate timing, and as a remedy for certain issues, microsurfacing has been shown to perform well in numerous case studies. The majority of microsurfacing failures are the result of poor project selection, usually involving the treatment being applied to structurally unsound pavement.