Synthetic fibres have been used to improve the performance of asphalt concrete pavements for many years. Different types of fibres have been used to enhance asphalt mixture properties and to improve the long-term performance of asphalt concrete pavements. One of the more recent materials to be used for this purpose has been aramid fibres. Aramid has become widely used in many applications for its high tensile, high modulus and temperature resistance properties. It has been recently recognized that these physical properties also make aramid fibre well suited for improving the performance of asphalt concrete for cracking and rutting resistance. The use of fibre reinforced asphalt concrete pavements (FRAP or FRAC) is starting to gain momentum within British Columbia and in other parts of Canada. This technology has been used in municipal and provincial roadway projects, as well as airports and heavy commercial applications. This presentation will discuss the usage of aramid fibre as it has been applied to fibre reinforced asphalt pavements within British Columbia.
Speaker: Michael J. Simons, P. Eng., Product Manager, Roadway Systems, Nilex Inc.