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EDITORIAL
recovery more than 75% is about 25% costlier than
bitumen VG30, but it extends the pavement life by more
than 50%. Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB) can
be used for medium-trafficked roads only. A fully equipped
testing laboratory staffed with qualified technicians must
be available at the blending site. Table 4 of IRC:111-2009
lays down the selection criteria for grade of modified
bitumen as a function of maximum and minimum ambient
air temperature. However, performance of each type of
modified bitumen, having the same softening point is
different. CRMB and Plastomeric PMB have good rut
resistance but their performance at low and very high
temperature is questionable. However elastomeric PMB
performs well at low as well as high temperature. CRMB
not be used on low-trafficked roads such as under PMGSY
where ordinary bitumen would be adequate.
Use of Anti-Stripping Agent: Anti-stripping agents
are used for bituminous materials and mixes to ensure
adhesion between aggregates (hydrophilic in nature) and
bitumen, even under submergence in water. Ministrys
Specification for Road and Bridge Works specifies in
detail, anti-stripping agent for bituminous materials and
mixes. Bituminous pavement can rut, crack or develop
potholes if the bituminous mix experiences stripping
when subjected to moisture especially during monsoon.
As specified in IRC: 111-2009, Specifications for Dense
Graded Bituminous Mixes the complete mix should be
tested using AASHTO T 283, Resistance of Compacted
Asphalt Mixtures to Moisture-Induced Damage. If the
mix fails this test, liquid anti-stripping agent or hydrated
lime should be used.
Bituminous Mat Density: Bituminous pavements can
fail prematurely if the compacted mat has low density
as compared with laboratory density. The density of the
finished mat should not be less than 92% nor more than
97% of the theoretical maximum specific gravity. Cores
of 150 mm in diameter should be obtained to check mat
density at the time of construction.
Quality Control/Assurance and Acceptance: Present
specifications and field practices do not adequately
address the quality control/quality assurance (QC/
QA) aspect of the bituminous mixes, which is a very
important element of a specification. Quality control is
the responsibility of the Contractor who is expected to
keep a control on the materials going into the mix and
on process of mixing, laying, compacting and curing.
Quality assurance or acceptance is the responsibility of
the specifying agency. For quality control, the agency
specifies the types and minimum frequency of the tests
to be conducted by the contractor during construction
including those in the presence of supervising staff.
Whereas current specifications have addressed the
quality control aspect, it need to be specific about quality
Comments on this Editorial are invited and may be sent by E-mail: secretarygen@irc.org.in