SEDL / STP / STP1348-EB / STP12859S

Considerations for a Performance-Based Specification for Bituminous Crack Sealants

Masson, J-F
Associate Research Officers, Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

Lacasse, MA
Associate Research Officers, Institute for Research in Construction, National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

Pages: 14    Published: Jan 1998

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Abstract

Crack sealing is an invaluable method of pavement maintenance that extends pavement service life. Notwithstanding the evident positive aspects attributable to crack sealing, crack sealants themselves often fail prematurely when exposed to harsh climatic conditions in which temperatures can range from -40°C to +40 °C. Based on a review of the performance concept applied to construction materials and a critical assessment of the current ASTM specification (D 3405) for bituminous crack sealants used in cold climates we propose a modified yet systematic approach towards developing a performance-based specification for bituminous crack sealants. The specification would permit the selection of sealants for very cold climates and would allow predicting the probable effective life based on a numerical model.