In the
January/ February 2014 edition of Asphalt
Pavement Magazine published by the National Asphalt Pavement Association,
an article titled “PennDOT Trials Asphalt Fiber Technology” discusses PennDOT’s
partnership with FORTA Corporation to study their fiber-reinforcement
technology to improve Pennsylvania roads through pilot projects that were
approved by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
With PennDOT’s
desire to better the roads on a limited budget, their Next Generation program
involves resources focused on efficiency, cost reduction, and improved asphalt
performance. FORTA’s patented blend
consists of aramid and polyolefin fibers that are evenly distributed throughout
an asphalt mix for longer life and stronger performance. Studies conducted at
Arizona State University have shown that FORTA-FI® can reduce
pavement thickness while adding strength and resilience.
PennDOT has
been conducting a variety of pilot projects such as backcountry roads, bridges,
and high traffic zones while studying side by side comparisons of FORTAfied® asphalt pavement and
conventional asphalt pavement. According to the article, PennDOT has utilized
FORTA-FI® for reinforcement of intersections to reduce rutting and
shifting of the asphalt. After eighteen months, the fiber-reinforced asphalt is
performing as guaranteed due to the aramid fibers spreading force evenly throughout
the asphalt pavement layer decreasing strain and deformation on the roads.
PennDOT’s goal is to continue with
opportunities to extend the life of Pennsylvania roads within their budget. The
field-testing from PennDOT’s pilot projects are showing positive reinforcement
and benefits from the aramid and polyolefin fibers within the asphalt pavement.
According to PennDOT’s Evaluations & Research Unit, the National
Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) panel is looking into setting
standards for utilizing “fiber-based additives in asphalt materials” sometime
this year.
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