In recent years, an increase of environmental temperature in urban areas has raised many concerns. These areas are subjected to higher temperature compared to the rural surrounding areas. Modification of land surface and the use of materials such as concrete and/or asphalt are the main factors influencing the surface energy balance and therefore the environmental temperature in the urban areas. Engineered materials have relatively higher solar energy absorption and tend to trap a relatively higher incoming solar radiation. They also possess a higher heat storage capacity that allows them to retain heat during the day and then slowly release it back into the atmosphere as the sun goes down. This phenomenon is known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and causes an increase in the urban air temperature. Many researchers believe that albedo is the key pavement affecting the urban heat island. However, this research has shown that the problem is more complex and that solar reflectivity may not be the only important factor to evaluate the ability of a pavement to mitigate UHI. The main objective of this study was to analyze and research the influence of pavement materials on the near surface air temperature. In order to accomplish this effort, test sections consisting of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), Porous Hot Mix asphalt (PHMA), Portland Cement Concrete (PCC), Pervious Portland Cement Concrete (PPCC), artificial turf, and landscape gravels were constructed in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Air temperature, albedo, wind speed, solar radiation, and wind direction were recorded, analyzed and compared above each pavement material type. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the air temperature at 3-feet and above, regardless of the type of the pavement. Near surface pavement temperatures were also measured and modeled. The results indicated that for the UHI analysis, it is important to consider the interaction between pavement structure, material properties, and environmental factors. Overall, this study demonstrated the complexity of evaluating pavement structures for UHI mitigation; it provided great insight on the effects of material types and properties on surface temperatures and near surface air temperature.

ABSTRACT Pre-treated crumb rubber technologies are emerging as a new method to produce asphalt rubber mixtures in the field. A new crumb rubber modifier industrially known as "RuBind" is one such technology. RuBindTM is a "Reacted and Activated Rubber" (RAR) that acts like an elastomeric asphalt extender to improve the engineering properties of the binder and mixtures. It is intended to be used in a dry mixing process with the purpose of simplifying mixing at the asphalt plant. The objectives of this research study were to evaluate the rheological and aging properties of binders modified with RuBindTM and its compatibility with warm mix technology. Two binders were used for this study: Performance Grade (PG) 70-10 and PG 64-22, both modified with 25% by weight of asphalt binder. Laboratory test included: penetration, softening point, viscosity, Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). Tests were conducted under original, short and long -term aging conditions. Observations from the test results indicated that there is a better improvement when RuBindTM is added to a softer binder, in this case a PG 64-22. For short-term aging, the modified binder showed a similar aging index compared to the control. However, long term aging was favorable for the modified binders. The DSR results showed that the PG 64-22 binder high temperature would increase to 82 °C, and PG 70-10 would be increased to 76 °C, both favorable results. The intermediate temperatures also showed an improvement in fatigue resistance (as measured by the Superpave PG grading parameter |G*|sinä). Test results at low temperatures did not show a substantial improvement, but the results were favorable showing reduced stiffness with the addition of RuBindTM. The evaluation of warm mix additive using EvothermTM confirmed the manufacturer information that the product should have no negative effects on the binder properties; that is the modified binder can be used in a warm mix process. These results were encouraging and the recommendation was to continue with a follow up study with mixture tests using the RuBindTM modified binders.

Asphalt concrete is the most recycled material in the United States and its reclamation allows the positive reuse of the constituent aggregates and asphalt binder, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the transportation infrastructure; decreasing costs, and the total energy and greenhouse emissions embodied into new materials and infrastructure. Although the national trends in Reclaimed Asphalt Pavements (RAP) usage are encouraging, the environmental conditions in Phoenix, Arizona are extreme and needs further consideration.

The objective of this research study was to evaluate the viability of using RAP in future pavement maintenance and rehabilitation projects for the City. Agencies in the State of Arizona have been slow adopting the use of RAP as a regular practice. While the potential benefits are great, there is some concern on the impact to long-term pavement performance.

RAP millings were sampled from the city’s stockpiles; processed RAP and virgin materials were provided by a local plant. Two asphalt binders were used: PG 70-10 and PG 64-16. RAP variability was evaluated by aggregate gradations; extracted and recovered binder was tested for properties and grading.

A mixture design procedure based on the City’s specifications was defined to establish trial blends. RAP incorporation was based on national and local practices. Four different RAP contents were studied 10%, 15%, 25%, and 25% content with a softer binder, in addition to a control mix (0% RAP).

Performance tests included: dynamic modulus to evaluate stiffness; Flow Number, to assess susceptibility for permanent deformation (rutting); and Tensile Strength Ratio as a measure of susceptibility to moisture damage.

Binder testing showed very stiff recovered asphalts and variable contents with a reasonable variability on aggregate gradations. Performance test results showed slightly higher modulus as RAP content increases, showing a slight improvement related to rutting as well. For moisture damage potential, all mixtures performed well showing improvement for RAP mixtures in most cases.

Statistical analysis showed that 0%, 10%, 15% and 25% with softer binder do not present significant statistical difference among mixtures, indicating that moderate RAP contents are feasible to use within the City paving operations and will not affect greatly nor negatively the pavement performance.

Crumb rubber use in asphalt mixtures using wet process technology has been in practice for years in the United States with good performance history; however, it has some drawbacks that include the need for special blending equipment, high rubber-binder temperatures, and longer waiting time at mixing plants. Pre-treated crumb rubber technologies are emerging as a new method to produce asphalt rubber mixtures in the field. A new crumb rubber modifier known as Reacted and Activated Rubber (RAR) is one such technology. RAR (industrially known as “RARX”) acts like an Enhanced Elastomeric Asphalt Extender to improve the engineering properties of the binder and mixtures. It is intended to be used in a dry mixing process with the purpose of simplifying mixing at the asphalt plant. The objective of this research study was first to perform a Superpave mix design for determination of optimum asphalt content with 35% RAR by weight of binder; and secondly, analyse the performance of RAR modified mixtures prepared using the dry process against Crumb Rubber Modified (CRM) mixtures prepared using the wet process by conducting various laboratory tests. Performance Grade (PG) 64-22 binder was used to fabricate RAR and CRM mixtures and Performance Grade (PG) 70-10 was used to fabricate Control mixtures for this study. Laboratory tests included: Dynamic Modulus Test, Flow Number Test, Tensile Strength Ratio, Axial Cyclic Fatigue Test and C* Fracture Test. Observations from test results indicated that RAR mixes prepared through the dry process had excellent fatigue life, moisture resistance and cracking resistance compared to the other mixtures.