Antistrip additive (we use Adhere or Evotherm) is added to the asphalt binder to better adhere the binder to the aggregate and the dosage rate depends on the type of aggregate. Evotherm at a higher dosage rate also will give you warm mix asphalt, which allows lower temperatures at production and placement. If your talking about binding to previous layers, tack (CRS-1,CRS-2, or Trackless) is used on a clean surface just prior to paving.
You might do some work on reinforcements, such as fiberglass or HDPE. Should be a fun project out on the jobs. One of the main problems with older pavements is cracking. Solve that and you are a millionaire.
I went to a HMA conference during college and the idea I found most interesting was the interaction at the molecular leave between the aggregate and the binder. There is a theory ( based of memory no sources ) that when the aggregate is blended that sometimes water molecules are retained on the aggregate and cause a weak bond between the two. The idea they were purposing was to use a polymer to reduce these water molecules sticking to the aggregate and thus creating a stronger bond. I would love if someone could source this.
Having worked in a hot mix lab before, that idea sounds fishy to me Kuhuh. You cook the water out of the aggregate before you mix it.
The SMA mixes they're using down here in Georgia are gap graded, and use baghouse fines and pulped newspaper fiber to increase the binding properties. They're hell to get compaction on, though, unless they're laid very hot.
Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East -
