Road test with the ‘Big Rig’
Simpson Strong-Tie, in partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington, is developing a series of road tests at the Advanced Pavement Research Center to demonstrate the value of using pavement reinforcement grids in conjunction with the repaving of America’s roadways.
Using the “Big Rig” Pavement Testing Machine (PTM) at the Research Center, Simpson Strong-Tie and the University of Texas are testing Carbophalt and Glasphalt reinforcement grids.
The tests will simulate high-traffic areas such as airports, bus stops, toll centers and highways where roadbed wear most often leads to safety hazards.
“Whatever type of asphalt is installed, it will remain at the mercy of weather and the constant wear and tear of traffic loads unless it’s also reinforced to avoid cracking, crazing and deformation,” said Corey Clark, Simpson Strong-Tie market segment manager.
As the “Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” funds are deployed to help bring American roadways into the 21st century, said the company, additional roadbed technologies are likely to be introduced.
These roadbed technologies include high adhesion surfaces, sound proofing, sensors for self-driving vehicles, and systems for improved safety in extreme weather conditions.
“Simpson Strong-Tie pavement reinforcement solutions provide answers to the safety and comfort needs of all road users by anticipating the deterioration of roads due to traffic and aggressive weather cycles over time,” said Clark.
Featuring a proprietary weave that makes them easier to install on both straight and curved roadbeds, said Simpson Strong-Tie, pavement reinforcement grids are flexible and saturated with bitumen to ensure superior bonding between layers of asphalt and a positive lock into the pavement.
Carbophalt and Glasphalt reinforcement grids are also easily milled and recycled into asphalt aggregate, the firm said, for use in new pavement projects with no decrease in aggregate performance.
Founded in 1956, Simpson Strong-Tie, headquartered in Pleasanton, Calif., is a world leader in structural product solutions.