Performance and behaviour of bitumen emulsion treated road bases in South Africa.

Abstract

Emulsion treatment of granular bases is used mostly as a rehabilitation option in South Africa. Emulsion treated bases (ETBs) have been used on an ad hoc basis in South Africa in the past. Considerable work has gone into the mix design of ETBs, but in general, the modelling of ETB pavements lacks performance data. Accelerated testing with the Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) fleet in South Africa has proven to be the ideal way of evaluating and modelling the performance of ETB pavements. Experimental sections and previously constructed ETB sections were tested. The outcome of these tests has contributed significantly towards the increased use of ETBs in South Africa. Research on ETB with natural gravels are also reported on.