Toward Development of Asphaltic Materials to Resist Studded Tire Wear

Studded tires are commonly used in parts of the United States to reduce snow- and ice-related accidents, but these tires can cause significant damage to the pavement because such wear in the wheel path leads to rutting in the asphalt concrete. Once studded tire wear is generated, there is no effective measure at present to repair the wear. Therefore, the reduction of studded tire wear is urgently needed to improve asphalt pavement conditions and save repair costs. This study quantifies the wear resistance potential of asphalt mixes by varying parameters such as aggregate type, gradation, asphalt type, air void content, and aggregate size to identify the most effective mixes for resisting studded tire wear. This work uses the studded tire wear simulator developed at Washington State University. In addition, the rutting and cracking performance of these test mixes is examined to identify the optimal mix design. The overall performance of the mixes is assessed to determine the optimal mix design variables, such as gradation, grade of asphalt binder, nominal maximum aggregate size, quality of aggregate, and air void content. Recommendations for additional research also are provided.