Resurfacing Approximately 3 Miles
of Old Knoxville Road
Location: Old Knoxville Road, Sevierville, TN
Date: August 11-15, 2024
Contractor: Charles Blalock & Sons
Material Used: TDOT 411 D Mix + Ace XP Polymer Fiber | VALOR
Project Scope: Resurfacing approximately 3 miles of Old Knoxville Road using a 1.5-inch asphalt overlay without milling. The asphalt mix used was TDOT 411 D Mix, commonly employed in Tennessee road projects.
Synopsis
The City of Sevierville needed to address deteriorating road conditions on Old Knoxville Road, a vital thoroughfare with significant traffic from residents and tourists. The city sought a solution that would increase the road’s lifespan, reduce future maintenance needs, and align with sustainability goals. The city opted to use Ace XP Polymer Fiber technology for enhanced durability and long-term cost savings.
Material Solution
Ace XP Polymer Fiber with VALOR TechnologyAce XP Polymer Fiber incorporates aramid fibers into the asphalt mix, which provides several advantages:
Crack Reduction: Minimizes surface cracking by 30-50%.
Rutting Prevention: Improves resistance to rutting by up to 15%.
Extended Lifespan: Increases the overall service life of the road by up to 50%, resulting in fewer repairs and reduced long-term costs.
Sustainability: Supports low-carbon initiatives, with EPD certification and compliance with federal sustainability regulations under the IIJA and IRA acts.
The technology was seamlessly integrated into the asphalt mix production, requiring no changes at the plant or in field paving operations. The ACE XP Polymer Fiber provided immediate improvements to the asphalt mixture and increased the road’s durability and resilience without any additional complexity.
Advantages for DOTs and Cities
Increased Durability:
The aramid fibers significantly enhance the tensile strength of asphalt, reducing the occurrence of cracks and ruts, which are common in high-traffic areas. This results in fewer repaIrs and maintenance requirements over the road’s lifespan.
Cost Savings:
By extending the service life of the road by up to 50%, cities and DOTs benefit from reduced long-term maintenance costs and less frequent resurfacing needs. The upfront investment in fiber-reinforced asphalt translates into lower life-cycle costs.
Sustainability:
ACE XP Polymer Fiber is a low-carbon solution, making it an ideal option for cities focused on meeting sustainability goals. The technology can reduce embodied carbon in asphalt mixes and help contractors be compliant with federal environmental standards, making it an eco-friendly choice for infrastructure projects.
Ease of Implementation:
ACE XP Polymer Fiber material integrates smoothly into existing asphalt production processes, requiring no changes to equipment or formulations. This ease of adoption ensures that cities and contractors can implement the solution without disrupting standard operations.
Conclusion and Outcome
The Sevierville resurfacing project successfully extended the life of Old Knoxville Road, reduced maintenance needs, and delivered a sustainable solution for the city’s infrastructure. By incorporating Ace XP Polymer Fiber, Sevierville has set a new standard for durability and sustainability in road construction, paving the way for future use of aramid fiber technology in municipal and state-level projects.
