Executive Summary : | Potholes in bituminous pavements, particularly during rainy seasons, are causing increasing road accidents and discomfort for road users. These potholes deteriorate the pavement structure's service life, increasing direct and indirect costs. The short life span of these patches raises concerns about the durability and relevance of current patching practices. A proposed study evaluates sustainable and innovative pothole patching techniques to advance existing practices. The study includes a literature review, laboratory investigation, field validation, and recommendation in the form of a decision tree. The laboratory investigation focuses on three ideas: enhancing the bond between patch material and existing pavement surface, reinforcing patch material using geosynthetics, and exploring the self-healing potential of patch material. Heating the existing surface activates the aged binder, enhancing the bond between patching material and repair surface. A solar heating system using a Fresnel lens is proposed as an alternative to expensive heating systems. Geosynthetic reinforcement is considered to enhance the load-bearing capacity of patching materials, and conductive filler materials are considered to accelerate the self-healing process of patches. The proposed advanced patching techniques will be evaluated individually and in combinations compared to conventional cold mix asphalt and hot mix asphalt patches using standard pavement performance tests. A benefit-cost analysis will be performed using the outcomes of laboratory and field investigations. The study recommendations will be provided in the form of a decision tree, allowing practitioners to choose a specific patching method based on available budget, road, traffic, and pothole size. |