This project explored the feasibility of incorporating phase change material (PCM) into hot mix asphalt (HMA) in order to reduce damage caused by thermal stresses in airport pavements. PCMs release or absorb large amounts of heat during a phase change, making them ideal candidates for smoothing pavement temperature profiles. For this project, PCM-6 was used which is a blend of paraffin waxes and that changes phase at 6 °C. Thermal tests suggested that PCM-6 slowed the rate of cooling/heating and reduced the extreme temperatures. Volumetric properties of the HMA were not affected by PCM-6 when compared to a control. Further testing is required to determine the precise effects of PCM on the mechanical, thermal, and volumetric properties of HMA incorporated with PCM.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cote, Sarah Ann
• Lewis, Rachel Amelia
• Bender, Paul Ryan
• Manning, Bryan James

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042214-235454

Advisor

• Mallick, Rajib B.
• Sakulich, Aaron R.

Year

• 2014

Date created

• 2014-04-22

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright