The design and performance evaluation of low-noise rubber-fibre micro-surfacing pavement

Owing to its good performance and quick construction, micro-surfacing is frequently employed in the prevention and treatment of pavement diseases. However, the shortcomings of the current design methods and the noise problems have not been resolved. Two ways of optimising gradation and adding additives were used to reduce the noise and enhance the performance of micro-surfacing. The gradation of the micro-surfacing was investigated based on fractal theory and the optimum gradation range was determined. The results showed that adding more fibre to micro-surfacing improves its resistance to rutting, wear, water damage and cracking. The anti-skid performance of rubber powder-fibre micro-surfacing (RFMS) falls as the asphalt aggregate ratio rises, but wear resistance and water damage resistance rise and rutting resistance and fracture resistance increase initially before declining. The best mix proportion of RFMS is determined based on the overall mass of aggregate and each component is as follows: 1.5% cement (PO42.5), 3% rubber powder (40 mesh) and 0.2–0.25% polypropylene monofilament fibre (6 mm). RFMS can reduce pavement noise while maintaining good anti-skid performance. The study is an important supplement to the research on micro-surfacing and its noise reduction.