Performance of Noise Reduction and Skid Resistance of Durable Granular Ultra-Thin Layer Asphalt Pavement

In this paper, the ultra-thin layer (UTL) is defined as the dense framework structure mixture made of asphalt binder, fine aggregate with nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) not greater than 13.2 mm and possible additives (mineral or organic), thickness of 2–4 cm. The study aims to investigate comprehensive performance of UTL asphalt mixture. The method of impact freeze thaw split test and the index of impact freeze–thawing damage degree (IFTDD) are proposed to reflect the durability. The indoor tire-rolling-down test system and accelerated abrasion machine are used to simulate the tire-pavement interaction and test road noise and skid resistance, respectively. Though evaluating the influencing factors (pavement thickness, gradation, asphalt binder type, and the content of KS additive) on durability, the optimum parameters with excellent durability are recommended. Combined with the test of noise and skid resistance, the factors affecting the surface function are analyzed. Moreover, the prediction mathematical model of skid resistance and the long-term safety benefit value E(eff) are put forward. Results indicate that pavement thickness is the most significant factor effecting on durability, and gradation is the most significant factor affecting noise. Compared with KS additive, gradation has a greater influence on skid resistance index of Texture Depth (TD), whereas, KS additive is the most significant factor affecting British Pendulum Number (BPN). Furthermore, with the addition of asphalt rubber (AR), IFTDD and noise are reduced by 29.17% and 1.6 dB, and BPN and TD increase by 0.7 and 0.03 mm, remarkably. Compared with different asphalt types, the noise of UTL asphalt rubber mixture with 13.2 mm NMAS (UTL13 AR) is the lowest. Additionally, when KS content increases by 0.6%, the noise increases by 3 dB. Furthermore, on the basis of the calculation results of E(eff), UTL13 AR mixture with 0.5% KS has the best long-term benefit of pavement safety and is recommended for field project.