This study analyzes the changes in the physical properties of asphalt binders resulting from the incorporation of elastomeric and plastomeric modifiers, as well as lime, and how these changes affect the performance of the asphalt mixture.
Detailed Description of the Analysis, Decision-Making, Budgeting, and Construction Phases for the Reconstruction of Los Cerros Street in Escazú.
Los Cerros Street serves as an access road to a residential area located in the southwest sector of the Escazú Canton. Faced with the deteriorated condition of the road, the local residents took the initiative to pursue a long-term reconstruction solution. Through community organization and collaboration, they assumed responsibility for the project and made well-informed decisions to ensure its successful execution.
Faced with the engineering challenge of efficiently utilizing resources, alongside the pursuit of new technologies and materials for the maintenance and development of road networks, it is essential to explore optimization methods to rationally allocate financial resources, always focusing on delivering high-quality and durable works.
Central American countries are susceptible to a wide range of natural phenomena with high destructive potential, due to the geological, climatic, and environmental characteristics of the region, where the interaction of multiple tectonic plates and various climatic events converge. In the past, hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions have caused the complete destruction of human settlements and even the full relocation of populations and infrastructure.
In just the last 30 years, the region has been affected by several hurricanes with significant socioeconomic impact: Fifí (1974), Joan (1989), César (1996), and Mitch (1998). During the same period, several earthquakes have caused severe destruction: Managua, Nicaragua (1972); Guatemala (1976); San Salvador (1986); the Caribbean Region of Costa Rica and Panama (1991); and El Salvador (2001).
Volcanic eruptions have also been a frequent source of disasters throughout the short history of our countries. Other events, such as floods, landslides, and mudflows triggered by intense and/or prolonged rainfall, may be of lesser magnitude, but their consequences are significant for social and economic development due to their higher frequency.
Most considerations regarding fuel consumption and the rate of pollutant emissions are typically based on estimated vehicle fleet size, average speed, and distance traveled within a given area. However, a recently completed study indicated that road gradients and curves, pavement condition, and speed variations are equally significant factors.
With the approval of the new United States Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21), which includes the 1998 initiative to study intelligent vehicles, the U.S. Department of Transportation has undertaken various research efforts aimed at reducing crash-related incidents by up to 17% of the total 1.1 million accidents recorded annually.