Light-coloured grey asphalt pavements: from theory to practice

This paper presents the technological development and application of hydrated lime in treating the surface of asphalt concrete to develop light-coloured, grey asphalt pavements. When appropriately applied on the surface of fresh asphalt concrete, hydrated lime makes the surface grey, significantly increases its albedo and effectively reduces the pavement's temperature caused by hot weather. Two application case studies are presented, focusing on how to ensure hydrated lime's long-term effectiveness on the surface of asphalt pavements and take into account the effect of the subsequent reduced temperature on the resilient modulus of asphalt concrete in the design of long-life flexible pavements. The increased asphalt concrete modulus, owing to lowered temperature, can reduce the design thickness of the asphalt concrete without sacrificing pavement performance. This also has a positive influence on reduced pavement heat island effects. It is concluded that the appropriate use of hydrated lime on asphalt pavement surfaces is an effective and economical method to produce light-coloured, grey asphalt pavements.