Análise de materiais de revestimento asfáltico com base no custo e desempenho em pavimentos rodoviários

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate different material alternatives used in the asphalt surface layer of highway pavements, considering both technical performance and construction costs. To achieve this, the mechanistic-empirical design method was adopted through the MeDiNa software, developed by the Brazilian National Department of Transport Infrastructure (DNIT). The methodology comprised four main steps: definition of pavement layer materials (subgrade, subbase, base, and surface), mechanical characterization of the materials, thickness design based on MeDiNa performance criteria, and cost estimation using data from SICRO and ANP. Two scenarios were simulated with identical materials in the lower layers and variation in the type of asphalt binder used in the surface layer: CAP 50/70 and CAP 30/45. The results showed that CAP 30/45 required a greater thickness (12.5 cm) and exhibited better technical performance, making it more suitable for regions with heavy traffic and high temperatures, although it resulted in a significantly higher total cost per kilometer (R$ 892,673.39). In contrast, CAP 50/70 required a thinner layer (9.5 cm) and had a lower cost (R$ 700,653.82), making it more appropriate for urban roads or those with moderate traffic. The study concludes that the selection of surface layer material should consider not only mechanical performance but also economic feasibility and infrastructure lifecycle. This research underscores the importance of adopting more accurate pavement design methods, such as MeDiNa, in the pursuit of more efficient and durable road paving solutions in Brazil.