Asphalt cement concrete interlayer system for reflective crack relief

Abstract

An asphalt-cement concrete (“ACC”) interlayer formed of a plant-mix material reinforced with aramid fibers, deposited at a thickness of at least one inch (1″) over a Portland-cement concrete (“PCC”) or ACC base, can extend the service life of a hot-mix asphalt (“HMA”) surface layer installed over the interlayer by retarding or preventing “reflected” cracks—cracks in the surface layer that correspond to cracks, damage and irregularities in the PCC or ACC base. When the surface layer's useable life has expired, it can be removed and replaced, and the interlayer can continue to protect the new surface layer.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.