Reinforcing the Future of SMA: Proven ACE XP Fiber Performance Across North America
As road authorities, contractors, and mix designers continue to push for higher-performing, longer-lasting pavements, Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) has become the mix of choice for durability and rut resistance. Yet even SMA can be taken further. Across multiple laboratory and field studies, the addition of ACE XP aramid fiber reinforcement has proven to elevate SMA performance to an entirely new standard—improving cracking resistance, energy absorption, and long-term service life while maintaining mix stability and compliance with DOT specifications.
CDOT ACE XP-SMA Evaluation: 210% Increase in Cracking Resistance
In a comparative IDEAL-CT evaluation performed by Blankenship Asphalt Tech & Training (BATT) for the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), ACE XP-reinforced SMA demonstrated a 210% increase in cracking resistance versus the control mix.
The fiber-modified SMA showed richer cohesion and fracture energy—key indicators of extended pavement life under real-world stress.
These results confirmed ACE XP’s ability to meet high-performance criteria for DOT applications and sustainability targets under PAS 2080 standard.
Kilgore Contracting (Summit Materials): 53–156% Higher Crack Resistance
Testing at Kilgore Contracting’s West Valley HP Plant in Utah, conducted by StonemontQC, evaluated multiple SMA samples incorporating ACE Fiber. Across all test sets, the fiber-reinforced mixes achieved 53% to 156% higher IDEAL-CT Index values compared to control SMA mixes.
Fracture energy values ranged from 3,400 to 11,000 J/m², demonstrating exceptional energy absorption and fatigue life. The SMA also maintained target air voids (6.0–7.6%), confirming that ACE Fiber can be added without compromising compaction or mix uniformity.
Asphalt Specialties SMA: Superior Durability and Balance
Independent testing by Asphalt Testing Services (ATS) evaluated ACE XP fiber performance in SMA produced by Asphalt Specialties.
The results showed an average CT Index of 402.24, substantially higher than typical SMA controls. This verified ACE XP’s capability to improve cracking resistance, durability, and flexibility—striking the optimal balance of strength and longevity in premium surface courses.
The coefficient of variation (17.3%) indicated reliable lab precision and consistent material behavior across specimens.
CDOT NHPP 5502 Project: 67% Improvement in Crack Resistance
The CDOT Central Lab also confirmed the benefits of ACE XP reinforcement during the NHPP 5502 SMA project.
The fiber-modified SMA achieved an average IDEAL-CT Index of 826.1, a 67% increase over the control mix (494.1), while maintaining slightly lower rut depths (2.89 mm vs. 3.08 mm) in Hamburg Wheel Tracking tests. These combined improvements validated ACE XP’s dual capability to resist both cracking and rutting—ensuring longer-lasting, lower-maintenance pavements.
Performance Summary: A Proven SMA Reinforcement Solution
Across four independent laboratory and DOT evaluations, the evidence is consistent:
| Performance Metric | Improvement with ACE XP |
|---|---|
| Cracking Resistance (IDEAL-CT) | +53% to +210% |
| Fracture Energy | +Up to 3× |
| Rut Depth (HWT) | Reduced 6–10% |
| Air Voids | Within design targets |
| Service Life | Extended 40–60% (projected) |
ACE XP delivers reinforced SMA performance without altering mix design fundamentals, offering measurable improvements in structural durability, sustainability, and long-term cost savings.
The Economics of Reducing Interventions — Smarter Roads for Cities and Taxpayers
Every maintenance intervention carries a cost — not just in asphalt and labor, but in traffic delays, emissions, and taxpayer dollars. By extending the service life of SMA pavements through ACE XP aramid fiber reinforcement, cities can cut intervention frequency nearly in half, reducing life-cycle maintenance costs by 30–50%. That translates directly into millions in taxpayer savings over a 20-year pavement horizon, freeing public budgets for other essential infrastructure and community needs.
The data is clear: when roads last longer, communities thrive. Fewer lane closures mean smoother commutes, less congestion, lower fuel use, and reduced carbon output. ACE XP delivers not only technical excellence but also economic efficiency and environmental responsibility — a true win for agencies, residents, and future generations.
