Effects of Load and Temperature on Permanent Deformation Properties of HMA

Permanent deformation (rutting) is one of the major distresses in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. Load and temperature have important effects on the rutting characteristics of HMA. The present study evaluated the rut-resistance of HMA under different loads and temperatures through the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) and the Flat Rubber Wheeled Loaded Wheel Tester (FLWT). The mixtures selected in this study included Sup-25, Sup-19, Sup-13 and SMA-13 mixtures with different aggregates (limestone and basalt) and asphalt binders (conventional and modified asphalt binder). For Superpave 13-mm mixtures, three different asphalt contents were used to produce the specimens. The rut resistance properties of mixtures were tested under two APA load levels (445N load, 0.7MPa hose pressure and 890N load, 0.81MPa hose pressure) and temperatures (60 and 70°C) through APA and FLWT. The result from this study indicated that load and temperature have significant effect on the rutting characteristics of HMA, and the rut-resistance of HMA can be improved by mixture design.