Investigation of Variables Affecting Resilient Modulus in Asphalt Mixes

The present study presents an investigation into different factors affecting the resilient modulus of hot mix asphalt. So, a fractional factorial analysis of experiment was carried out considering five factors, each at two different levels. These factors were the maximum nominal aggregate size, specimen diameter and thickness, and the load pulse form and duration. During the course of analysis, two types of hot mix asphalts with different maximum aggregate sizes were taken into consideration. Marshall compaction method was used to prepare the specimens. Furthermore, for measuring the resilient modulus, sinusoidal and triangular load pulse forms were applied. Finally, we examined the different factors interrelations, which affect the resilient modulus. Analysis of the factorial experimental design showed that the maximum nominal aggregate size is the most important factor affecting the resilient modulus, followed by the load duration, and the specimen geometry represented by the thickness and diameter.