Evaluation of the Cantabro Durability Test for Dense Graded Asphalt

The Cantabro durability test is typically used for open graded asphalt mixtures and has seen little use with dense graded mixtures. This paper presents durability data from the Cantabro test for a number of dense graded mixes meeting current low Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) specifications with the goal of evaluating the test method for use with dense graded mixtures. The purpose is to assist with developing a baseline of durability performance of current low RAP dense graded mixtures for future comparison to dense graded mixtures with elevated RAP contents. Eight mixtures were tested for this paper; the focus was on low RAP content mixture types commonly used in Mississippi, especially those used for rehabilitation applications. Data from mixes with of a variety of aggregate types, gradations, and binder grades are presented. Test data from laboratory-mixed laboratory-compacted, plant-mixed field-sampled laboratory-compacted, and plant-mixed quality control specimens are included. The effects of changes in binder content on durability results are investigated for 0% RAP mixtures. Overall, results were found to be repeatable and the Cantabro durability test was found to be a candidate for future comparison of dense graded mixture durability performance of conventional mixes to high RAP content mixes.