A Sensitivity Study to Evaluate Intermediate Temperature Cracking Tests for Vermont Asphalt Mixes
Publication: Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part B: Pavements
Volume 148, Issue 2
Abstract
The State of Vermont began implementing balanced mix design (BMD) in late 2019. Since 2020, both Hamburg wheel tracking test (HWTT) and Illinois flexibility index test (I-FIT) results were required to be included in the mix design submittal along with the traditional Superpave volumetric design. This paper presents a part of the ongoing benchmarking efforts in Vermont, among many other states around the country, and compares the sensitivity of the two popular intermediate temperature cracking tests [I-FIT and indirect tensile cracking test (IDEAL-CT)] to the design factors of mixes produced in Vermont. Both laboratory-produced and plant-produced mix data are evaluated, and the factors analyzed include mix type, design gyrations, production facility, binder grade, and binder supplier. We found that IDEAL-CT shows much higher sensitivity to the design factors than I-FIT according to the data presented in this study. Therefore, it is recommended that Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) adopt IDEAL-CT as the intermediate temperature cracking test for BMD implementation rather than I-FIT, due to the higher sensitivity and simplicity of IDEAL-CT. Regression models are further developed for IDEAL-CT using selected mix properties to guide the mix design adjustment. Similar studies are highly recommended for other state agencies that are interested in implementing BMD.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, including mix design data, I-FIT raw test data, and IDEAL-CT raw test data.
Acknowledgments
The production mix data and technical feedback provided by Vermont Agency of Transportation are gratefully acknowledged. The materials provided by CRH and Pike Industries are also acknowledged.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part B: Pavements
Volume 148 • Issue 2 • June 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 6, 2021
Accepted: Feb 10, 2022
Published online: Apr 8, 2022
Published in print: Jun 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Sep 8, 2022
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Cited by
- Abdullah Al Mamun, Carlos M. Hermoza, Pedro Romero, Beatriz Paula Fieldkircher, Characterization of Intermediate Temperature Fracture Properties of Asphalt Mixtures as Measured with Different Tests, Journal of Transportation Engineering, Part B: Pavements, 10.1061/JPEODX.PVENG-1384, 150, 1, (2024).