Effect of Aggregate Gradation on Performance of Asphalt Concrete Mixtures
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32, Issue 5
Abstract
This paper investigates the process of selecting the aggregate gradation according to the Superpave mix design specifications and evaluates the volumetric properties and mechanical performance of mixtures with perturbed aggregate gradations. The mix design information and pavement materials for two typical Superpave mix designs with a 12.5-mm nominal maximum aggregate size were collected for this study. The volumetric properties of the mixtures were judged mainly by the voids in mineral aggregates, whereas the rutting potential and strength of the mixtures were assessed with the Hamburg wheel-tracking and indirect tension tests, respectively. Bailey ratios and corresponding acceptance criteria were used to evaluate the impact that aggregate gradation has on the engineering behavior of mixtures. Although design variables such as binder content and characteristics can be adjusted to improve the performance of mixtures, balanced volumetric and mechanical properties can be achieved by selecting the aggregate gradation in a rational manner.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available from the corresponding author by request (Volumetric and Mechanical Performance Tests Data).
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the Texas Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration for their continuous financial support. The authors greatly appreciate the guidance and technical assistance provided by Mr. Ryan Barborak and Mr. Robert Lee, the present and former managers of the TxDOT Flexible Pavement Branch. Gratitude is also extended to the research staff and assistants from the Center for Transportation Infrastructure Systems.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32 • Issue 5 • May 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 17, 2019
Accepted: Oct 7, 2019
Published online: Mar 4, 2020
Published in print: May 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Aug 4, 2020
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