Influence of binder and mixture properties on the performance of AC pavements
Abstract
This study was conducted as a part of an on-going program to validate the SUPERPAVE binder selection program introduced in the U.S. in 1995. The SUPERPAVE system recognizes that the behavior of hot mix asphalt (HMA) depends on the temperature, loading and aging conditions and allow for material selection process that aids in the prevention of premature pavement distress. To validate the binder selection process and to study the influence of binder grade on performance of HMA pavements, a study site involving six test sections was constructed on interstate highway I-70, east of Indianapolis, Indiana. Four of the six sections contained various SUPERPAVE binder grades, one of the sections was constructed using traditional Marshal mix design, and one of the sections contained 15% of recycled asphalt concrete (RAP). The effect of binder grade on low temperature cracking and on permanent deformation (rutting) of pavement was investigated. In addition, the validity of some of the existing low-temperature models for assessing the susceptibility of a given binder to low temperature cracking is also analyzed. Periodic distress surveys were conducted to monitor the condition of the pavement. Cores samples were collected at regular intervals to monitor the volumetric, aggregate and recovered binder properties. The results of this study indicated good correlation between the laboratory-based data and field performance was observed for low-temperature binder tests, indicating that these tests can reliably predict the critical cracking temperature of the pavement. Mixture testing at high temperatures showed reasonable agreement with observed field performance of the pavement in terms of rut resistance.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Olek, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Civil engineering
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