CE F244

Highway Engineering

Dr. Nishant Bhargava

Assistant Professor
Department of Civil Engineering
BITS Pilani, Pilani Campus
Module 4
Pavement Materials
Bituminous Mixture
Reference
Asphalt Institute
Manual Series – 2 (MS-2), 7th Edition
Asphalt Mix Design Methods

3
What is Bituminous Mixture ?
Hot-Mix Asphalt : Combination of aggregate and bitumen, heated and uniformly mixed
together to obtain aggregate coated with bitumen

4
Desired Properties
• Resistance to permanent deformation – Stability
• Fatigue resistance
• Resistance to Low-temperature Cracking
• Moisture resistance – Impermeability
• Durability
• Skid resistance
• Workability

5
Desired Properties
Resistance to permanent deformation – Stability
Accumulation of small amounts of • Primary causes
unrecoverable strain (small deformations)  Inadequate mix stability
from repeated loads applied to the pavement  Subgrade failure

6
Desired Properties
Resistance to permanent deformation – Stability
Methods to improve rutting resistance
• Internal friction (aggregates)
 Angular and rough aggregates
 Aggregate gradation – Develop particle-to-particle contact
• Cohesion (bitumen) – Lesser extent
 Stiffer/ Modified binder

7
Desired Properties
Fatigue resistance
Pavement’s resistance to repeated bending under
wheel loads (traffic)

• Primary causes
 Insufficient pavement thickness
 Air voids
 Bitumen properties

8
Desired Properties
Fatigue resistance
• Methods to overcome fatigue cracking
 Adequate traffic load and composition during design
 Use thicker pavements
 Provide adequate subgrade drainage
 Use moisture resistant pavement materials
 Use modified binder
 Use HMA resilient to withstand normal deflections

9
Desired Properties
Low-temperature Cracking
Occurrence of transverse cracks when the temperature at the surface of the pavement drops
sufficiently to produce thermally induced stress in the HMA layer that exceeds the tensile
strength of the asphalt mixture

• Primary causes
 Magnitude, rate of cooling
 Frequency of low-temperature
occurrences
 Stiffness of bitumen

10
Desired Properties
Low-temperature Cracking

• Methods to overcome low-temperature

cracking
 Proper choice of bitumen
 Avoid highly absorptive aggregates, or
aggregates with high dust content

11
Desired Properties
Moisture resistance – Impermeability
Moisture damage – Result of water in combination with Stripping – Water or water
repeated traffic loadings, causing a scouring effect as the vapor gets between the bitumen
water is pushed into and pulled out of the voids in pavement film and the aggregates, breaks
the adhesive bond between the
aggregate and the asphalt binder
film resulting in the asphalt to
“strip” from the aggregate

12
Desired Properties
Moisture resistance – Impermeability
• Methods to improve moisture resistance
 Provide sufficient binder in mix
 Provide sufficient compaction – Impermeable mat
 Use of anti-stripping agents
 Controlling dust and clay content

13
Desired Properties
Durability
Ability of mix to resist factors such as aging of the asphalt, disintegration of the aggregate
and stripping of the asphalt film from the aggregate

• Primary causes
 Traffic
 Weather
• Methods to improve durability
 Dense gradation ; sound, tough, moisture-resistant aggregate
 Maximizing the asphalt film thickness on the aggregate
 Compacting the mixture to be impervious

14
Desired Properties
Skid resistance
Ability of an asphalt surface to minimize
skidding or slipping of vehicle tires
• Good skid resistance
 Tire tread maintains contact with aggregate
 Rough pavement surface
• Methods to overcome skid resistance
 Aggregates – Rough textured
and resist polishing
 Minimize hydroplaning
15
Desired Properties
Workability
Ease with which a paving mixture can be
placed and compacted
Tender Mix – Internally unstable mix
that tends to displace laterally and shove
rather than compact under roller loads

16
Production in Laboratory
Procedure for preparing specimens
• Heat and mix the aggregate and bitumen
• Place the material into a heated mold
• Apply compaction force
• Allow specimen to cool and extrude from mold

Marshall hammer
Compaction Impact force
process Superpave gyratory compactor
Shearing action
17
Volumetric in Mix Design
Aggregates
• Specific gravity = Bulk, Effective, Apparent
Mix
• Bulk Specific Gravity of Mix, 𝐺𝑚𝑏
• Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity of Mix, 𝐺𝑚𝑚
• Air Voids
• Voids in Mineral Aggregates (VMA)
• Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB)
• Binder absorption, 𝑃𝑏𝑎 and Effective Binder Content, 𝑃𝑏𝑒
Dust to Binder Ratio

18
 Bulk Specific Gravity of Mix, Gmb
SSD Method Automatic Vacuum Sealing Paraffin coating
A = Dry mass of specimen in air • Water absorption by vol > 2% • Samples dipped in hot paraffin
B = SSD mass of specimen in air (Recommended)
A = Dry mass of specimen in air
C = Mass of specimen in water • Pressing and sealing with Parafilm
B = Sealed specimen mass in air
• Applicable for water absorption C = Mass of sealed specimen in water A = Dry mass of the specimen in air
by volume < 2% E = Initial mass of specimen in air D = Mass of dry specimen plus
F = Specific gravity of bag paraffin coating in air
% 𝒘𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒃𝒔𝒐𝒓𝒃𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆
E = Mass of dry specimen plus
𝑩−𝑨 𝑨
= 𝟏𝟎𝟎 × 𝑮𝒎𝒃 = paraffin coating in water
𝑩−𝑪 𝑩−𝑬
𝑩−𝑪 − F = Specific gravity of paraffin at 25°C
𝑭
𝑨
𝑮𝒎𝒃 = 𝑨
𝑩−𝑪 𝑮𝒎𝒃 =
𝑫−𝑨
𝑫−𝑬 −
𝑭

19
Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity, Gmm
Steps
• Separate loose mix
 Warm
• Put in pycnometer
• Cover with water at 25°C
• Fit lid
• Apply vacuum
 Gradual – 4 kPa
 Start agitator
 Hold vacuum for 15 min
• Release vacuum
• Fill with water and weigh

20
Effect of Binder Content on Gmb and Gmm
Gmb
2.55 Gₘₘb
• Increase in binder content
Gₘₘ
2.50
 Gmb increases initially

Specific gravity
o More lubricity => Volume reduces 2.45

o Binder fills voids => More mass 2.40

 After maximum value, Gmb reduces 2.35
o Voids filled with binder => More binder
2.30
=> Volume increases 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5
Gmm Binder content, %

• Increase in binder content Segregated mix

 Gmm reduces • Coarse => Low Pb => High Gmm
o % aggregates reduces
• Fine => High Pb => Low Gmm
o Volume of binder increases
21
Volumetric Properties

Specific Gravity
Ratio of density of material to density of water
𝑚Τ
𝑣 Representation of Microscopic View of
𝐺=
𝜌 Aggregate, Bitumen, and Air Mixture

22
Volumetric Properties
Beginning capital letter:
G – specific gravity
M – mass
V – volume
P – percent

First lowercase subscripts:

a – air
b – binder
s – stone (aggregate)
m – mix

Second lowercase subscripts:

a – absorbed (binder only)
a – apparent (aggregate only)
b – bulk
e – effective
m – maximum
Phase Diagram

23
Bulk Specific Gravity of Aggregates
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝐺𝑠𝑏 =
𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒 + 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑠 × 𝜌

𝐺𝑠𝑏 for aggregate blend

𝑃1 + 𝑃2 + ⋯ + 𝑃𝑛
𝐺𝑠𝑏 =
𝑃1 𝑃2 𝑃𝑛
+
𝐺1 𝐺2 + ⋯ + 𝐺𝑛

24
Bulk Specific Gravity of Aggregates
Example: Calculate 𝐺𝑠𝑏 for aggregate blend

Material Proportion 𝑮𝒔𝒃

Coarse (Retained on 4.75 mm) 50.0 2.750
Fine (4.75 mm to 75 μm) 43.0 2.710
Filler (Passing 75 μm) 5.0 2.690
Mineral filler (Cement, OPC-43) 2.0 3.100

50 + 43 + 5 + 2
𝐺𝑠𝑏 = ⇒ 𝐺𝑠𝑏 = 2.736
50 43 5 2
+ + +
2.750 2.710 2.690 3.100

25
Bulk Specific Gravity of Aggregates
Example: Calculate 𝐺𝑠𝑏 for aggregate blend

Material Type Coarse Fine Filler

A (40% proportion) 100% (Gsb = 2.65) 0% 0%

B (40% proportion) 60% (Gsb = 2.60) 40% (Gsb = 2.70) 0%

C (20% proportion) 0% 70% (Gsb = 2.63) 30% (Gsb = 2.75)

26
Apparent Specific Gravity of Aggregates
𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝐺𝑠𝑎 =
𝐵𝑢𝑙𝑘 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒 − 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑊𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑖𝑑𝑠 × 𝜌

𝐺𝑠𝑎 for aggregate blend

𝑃1 + 𝑃2 + ⋯ + 𝑃𝑛
𝐺𝑠𝑎 =
𝑃1 𝑃2 𝑃𝑛
+
𝐺1 𝐺2 + ⋯ + 𝐺𝑛

Water absorption for aggregate blend

𝑃1 × 𝑊𝐴1 + 𝑃2 × 𝑊𝐴2 + ⋯ + 𝑃𝑛 × 𝑊𝐴𝑛
𝑊𝐴 =
𝑃1 + 𝑃2 + ⋯ + 𝑃𝑛

27
Calculating Gmm at Trial Binder Contents
Step 1 : Determine Gmm at one trial binder content
Step 2 : Determine Gse (Effective specific gravity of aggregates)

𝑃𝑠
𝐺𝑠𝑒 =
100 𝑃𝑏
−
𝐺𝑚𝑚 𝐺𝑏

Check : Gsa ≥ Gse ≥ Gsb

Step 3 : Determine Gmm at other trial binder content

100
𝐺𝑚𝑚 =
𝑃𝑠 𝑃
+ 𝑏
𝐺𝑠𝑒 𝐺𝑏

28
Calculating Gmm at Trial Binder Contents
Example: Gmm at 5.5% binder content by weight of total mix = 2.520
Specific gravity of binder = 1.020
Gsb = 2.736; Gsa = 2.812 𝑷𝒔 𝟏𝟎𝟎
𝑮𝒔𝒆 = 𝑮𝒎𝒎 =
𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝑷𝒃 𝑷𝒔 𝑷𝒃
Calculate Gmm at 4.5%, 5.0%, 6.0% and 6.5% 𝑮𝒎𝒎 − 𝑮𝒃 𝑮𝒔𝒆 + 𝑮𝒃

Step 1: Determine Gse (Effective specific gravity of aggregates)

94.5
𝐺𝑠𝑒 = = 2.756
100 5.5
−
2.520 1.020 Binder content 𝑮𝒔𝒆 𝑮𝐦𝐦
4.5% 2.560
Check: Gsa ≥ Gse ≥ Gsb => OK
5.0% 2.540
Step 2: Determine Gmm at 4.5% 5.5% 2.756 2.520

100 6.0% 2.501

𝐺𝑚𝑚 = = 2.560
95.5 4.5 6.5% 2.481
+
2.756 1.020 29
% Air Voids in Compacted Mixture
Volume of air voids in a compacted mixture,
expressed as % of the total mix volume
𝑉𝑎
𝑃𝑎 = 100 ×
𝑉𝑚𝑏

• In terms of specific gravity,

𝑉𝑚𝑏 − 𝑉𝑠𝑏 + 𝑉𝑏𝑒
𝑃𝑎 = 100 ×
𝑉𝑚𝑏

𝑀𝑠𝑏 + 𝑀𝑏𝑒
ൗ𝐺
𝑃𝑎 = 100 × 1 − 𝑚𝑚 𝑮𝒎𝒃
𝑀𝑚𝑏
ൗ𝐺 𝑷𝒂 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 × 𝟏 −
𝑚𝑏 𝑮𝒎𝒎

30
% VMA in Compacted Mixture
Voids in the mineral aggregate, VMA, are
defined as the intergranular void space
between the aggregate particles in a compacted
paving mixture that includes the air voids and
the effective asphalt content, expressed as % of
the total volume
𝑉𝑎 + 𝑉𝑏𝑒
𝑉𝑀𝐴 = 100 ×
𝑉𝑚𝑏

• In terms of specific gravity 𝑮𝒎𝒃 𝑷𝒔

𝑀𝑠
ൗ𝐺
𝑽𝑴𝑨 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 −
𝑉𝑚𝑏 − 𝑉𝑠𝑏 𝑠𝑏
𝑮𝒔𝒃
𝑉𝑀𝐴 = 100 × ⇒ 𝑉𝑀𝐴 = 100 − 100 ×
𝑉𝑚𝑏 𝑀𝑚𝑏
ൗ𝐺
𝑚𝑏

31
% VFB in Compacted Mixture
Voids filled with bitumen (VFB) is the
percentage by volume of the VMA that is filled
with the effective binder

𝑷𝒂
𝑽𝑭𝑩 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 − 𝟏𝟎𝟎 ×
𝑽𝑴𝑨

32
Binder Absorption
Percentage by mass of binder that is absorbed
into the aggregates
𝑀𝑏𝑎
𝑃𝑏𝑎 = 100 ×
𝑀𝑠

• In terms of specific gravity,

𝑉𝑏𝑎 × 𝐺𝑏 𝑉𝑠𝑏 − 𝑉𝑠𝑒
𝑃𝑏𝑎 = 100 × = 100 × × 𝐺𝑏
𝑉𝑠𝑏 × 𝐺𝑠𝑏 𝑉𝑠𝑏 × 𝐺𝑠𝑏

1 𝑉𝑠𝑒
𝑃𝑏𝑎 = 100 × − × 𝐺𝑏
𝐺𝑠𝑏 𝑉𝑠𝑏 × 𝐺𝑠𝑏 𝑮𝒔𝒆 − 𝑮𝒔𝒃
𝑷𝒃𝒂 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎 × × 𝑮𝒃
𝑀𝑠 𝑮𝒔𝒆 × 𝑮𝒔𝒃
1 ൗ𝐺
𝑠𝑒
𝑃𝑏𝑎 = 100 × − × 𝐺𝑏
𝐺𝑠𝑏 𝑀𝑠ൗ
𝐺𝑠𝑏 × 𝐺𝑠𝑏

33
Effective Binder Content
Percentage by mass of binder that stays on
the outside of aggregate particles and is not
absorbed
𝑀𝑏𝑒
𝑃𝑏𝑒 = 100 ×
𝑀𝑚𝑏

• In terms of specific gravity,

𝑀𝑏 − 𝑀𝑏𝑎
𝑃𝑏𝑒 = 100 ×
𝑀𝑚𝑏

𝑀𝑏𝑎 𝑀𝑠 𝑷𝒃𝒂
𝑃𝑏𝑒 = 𝑃𝑏 − 100 × ×
𝑀𝑠 𝑀𝑚𝑏 𝑷𝒃𝒆 = 𝑷𝒃 − × 𝑷𝒔
𝟏𝟎𝟎

34
Dust to Binder Ratio
Ratio of the percentage of aggregate passing the 0.075 mm sieve to the effective
binder (Pbe)
𝑃0.075
𝐷𝑃 =
𝑃𝑏𝑒
• Typical range = 0.6-1.2

Consequences
• Dust-to-binder ratio: Too high or too low – Tender mix

35
Exercise
Determine Pa, VMA, VFB, Pa and Pbe for the following conditions
Bitumen content = 5.5%
Gmm = 2.533 𝐺𝑚𝑏 𝐺𝑚𝑏 𝑃𝑠
𝑃𝑎 = 100 × 1 − 𝑉𝑀𝐴 = 100 −
𝐺𝑚𝑚 𝐺𝑠𝑏
Gmb = 2.430
Gb = 1.020
𝑃𝑎
Gsb = 2.685 𝑉𝐹𝐵 = 100 − 100 ×
𝑉𝑀𝐴

𝑃𝑏𝑎 𝐺𝑠𝑒 − 𝐺𝑠𝑏

𝑃𝑏𝑒 = 𝑃𝑏 − × 𝑃𝑠 𝑃𝑏𝑎 = 100 × × 𝐺𝑏
100 𝐺𝑠𝑒 × 𝐺𝑠𝑏

36
Mix Design Aggregate Selection Binder Selection

Methodology Material Selection & Batching

Sample Preparation &

Specific Gravity Testing

Treat with
Volumetric Analysis Fail
additives

Optimum Binder Selection

Fail Moisture Sensitivity

Performance Testing Fail

Issue Job Mix Formula

Field Verification testing

37
Objectives of Mix Design
Determine the combination of bitumen and aggregate that will give long-lasting
performance as part of the pavement structure

Procedures in mix design

• Determining an appropriate blend of aggregate sources to produce proper
gradation
• Selecting the type and amount of bitumen

38
Objectives of Mix Design
Overall Objective
• Sufficient bitumen ⇒ Ensure durability
• Sufficient mix stability ⇒ Meet traffic demands
• Sufficient air voids
 Additional compaction under traffic loading
 Thermal binder expansion
• Limit maximum void content ⇒ Restrict permeability of air and moisture
• Sufficient workability ⇒ Placement of mix without segregation
• Aggregate texture and hardness ⇒ Skid resistance
39
Marshall Method of Mix Design
Bruce Marshall – Mississippi State Highway Department
• Modified and improved by U. S. Corps of Engineer
• Major features of Marshall method
 Density-void analysis
 Stability-flow test
• Optimum bitumen content
 4% air voids
 Check for stability, flow, VMA, VFB, dust-to-binder ratio

40
 Marshall Method of Mix Design
1. Physical properties assessment 4. Density-Void Analysis 5. Stability-Flow Testing
Dimensions, 60°C
Gmm, Gmb, Va, Max. load
VMA & VFB Total deformation

2. Aggregate blend combinations 3. Marshall Specimen Preparation 6. Job Mix Formula

Gradation requirements
100
Cumulavtive % passing

80
60
40
20
0 Dia = 4"
0.01 0.1 1 10 100
Sieve size, mm
Height = 2.5" Satisfying all design criteria
41
Preparation of Test Specimens
Expected design asphalt content
• Experience 𝑷 = Approx. bitumen content, % by weight of mix

• Centrifuge kerosene equivalency test 𝒂 = % of aggregate retained on 2.36-mm sieve

𝒃 = % of aggregate between 2.36-mm and 75-μm
• Computational formula
𝒄 = % of aggregate passing 75-μm sieve
𝑷 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟓𝒂 + 𝟎. 𝟎𝟒𝟓𝒃 + 𝑲𝒄 + 𝑭
𝑲 = 0.15 for 11–15% passing 75-μm sieve
Specimens = 0.18 for 6–10% passing 75-μm sieve
= 0.20 for < 5% passing 75-μm sieve
• Binder contents = 5
𝑭 = 0 – 2.0% (0.7% suggested)
 Expected design asphalt content
 ±0.5%, ±1.0%
• Total = 15 specimens
• Weight = 1.2 kg 42
Preparation of Test Specimens
Mixing and compaction temperature
• Viscosity range – Unmodified binder
 Mixing = 170 ± 20 cSt
 Compaction = 280 ± 30 cSt
 Viscosity (log-log cSt) v/s temperature (log °R)
°R = °F + 459.7
• Modified binder – DSR
Preparation of mold and hammer
• Heat mold assembly and face of compaction hammer
 95°C to 150°C
43
Preparation of Test Specimens
Preparation of mixtures
• Adjust batch weights
63.5 × 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑢𝑠𝑒𝑑
𝐴𝑑𝑗𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 =
𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑚𝑚 𝑜𝑏𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑑
• Weigh aggregates and bitumen
• Mix at mixing temperature
• Condition for 2 hours at compaction temperature

Packing the mold

• Pour mixture and spade
 15 times around perimeter
 10 times over interior
44
Preparation of Test Specimens
Compaction of specimens
Marshall Method Light Medium Heavy
• Apply blows Criteria traffic traffic traffic
 Based on traffic category Compaction, number
of blows each end of 35 50 75
 Axis – Perpendicular to base plate specimen
 Height of free fall = 457 mm
• Cool at room temperature and extrude

45
Test Procedure
Volumetric data
• Dimensions – Height and diameter
• Gmb
Conditioning
• Water bath – 60°C for 30-40 min
Testing
• Within 30 seconds
Max. load = Stability
• Loading rate = 50 mm/min
Corresponding vertical deformation = Flow
• Plot load and deformation

46
Interpretation of Test Data
• Measure stability and flow values
 Apply corrections to stability values
 % air voids v/s binder content
• Prepare graphs
 % VMA v/s binder content
• Fit second order polynomial  % VFB v/s binder content
• Optimum binder content  Unit weight of total mix v/s binder content
 4% air void content  Stability v/s binder content
 Satisfy all other performance  Flow v/s binder content
requirements

47
 Interpretation of Test Data
2.44 6 18
Bulk Specific Gravity

2.42 16

Air voids, %
4

VMA, %
2.40 14
2
2.38 12

2.36 0 10
4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5
Binder content, % Binder content, % Binder content, %

100 14 4

90
12 3
Stability, kN

Flow, mm
VFB, %

80
10 2
70
8 1
60

50 6 0
4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5
Binder content, % Binder content, % Binder content, %

48
Criteria for
Satisfactory
Paving Mix

MoRT&H (2013)
IRC 111 (2009)

49
Superpave Method of Mix Design
Superpave (SUperior PERforming asphalt PAVEments) system
• 1987 – 5-year FHWA study to improve the performance of HMA pavements
• Consists of two interrelated elements
 Bitumen specification as per Asphalt Institute MS-26
 Mix design system that specified aggregate criteria and volumetric properties

50
Superpave Mix
Design Procedure
• Material selection – Bitumen and aggregate
• Aggregate blending
• Mixing and short-term aging the selected
bitumen and aggregate blend
• Compaction – Superpave gyratory compactor
according to expected traffic levels
• Volumetric analysis
• Selection of best aggregate and asphalt blend
• Performance testing – Moisture sensitivity

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Material Selection – Aggregates
Consensus
aggregate
properties

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Material Selection - Aggregates
Source aggregate properties
• Properties of source aggregates – Can’t be modified by consensus
• Requirements specific to local areas

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Material Selection - Aggregates
Aggregate
gradation
• Control points
 Define type
of mix
• Field
production
testing

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Mixture Requirements
• Measure of the compactibility of the mix
• Field density – Behind screed before compaction
• Desired compaction – 89 to 91.5% of Gmm 𝟎.𝟒𝟓
Nini 𝑵𝒊𝒏𝒊 = 𝑵𝒅𝒆𝒔
• Compact too quickly – Tender mix
• Less compaction – High permeability

• Number of gyrations to reach target density

Ndes • Field density – Middle of service life
• Desired compaction – 96% of Gmm

• Field density – End of service life

• Desired compaction – < 98% of Gmm 𝟏.𝟏𝟎
Nmax 𝑵𝒎𝒂𝒙 = 𝑵𝒅𝒆𝒔
• Low air voids – Plastic mix – Rutting
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Compaction Effort

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Mixture
Requirements
– Volumetric

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Test Equipment

Higher angle of gyration – More compaction

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Specimen Preparation and Compaction
• Preparation of aggregate and binder
 Sample requirements
 Aggregate batch weights
 Binder contents
• Mixing and compaction temperature
• Preparation of mixtures
 Preheating of aggregate and binder
 Mix production and conditioning
• Compaction
 Specified number of gyrations
 Specified height
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Specimen Preparation and Compaction
Sample requirements
• 8 – Compacted to Ndes φ = 150 mm

• 2 – Gmm
• 6 – Moisture sensitivity
115 mm
• 2 – Nmax verification
• Performance testing

Binder content Sample weight = 4,700 gm

• Anticipated binder content
• -0.5%, +0.5%, +1.0%

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Mixing and Compaction Temperatures
Unmodified binders
• Equiviscous temperature ranges
 Normalize the effect of bitumen
stiffness on mixture volumetric
properties
• Viscosity range
 Mixing = 0.17 ± 0.02 Pa-s
 Compaction = 0.28 ± 0.03 Pa-s

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Mixing and Compaction Temperatures
Field recommendations
• Mixing temperature < 177°C
 Aggregate sufficiently dried and
uniformly coated
• Compaction temperature = 135-155°C
 Adequate in-place density

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Preparation of Mixtures
Preheat aggregates
• Mixing temperature + 15°C (> 2-4 hrs)
Preheat binder
• Mixing temperature
• AVOID – Elevated temperature for long duration
Mix preparation
• Tare mixing bowl, add aggregates and mix
• Place on weighing scale, tare and add asphalt
• Mix aggregate and asphalt – Thoroughly coated
 30-90 sec

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Preparation of Mixtures
Mix conditioning
• Both Gmb and Gmm samples
• Place in shallow pan (25-50 mm thickness)
• Conditioning time and temperature
o Volumetric mix design
 Allow binder absorption during mix design
 Compaction temperature ± 3°C for 2 hours
o Short-term conditioning
 Mixture mechanical property testing
 Simulate plant mixing and construction effects
 135°C ± 3°C for 4 hours
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Compaction of Mixtures
Specified number of gyrations Specified height
• At Ndes gyration level • Similar procedure except specified
 Specimen height = 115 ± 5 mm height instead of no. of gyrations
• Preheat molds • Specimen weight determination
 Compaction temperature for 45-60 min
• Pour conditioned specimen in 1 lift
• Level mix and place paper disk on top
• Apply load = 600 kPa, 1.16° angle
• Release load and extract specimen
3840 − 3800
𝑥= × 7.5 − 7.0 + 3800 = 3810 gm
(7.5 − 5.5)
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 Pa VMA

Superpave Data
Analysis
Volumetric analysis VFA DP

• Air void content, Pa

• Voids in mineral aggregate, VMA
• Voids filled with asphalt, VFA
• Dust proportion, DP
%Gmm @ Nini %Gmm @ Ndes

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 Pa VMA

Superpave Data
Analysis
Density at Nini, Ndes determination VFA DP

• Obtain height of specimen at Nini and Ndes

ℎ𝑁𝑑𝑒𝑠
• Correction factor, 𝐶 = ൗℎ𝑁
𝑖𝑛𝑖

• Calculate Gmb, estimated @ Nini

𝐺𝑚𝑏,𝑒𝑠𝑡 @𝑁𝑖𝑛𝑖 = 𝐶 × 𝐺𝑚𝑏 @𝑁𝑑𝑒𝑠
%Gmm @ Nini %Gmm @ Ndes

• Calculate % Gmm values

𝐺𝑚𝑏 @ (𝑁𝑖𝑛𝑖 𝑜𝑟 𝑁𝑑𝑒𝑠 )
% 𝐺𝑚𝑚 = × 100
𝐺𝑚𝑚 (𝑎𝑡 𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑃𝑏 )

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Design Asphalt Binder Content
Design asphalt binder content
• Air void content = 4%
 96% of Gmm @ Ndes
• Verify values
 % Gmm @ Nini
 VMA
 VFA
 Dust proportion, DP

Density at Nmax determination

• % Gmm @ Nmax < 98%
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