Minimum voids in mineral aggregate in hot-mix asphalt based on asphalt film thickness

This study is aimed at determining the relationship between asphalt film thickness and aging characteristics of various hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. Resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength tests were conducted on the Superpave Gyratory-compacted specimens with five different asphalt film thicknesses in order to determine an optimum asphalt film thickness. From the relationships between the asphalt film thickness and resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength test values of the short and long-term aged samples, optimum asphalt film thickness has been determined about 9–10 μm. The minimum void content of mineral aggregate (VMA) to obtain this optimum asphalt film thickness can be calculated as 15.2%.     

Material-specific effects of hydrated lime on the properties and performance behavior of asphalt mixtures and asphaltic pavements

This study evaluates hydrated lime-treated hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures through various laboratory tests, including the dynamic modulus test and performance tests to characterize permanent deformation and fatigue damage resistance both in displacement-controlled and force-controlled modes. Two different asphalt mixtures — the asphalt concrete mixture and the fine aggregate asphalt matrix mixture — which differ only in the amount of additional hydrated lime (0.5–3.0%), are tested. Test results demonstrate material-specific damage characteristics of hydrated lime and the existence of a more appropriate amount of hydrated lime to be added to the HMA mixtures than the current typical application rate such as the addition of 1.0% lime to dry or pre-moistened aggregates. In addition, the newly released Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) is used for predicting pavement performance related to hydrated lime content. The MEPDG analysis results show that damage prediction models implemented in the current MEPDG are limited to accurately predicting material-specific damage characteristics. Mechanistic models that consider material-specific crack phenomenon and fracture behavior should be pursued.     

Estimating correlations between rheological and engineering properties of rubberized asphalt concrete mixtures containing warm mix asphalt additive

In recent years, warm mix asphalt (WMA) is widely used for reducing energy requirements and emissions in hot mix asphalt (HMA) industry. In addition, the use of rubberized asphalt in the past has proven to be economical, environmentally sound and effective in improving the performance of pavements across the US and the world. The objective of this research was to investigate the mixture performance characteristics of rubberized warm asphalt mixtures, and their correlation with binder properties, through a series of laboratory tests (e.g., viscosity, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and bending beam rheometer (BBR)) conducted on the binders, and obtaining the indirect tensile strength, rutting resistance, and resilient modulus of various mixtures. The results of the experiments indicated that the use of crumb rubber and WMA additive in HMA can effectively improve the engineering properties of these mixes at lower mixing and compacting temperatures and some statistical correlations between rheological and/or engineering properties were developed successfully.     

The mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures with Recycled Concrete Aggregates

The need for sustainable asphalt highway design and construction is becoming a priority within the asphalt transportation industry. This trend is necessitated by the high diminishing rate of construction materials, pressing demand on existing landfill sites, rising dumping fees, and reduced emissions into the environment. Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) as sustainable aggregates in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is therefore investigated in this research project. The objective of this study is to characterize the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures with recycled concrete aggregates for low volume roads (herein, the equivalent standard axle load number is low). In this study, the RCA is substituted for Michigan traprock virgin aggregates (VA) in a light traffic volume HMA (control mix) at the rate of 25, 35, 50 and 75. The hybrid VA-RCA HMA is then assessed using the Superpave™ mix performance specifications. The rutting potential using Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA), Dynamic Modulus (E1), Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) for moisture susceptibility, Indirect Tensile Test (IDT) resilient modulus and the Construction Energy Index (CEI) are determined to evaluate the field performance suitability or otherwise of the mix. All 4 hybrid VA-RCA HMA mixes passed the minimum rutting specification of 8 mm. The master curves for the hybrid mixes showed that the dynamic stiffness of the hybrid mixes were less than that of the control 4E1 mix, and it decreased when the RCA increased in the mix. In terms of moisture susceptibility, the tensile strength ratio increased with decreasing RCA; with only the 75% of RCA in the mix failing to meet the specification criterion. The compaction energy index proved that using RCA would save some amount of compaction energy. It is recommended that a certain amount of RCA in HMA is acceptable for low volume roads.     

Fatigue behavior of SMA and HMA mixtures

Fatigue crack is a main form of structural damage in flexible pavements. Under the action of repeated vehicular loading, deterioration of the asphalt concrete materials in pavements caused by the accumulation and growth of the micro and macro cracks gradually takes place. The indirect tensile tests was carried out on hot mix asphalt HMA and stone matrix asphalt SMA mixtures comprising different nominal maximum aggregate sizes NMAS in three temperatures of 5, 25 and 40 °C. Stiffness modulus, fatigue lives and fatigue prediction equation of the mixtures were developed and characterized in terms of aggregate gradation type, coarseness and fineness of gradation, temperature and asphalt content.     

Prediction of bituminous mixture fatigue life based on accumulated strain

This research was aimed to predict the number of cycles that cause fracture of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) based on the number of cycles at which the slope of accumulated strain switched from decreasing to increasing mode. In addition, the effect of aggregate gradation and temperature on fatigue behaviors of HMA were evaluated.HMA specimens were prepared at optimum asphalt content using the Marshall mix design procedure. The specimens were prepared using crushed limestone aggregate, 60/70 penetration asphalt, and three different aggregate gradations with maximum nominal aggregate size of 12.5, 19.0, and 25.0 mm. Five magnitudes of load (1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, and 3.5 kN) were evaluated for their effect on fatigue behavior.Constant stress fatigue tests were performed using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM) at 25 °C. Other temperatures (10, 45, and 60 °C) were evaluated at a load of 3.5 kN.The tests results indicated that the slope of accumulated strain continued to decrease until the number of loading cycles approached 44% of the number of cycles that caused fracture of the HMA. Also, the initial stiffness of asphalt mixtures was found to increase as the magnitude of the load applied increased and as the aggregate gradation maximum nominal size decreased.     

Influences of crumb rubber size and type on reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) mixtures

Over the years, recycling has become one of the most attractive pavement rehabilitation alternatives, and different recycling methods are now available to address specific pavement distresses and structural needs. The objective of this study was to investigate and evaluate the engineering properties of crumb rubber size and type influences on reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) mixtures. The experimental design for this study included the use of three rubber sizes and two rubber types (ambient or cryogenic) in the mixture containing 25% RAP mixtures. In this study, the results of the experiments indicated that the addition of crumb rubber was helpful in increasing the voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) in Superpave mix design and improving rutting resistance of mixture regardless of rubber size and type. On the other hand, indirect tensile strength (ITS) values show no significant difference for mixtures made with three type rubber sizes. However, the increase of rubber size, regardless of rubber type, reduced the resilient modulus values but extended the fatigue life of the modified mixtures.     

Wheel tracking methods to evaluate moisture sensitivity of hot-mix asphalt mixtures

Existing test methods to determine moisture sensitivity in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures are time consuming and inconsistent. This research focused on wheel tracking devices to evaluate moisture sensitivity. The Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) and the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device (HWTD) were used for this research. Compacted cylindrical samples were fabricated using a Superpave Gyratory compactor. This study selected two most commonly used mixtures, SM-12.5A with PG 64-22 binder in overlay projects and SM-19A mixtures with PG 64-22 binder for major modification projects at Kansas Department of Transportation. Test results show that APA tests could induce stripping in most samples without any anti-stripping agent, which could be identified visually. However, APA results did not indicate any stripping inflection point while the HWTD results showed stripping inflection points, which are important to identify stripping potential of mixtures. The APA results show that wet tests are severe at lower temperatures. The HWTD results show improvement in the performance using anti-stripping agents at later stage. The HWTD test is more effective as a rapid test method in case of determining moisture sensitivity. Laboratory results from this study should be verified and correlated with field performance.     

Laboratory evaluation of the effects of short-term oven aging on asphalt binders in asphalt mixtures using HP-GPC

Both the RTFO (rolling-thin film oven) aging of asphalt binders and the STOA (short-term oven aging) of asphalt mixtures are designed to simulate aging during the construction of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. Many studies have been conducted evaluating the aging effects on asphalt binders since their properties can be easily measured using many conventional tests, such as rotational viscometer, DSR (dynamic shear rheometer), and BBR (bending beam rheometer). However, studies on asphalt mixture aging have been limited to mechanical properties such as strength and fatigue characteristics because considerable effort is required to identify the aging of the asphalt binder in a mixture. This study evaluated the effects of short-term oven aging on asphalt mixtures using the GPC (gel-permeation chromatography) procedure. Nine asphalt mixtures, using three different binder sources, were prepared and five short-term aging methods were used to evaluate these mixes. For comparison, the RTFO aging was also conducted for nine asphalt binders. The aging of a binder within asphalt mixtures, including polymer-modified mixtures, could be identified under various short-term aging conditions. Statistical analysis of the GPC test results indicated that two commonly used short-term aging methods in the laboratory, a 154 °C oven aging for 2 h and a 135 °C oven aging for 4 h, are not significantly different, based on the increase in the large molecular size (LMS) ratios. The RTFO aging method was found to have less effect on binder aging than the short-term oven aging methods of asphalt mixtures.     

Potential of recycled fine aggregates powder as filler in asphalt mixture

The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential of using recycled fine aggregates powder (RFAP) as filler in asphalt mixtures. RFAP is a by-product of the production of Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA). The disposal of RFAP may cause many serious environmental problems. It is necessary to find potential usage to avoid these problems.In this study, RFAP is used as filler in asphalt mixture by totally replacing conventional limestone powder (LP). Firstly, the properties of RFAP is studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). Then the indirect tensile strength and modulus tests, three-point bending tests, dynamic creep tests and fatigue tests are conducted to compare the properties between asphalt mixtures with RFAP and traditional asphalt mixture with LP. Results indicate that RFAP can improve the properties of asphalt mixture, such as including water sensitivity and fatigue resistance. However, it may cause a little decrease of the low-temperature performance. All the results indicate that the RFAP can be used in asphalt pavement, especially in hot regions.     

Effect of deicing solutions on the tensile strength of micro- or nano-modified asphalt mixture

This paper reports on the potential benefits of micro- or nano-sized materials for asphalt mixtures used on pavements, specifically when they are exposed to water or deicing solutions. Asphalt mixtures were prepared with various amount of nanoclay and/or carbon microfiber, and compacted using the Superpave? gyratory compactor. Moisture susceptibility and deicer impacts were assessed by exposing the samples to water or deicing chemicals (NaCl, MgCl₂ and CaCl₂), and seven freeze–thaw cycles, in a modified AASHTO T283 test. Comparisons of micro- or nano-modified asphalt mixtures exposed to deicers are made based on results of indirect tensile strength tests, which preliminarily demonstrate the great potential of using microfibers and nanoclays in asphalt mixture for improved performance. Based on the results, it was found that the addition of nanoclay and carbon microfiber would improve a mixture’s moisture susceptibility performance or decrease the moisture damage potential in most cases. The detailed effects of deicing solutions on the tensile strength of micro- or nano- modified asphalt mixture are discussed in this paper.     

Utilization of recycled brick powder as alternative filler in asphalt mixture

The objective of this study is to investigate the use of recycled brick powder as replacement of mineral filler in asphalt mixture. A comparative study was carried out on the performance of two mixtures using recycled brick powder and limestone filler. The experimental performed were indirect tensile tests, static and dynamic creep tests, water sensitivity tests and fatigue tests. The results show that the mixtures prepared with recycled brick powder have better mechanical properties than the mixtures with limestone filler. Thus, it is promising to use recycled brick powder as mineral filler in asphalt mixture.     

Characterization of warm mix asphalt binders containing artificially long-term aged binders

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) comprises one of the largest recycled materials, and warm mix asphalt (WMA) technologies become more commonly used due to their promising advantages in the United States and Europe. This paper addresses the laboratory investigation of performance properties of WMA binders containing aged binders. The recycled binders with the additives were produced using two (i.e., zeolite Aspha-min^® and wax Sasobit^®) of the available warm asphalt processes. The recycled WMA binders were artificially short-term and then long-term aged through the rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and pressure aging vessel (PAV) procedures. Superpave binder tests were carried out on the binders through the rotational viscometer, the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), and the bending beam rheometer (BBR). In general, the results of this study indicated that (1) the additives and aged binders played an important role in determination of the binder properties; (2) the use of lower PG grade as a virgin binder (PG 58-28 in this study) was critical on offsetting the increase of binder stiffness caused by the addition of WMA additives and aged binders; and (3) even at the low recycling percentage of 15%, the lower PG grade was needed to get the results meeting current Superpave binder requirements.     

乳化沥青水泥稳定碎石混合料的疲劳性能试验

为研究不同乳化沥青掺量下水泥稳定碎石混合料的疲劳性能,对室内静压成型的中梁试件进行了四点弯拉疲劳试验,并基于Weibull分布建立了乳化沥青水泥稳定碎石混合料的疲劳寿命预估模型.结果表明:掺入乳化沥青后,水泥稳定碎石混合料的弯拉强度略微降低,但弯拉变形和弯拉应变功显著增大;混合料的疲劳寿命在低应力水平下明显提高,在高应力水平下近似不变,乳化沥青的掺入有效提高了水泥稳定碎石混合料的疲劳性能.     

纳米复合改性沥青混合料路用性能研究

为评价纳米复合改性沥青混合料的路用性能,对纳米ZnO改性沥青混合料、纳米ZnO/TiO_2改性沥青混合料以及纳米ZnO/TiO_2/SBS复合改性沥青混合料进行了高温性能试验、小梁弯曲试验、劈裂试验及相关耐久性试验,并与基质沥青混合料和SBS改性沥青混合料进行对比分析.结果表明:上述3种纳米改性沥青混合料的高温稳定性、低温抗裂性、间接抗拉性和耐久性均优于基质沥青混合料,其中纳米ZnO/TiO_2/SBS复合改性沥青混合料的上述性能优于SBS改性沥青混合料.由此可见,纳米材料可显著改善沥青混合料的性能,纳米复合改性沥青的性能优于聚合物改性沥青,将其应用于道路是可行的.     

回收料掺量对温拌再生沥青混合料性能的影响

通过室内试验研究了回收沥青混合料(RAP)掺量(质量分数)对Evotherm温拌再生沥青混合料高温稳定性、低温性能、水稳定性及疲劳性能的影响.结果表明:采用Evotherm温拌技术可将RAP掺量提高到50%;温拌再生沥青混合料的高温稳定性、水稳定性及低温性能均随RAP掺量的增加先升后降,且在RAP掺量为30%~40%时出现峰值;疲劳性能随RAP掺量的增加逐渐降低,且应变水平越高降低幅度越大;温拌再生沥青混合料的高温稳定性、水稳定性较热拌再生沥青混合料差,疲劳性能优于热拌再生沥青混合料;在相同RAP掺量下,温拌再生沥青混合料与热拌再生沥青混合料的低温性能相当.     

Effects of various additives on the moisture damage sensitivity of asphalt mixtures

Effects of four additives, namely two fatty amine (Wetfix I, Lilamin VP 75P), one catalyst (Chemcrete) and a polymer (rubber), on the moisture damage of asphalt mixtures were studied. Rheological characteristics of the binders were measured using conventional methods both original and thin-film oven aged. Mechanical characteristics of the mixtures were evaluated with Marshall, indirect tensile and Lottman treatment tests. The additives used in this study reduced the level of damage due to moisture in asphalt mixtures. Minimum acceptable indirect tensile strength ratio (0.70) is achieved when Chemcrete and 0.2% of Wetfix I, and 0.4–0.6% of Lilamin VP 75P are used in asphalt mixtures. Indirect tensile strength ratio may decrease due to the relatively higher strength obtained in dry specimens with respect to the conditioned ones. Indirect tensile strength ratios of asphalt paving specimens were found to be less than the Marshall Stability ratios.     

废机油残留物再生沥青的抗老化性能

以废机油残留物(REOB)作为沥青再生剂,从REOB自身、REOB再生沥青及REOB再生沥青混合料3个层次进行老化性能研究.通过延时薄膜烘箱老化试验(TFOT)(老化时间分别为5、10、15、20、25h),测定了REOB再生沥青、RA5再生沥青和基质沥青的质量及黏度变化,并采用弯曲梁流变试验评定3种沥青老化后的低温性能;利用对应的3种沥青混合料设计铺筑了室内足尺试验路面层,并采用自主研发的回转式加速加载试验系统(RALT)在常温及高温下开展了路面加速加载试验来评估其长期抗疲劳性能.结果表明:REOB再生沥青的抗短期老化性能(TFOT老化时间不超过10h)比RA5再生沥青好,但不如基质沥青,而其抗长期老化性能(TFOT老化时间不少于15h)最差;在长期老化后,REOB再生沥青因劲度急增且应力松弛性能骤降从而极易导致低温开裂;高温老化明显加剧了REOB再生沥青混合料路面在RALT加速加载条件下弯沉值的增长,使其在3种路面中最易发生疲劳破坏,说明将REOB用于再生沥青路面时,易使路面出现过早过度破坏.     

SBS改性沥青混合料疲劳极限拉应变研究

为了证实和确定SBS改性沥青混合料疲劳极限标准,通过控制应变的小梁疲劳试验,研究了SBS改性沥青混合料疲劳寿命随拉应变水平的变化规律,拉应变水平的变化模拟了实际路面沥青层厚度变化对层底拉应变的影响.结果表明:当拉应变水平较高时,沥青混合料疲劳寿命有限;随着拉应变水平降低,疲劳寿命逐渐增大,且拉应变水平越低,增幅越大;当拉应变水平由400×10-6向100×10-6变化时,疲劳曲线在200×10-6处有明显的转折,此后,随着拉应变水平进一步降低,疲劳曲线明显变得平缓,呈现典型的渐近线特征,这证实了SBS改性沥青混合料存在疲劳极限这一假设;基于交通发展、设计年限和经济性,通过理论计算,建议SBS改性沥青混合料疲劳极限拉应变可以采用140×10-6.     

Fatigue and rutting performance of lime-modified hot-mix asphalt mixtures

This paper describes the effect of lime on composite hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures of aggregate and asphalt binder evaluated using viscoelastic continuum damage analysis, which is based on predicting the effective stress vs. strain equations and microcrack growth. The performance characteristics evaluated in this study included fatigue cracking and rutting resistance in both moisture-damaged and undamaged states. The test methods used in this evaluation were the dynamic modulus test for stiffness characterization, the direct tension test for fatigue cracking characterization, and the triaxial repeated-load permanent deformation test for rutting characterization. The main contribution of this paper is the demonstration of advanced test methods and models that can be used to evaluate the performance of various mixtures with respect to the fatigue damage and rutting performance.