The compaction characteristics of hot mixed asphalt mixtures

The quality of compaction is important to the performance of hot mixed asphalt (HMA) pavement. Most premature failures of asphalt pavement are concerned with poor compaction. Compaction characteristic of HMA mixtures were studied. Compaction tests were done with typical widely used HMA mixtures, including dense gradation asphalt mixtures with different nominal maximum aggregate size (AC13,AC20,AC25), and mixtures with different gradation (AC13, SMA13,Sup13 and OGFC13). HMA mixtures were sampled at different compaction temperature and Marshall blow numbers, varying between 60 and 175 °C and between 15 and 75 lows, respectively. The compaction characteristics of these mixtures were evaluated. The results showed that the Marshall stability and volumetric properties were significantly affected by the compaction temperature. Mixtures with the same NMAS but different type of gradation need different compaction energy to get the designed density.