Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2004

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair

John P. Zaniewski.

Abstract

The Superpave mix design procedure, as implemented at the end of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) does not include any testing to evaluate asphalt mixture for resistance to permanent deformation. This prompted the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) to sponsor projects for the development of a simple performance test for rutting potential of asphalt mixtures. Anderson et al. [2003] found that rutting potential can be evaluated by considering indirect tensile strength (IDT), compaction slope measured with the Superpave Gyratory compactor and voids in mineral aggregate (VMA). Anderson evaluated IDT strength at a deformation rate of 3.75 mm/min and 34°C, and used repeated shear constant head, RSCH, tester to estimate the rutting potential of asphalt mixtures. RSCH is a sophisticated and expensive piece of equipment that is available only at a few research agencies and universities. Likewise, few agencies have the ability to duplicate the IDT strength tests methodology used by Anderson.;The objective of this research was to study if rutting potential can be evaluated with equipment readily available to state highway agencies. Rutting potential was evaluated with the Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA). The parameters that were evaluated as independent variables include the IDT strength, volumetric parameters, compaction slope, and the compacted aggregate resistance. IDT was measured using the Marshall Stabilometer with a split tensile head and with the samples at 60°C. The main factors included in the experiment were binder type, asphalt content, sand content, nominal maximum aggregate size, NMAS, and gradation. The analysis of variance demonstrated significant effects of all the main factors and their interactions on rutting potential. Further there is a strong correlation between rutting potential and indirect tensile strength as measured with the stabilometer.

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