Sensitivity of RAP Binder Grade on Performance Predictions in the MEPDG

This paper assesses the sensitivity of assumed binder grade on performance prediction of mixtures containing Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP). This was achieved by utilizing the Mechanistic-Empirical Design Guide (MEPDG) software to predict the rutting, fatigue, and thermal cracking distresses of a flexible pavement structure with an HMA surface layer containing RAP. Design runs were conducted at all three hierarchal levels of analysis for two climactic regions and select levels for two additional regions. Only HMA material properties were changed across the design runs, with all other design variables held constant. Results from the various runs shed light on the extent and manner that properties of RAP mixtures affect pavement distresses and performance at the three levels of analysis. Although the assumed PG grade for RAP mixtures has small impact on performance predictions for Level 1 analysis, its effect is significant for Level 2 and Level 3 analysis. For the cases examined in this study, design using MEPDG Level 1 analysis yields the least conservative performance compared to the other levels of analysis. Additionally, discrepancies between Level 2 and Level 3 predictions are observed and become more prominent as the difference between the assumed high and low temperature PG grade of the RAP mixtures increases. The study confirms that realistic and reliable performance prediction and estimation of pavement life using the MEPDG require careful selection of analysis level and accurate characterization of PG grade for RAP mixtures. The relative ranking in performance among the various mixtures is consistent for all input levels, conditions tested, and distresses examined. The ultimate merit of this study lies in the determination of critical and sensitive factors that need to be considered when incorporating RAP mixtures in pavement design, and their effect on various pavement distresses.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/02702932
• Authors:
  • Daniel, Jo Sias
  • Chehab, Ghassan R
  • Ayyala, Dinesh
• Conference:
  • Asphalt Paving Technology 2009
  • Location: Minneapolis MN, United States
  • Date: 2009-3-15 to 2009-3-18
• Publication Date: 2009

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: CD-ROM; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 325-376
• Serial:
  • Journal of the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists
  • Volume: 78
  • Publisher: Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists (AAPT)
  • ISSN: 0270-2932
  • Serial URL: https://www.asphalttechnology.org/site_page.cfm?pk_association_webpage_menu=9169&pk_association_webpage=19109

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Binders; Cracking; Flexible pavements; Hot mix asphalt; Pavement design; Pavement distress; Pavement performance; Reclaimed asphalt pavements; Rutting
• Identifier Terms: Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide
• Uncontrolled Terms: Performance grade
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01158664
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jun 11 2010 12:05PM