Effects of asphalt modulus variation on pavement performance

The modulus of asphalt mixes is of paramount importance for determining the performance of a pavement and essential for the analysis of pavement response to traffic loading. The modulus of an asphalt material also assumes an important role in pavement design as the pavement layers are characterised, in linear elastic analysis, by the stiffness modulus and the Poisson's ratio. The modulus is assessed on specimens extracted from the pavement or prepared in the laboratory. The modulus can also be evaluated through in situ tests from asphalt mixtures spread and compacted in the road. Achieving high quality site compaction is essential if superior durability and performance is to be achieved from a pavement. While the modulus obtained from laboratory testing can be used to estimate the in situ modulus, often the difference between the estimated and actual moduli can be quite significant. This is because there are so many factors that affect the asphalt quality in situ, particularly field compaction. Moreover, environmental factors and materials variability can affect the "as compacted" asphalt modulus. This paper will discuss many factors that can cause variability of asphalt performance in the field. Sensitivity analyses are carried out using computer program CIRCLY to demonstrate the effects of asphalt modulus variation on the pavement life.

• Authors:
  • Prodhan, M
  • Chim, K
  • Hoque, Z
  • Nataatmadja, A
• Conference:
  • RTA Pavements Conference, 2011, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• Publication Date: 2011-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 20p (day 2)
• Monograph Title: RTA Pavements 2011 Conference, 20-21 September 2011, Darling Harbour, Sydney

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bituminous materials; Bituminous pavements; Compaction; Deformation; Durability; Mixtures; Modulus of deformation; Modulus of elasticity; Pavement performance; Pavements; Stiffness
• Uncontrolled Terms: Pavement technology
• ATRI Terms: Asphalt; Compaction; Deformation; Mixture; Modulus; Pavement performance
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01374105
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ITRD, ATRI
• Created Date: Jun 27 2012 9:55AM