Evaluating the Superpave Option in Unified Facilities Guide Specification 32-12-15.13, Hot Mix Asphalt Airfield Paving

This report presents results from a field study to compare the density of asphalt concrete specimens compacted using the Marshall apparatus to the density of specimens compacted using the Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC). The purpose of the study was to determine if using a new alternative construction specification based on compaction with the SGC would produce a different density than the traditional specification based on compaction with the Marshall apparatus. In addition, laboratory tests to indicate asphalt mixture rutting potential were performed to develop guidance for using new methods to assess mixture quality. Six paving mixtures were sampled to compact specimens using 75 blows of the manual Marshall hammer and 75 gyrations of the SGC. Three of the mixtures had higher air voids contents when compacted with the SGC. Two had nearly equal air voids content, and one had lower air voids content. The standard deviation of air voids content for a group of specimens compacted using the SGC was typically less than half of that for specimens compacted using the manual Marshall hammer. Using the SGC to prepare specimens for quality control and quality assurance is not expected to change the payment to a contractor for a given quality of work when using the method described in Unified Facilities Guide Specification (UFGS) 32-12-15, and is expected to produce adequate mixtures when designed by the alternative specification allowing its use.

  • Record URL:
  • Corporate Authors:

    U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center

    Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, 3909 Halls Ferry Road
    Vicksburg, MS  United States  39180-6199

    Air Force Civil Engineer Center

    139 Barnes Drive, Suite 1
    Tyndall AFB, FL  United States  32403-5319
  • Authors:
    • Rushing, John F
    • McCaffrey, Timothy J
    • Warnock, Lance C
  • Publication Date: 2014-6

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Digital/other
  • Edition: Final Report
  • Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: 70p

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01529279
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: ERDC/GSL TR-14-17
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jun 30 2014 9:41AM