Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate as Quality Indicator of Materials Used in Superpave Mixtures

The uncompacted void content of fine aggregate, or fine aggregate angularity (FAA), was introduced in the Superpave mixture design system to screen smooth or rounded fine aggregates that may result in mixtures with low rutting resistance. The assumption is that fine aggregates with lower FAA values have lower shear strength (internal friction) and lower resistance to rutting. Continued implementation and evaluation of the Superpave system has led to numerous questions regarding the validity of this assumption and of the use of the FAA test in general. Nine fine aggregates were used to evaluate the FAA test and to determine whether it was a reliable indicator of fine aggregate shear strength. FAA tests were performed using three gradations and the three standard test methods (A, B, and C). Microscopic analysis was conducted to obtain independent visual measures of angularity and texture. Direct shear tests were performed at four confining stresses to determine shear strength parameters. Results indicated that FAA values were related to visual measures of texture and angularity. However, although FAA value contributed to shear strength, it appeared that other factors such as toughness, gradation, and packing characteristics of the fine aggregate overshadow its effect. For the fine aggregates tested, the FAA test rejected aggregates with high shear strength and accepted aggregates with low shear strength. It was concluded that FAA values alone may not be adequate to assess shear resistance of fine aggregate. Direct shear strength may be a better parameter, but additional work is required to evaluate its validity and feasibility.