Model Mobile Load Simulator Testing at National Center for Asphalt Technology Test Track

One-third-scale model mobile load simulator (MMLS3) testing was conducted at the National Center for Asphalt Technology test track. Dry and wet-heated MMLS3 tests were done on five sections. The rutting performances of the sections under MMLS3 trafficking were compared with that under full-scale truck trafficking (truck test sections). A synthesis of the research included evaluation of results from laboratory tests done on cores taken from the MMLS3 test sections within and outside trafficked wheelpaths. Tests on the cores included wet and dry Hamburg wheel tracking, Superpave® shear tester frequency sweep, and semicircular bending (SCB) strength testing. Investigations included the evaluation of full-scale rutting data, laboratory wheel-tracking test results, and climatic data monitored on the track during full-scale truck trafficking. The project validated the rut prediction approach developed to compare MMLS3 and full-scale rutting performance and indicated that the MMLS3 may be used to estimate full-scale rutting at the track under specific conditions. Distress due to wet trafficking was also quantified as reduction in tensile strength as measured by the SCB. Conclusions were drawn and recommendations made for MMLS3 as well as continued full-scale testing at the track. Comparative full-scale rutting performance of the track sections evaluated may be quantified and ranked by the MMLS3 performance of these sections.