Evaluation of Aspects of E * Test by Using Hot-Mix Asphalt Specimens with Varying Void Contents

Abstract

A dynamic modulus master curve for asphalt concrete is a critical input for flexible pavement design in the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide developed in NCHRP Project 1-37A, which has drawn much attention among asphalt technologists. The objectives in this study were (a) to consider and compare different analysis techniques for construction of the master curve and (b) to measure and analyze the effect of permanent strain on samples that have been evaluated with one of the simple performance tests, dynamic modulus. It was found that differences existed in the calculated asymptote values and the shape of the master curve, depending upon which method was adopted. Recommendations are made for modifications to the testing protocol and for further work to determine the effect of permanent strain at higher test temperatures.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Witczak

M. W.

, and Pellinen

T. K.

AC Mixture Response Comparison to Performance |E^*| and Sm Prediction Equation Methodology Results. Superpave Support and Performance Models Management, Task C: Simple Performance Test. NCHRP Project 9-19. Team Report SPT-ALF-2(L). TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 2000.

Bonaquist

R. F.

Simple Performance Tester for Superpave Mix Design. Quarterly Progress Report, NCHRP Project 9-29, Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C., 2003.

ARA Inc., ERES Consultants Division. Guide for Mechanistic–Empirical Design of New and Rehabilitated Pavement Structures. Final report, NCHRP Project 1-37A. Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C., 2004. www.trb.org/mepdg/guide.htm.

Witczak

NCHRP Report 547: Simple Performance Tests: Summary of Recommended Methods and Database. Transportation Research Board of the National Academies, Washington, D.C., 2005.

Witczak

M. W.

, Kaloush

, Pellinen

, El-Basyouny

, and Von Quintus

NCHRP Report 465: Simple Performance Test for Superpave Mix Design. TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C., 2002.

Richards

F. J.

A Flexible Growth Function for Empirical Use.

Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol. 10, No 29, 1959, pp. 290–300.

Rowe

G. M.

, and Sharrock

M. J.

Development of Standard Techniques for the Calculation of Master Curves for Linear-Visco Elastic Materials. Presented at 1st International Symposium on Binder Rheology and Pavement Performance. University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, August 14-15, 2000.

Gordon

G. V.

, and Shaw

M. T.

Computer Programs for Rheologists. Hanser-Gardner Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1994.

Rowe

G. M.

, Baumgardner

, and Sharrock

M. J.

A Generalized Logistic Function to Describe the Master Curve Stiffness Properties of Binder Mastics and Mixtures. Presented at 45th Petersen Asphalt Research Conference, University of Wyoming, Laramie, July 14–16, 2008.

10.

Rowe

G. M.

Phase Angle Determination and Interrelationships Within Bituminous Materials. Presented at 45th Petersen Asphalt Research Conference, University of Wyoming, Laramie, July 14–16, 2008.