Method for Predicting the Laboratory Compaction Behavior of Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract

The quality of compaction significantly influences the performance of asphalt mixtures. Insufficient compaction often leads to excessive premature permanent deformation, excessive aging, and/or moisture damage. The research reported in this paper was aimed at developing a prediction model for laboratory compaction of asphalt mixtures. The model was developed based on extensive laboratory measurements and it includes parameters that describe aggregate shape characteristics, aggregate gradation, and binder content. The results show that the asphalt mixture type, aggregate properties, and binder content have a significant effect on the slope and intercept values of the laboratory compaction curves. Two models that describe both the slope and intercept of the laboratory compaction curves of asphalt mixtures are presented. These models provide valuable inputs that can be used to quantify the compaction effort needed to compact asphalt mixtures in the laboratory and correlate this effort to field compaction requirements.