Evaluating the Rutting Resistance of Wearing Course Mixtures with Different Fine Aggregate Sources Using the Indirect Tensile Strength Test

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this experimental study was to determine if the indirect tensile (IDT) strength test results for Marshall cylindrical specimens are associated with a laboratory evaluation parameter for the rutting resistance of wearing course hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures. We investigated a wide range of HMA mixtures with various aggregate gradations; the specimens consisted of seven Vietnamese and six Indonesian HMA mixtures with a 12.5-mm nominal maximum particle size. Three different fine aggregates from two sources (natural sand and manufactured screening) were used to fabricate these HMA specimens. Wheel tracking tests were also conducted to verify the validity of the IDT strength test as a potential indicator of rutting resistance in HMA mixtures. The experimental results showed that the IDT strength test using Marshall cylindrical specimens has potential applications for evaluating rutting resistance, regardless of aggregate source. The study also explored the effects of fine aggregate on the resistance of HMA mixtures to permanent deformation. Overall, fine aggregate significantly influenced the rutting resistance of mixtures when the aggregate gradations were controlled to achieve the same gradations. In contrast, fine aggregates with different gradations were not strongly associated with the rutting resistance of HMA mixtures.