Simulative Performance Test for Hot mix Asphalt Using Asphalt Pavement

Analyzer

By

Prithvi S. Kandhal and L.A. Cooley

Journal of ASTM International, Volume 3, No. 5, 2006

ABSTRACT

Permanent deformation, or rutting, has been and continues to be a problem in the

performance of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. This paper presents a summary of
work conducted under National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)
Project 9-17. This research project was undertaken to evaluate the Asphalt Pavement
Analyzer (APA) to determine its suitability as a general method of predicting rut
potential. There was a need to identify test conditions within the APA that produced
results most related to field rutting performance. Ten HMA mixes of known field
rutting performance were tested with a full factorial experiment designed to determine
the combination of test conditions for the APA that best predicts field rutting. The
experiment plan consisted of different specimen type (beam and cylinder); air voids
contents in compacted specimen (4 and 7%); hose diameters (25 and 38 mm); and test
temperatures (high temperature of standard PG grade based on climate and 6 C higher
temperature). Based on the test results and analyses, a tentative standard method of
test was developed and recommended. A standard practice for establishing maximum
specified rut depth for APA by highway agencies has also been recommended.