Development of a nonlinear rutting model for asphalt concrete based on Weibull parameters

Abstract

In this study, a regression-based predictive model is developed from laboratory test data to determine rutting performance of Superpave asphalt-aggregate mixtures. A Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device was used to measure the rutting performances of the asphalt concrete samples. A total of eighteen (18) asphalt concrete mixtures were tested and used in this study. Laboratory rut data were fitted by Weibull distribution and the Weibull parameters were correlated to the mix properties, such as, aggregate gradation, binder property, effective specific gravity of the aggregate and mix volumetrics of the asphalt concrete samples. Statistical evaluation showed that a fairly accurate estimation of rut depth can be found by using the regression-based predictive model developed in this study.

Keywords:

• Hamburg wheel-tracking device
• weibull distribution
• rutting
• asphalt concrete
• Superpave

Acknowledgements

This study was jointly funded by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) and Southern Plain Transportation Center (SPTC).