Selecting a rutting performance test for airport asphalt mixture design

Abstract

This paper presents results from a laboratory study to identify a performance-based acceptance test for hot asphalt mixtures when constructing airport pavements designed to accommodate high-tyre-pressure traffic. Four performance tests, intended to screen for rutting susceptibility, were performed on 26 hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures using one neat binder. Eight of these mixtures were also prepared with a polymer-modified binder. Results from four candidate tests are presented: asphalt pavement analyzer, triaxial creep, triaxial repeated load, and dynamic modulus test. Preliminary criteria associated with these tests that can be used to screen or select airport HMA paving mixtures are proposed. The efficacy of the screening tests and associated criteria were evaluated by constructing and trafficking full-scale pavements using an accelerated pavement tester.

Keywords:

• laboratory performance test
• accelerated pavement testing airport HMA
• rutting

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Tim McCaffrey, Kevin Taylor, and Lance Warnock of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center for their efforts with the specimen preparation and laboratory testing. The contents of the paper reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented within. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views and policies of the FAA, the Engineer Research and Development Center, Department of the Army, or the Department of Defense. The paper does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. Permission to publish was granted by Director, Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory.

Funding

The study described in this paper was supported by the FAA Airport Technology Research and Development Branch under the FAA-ERDC Interagency Agreement. Field studies were supported by the U.S Air Force Civil Engineer Center.