Evaluation of moisture sensitivity of stone matrix asphalt mixtures using polymerised warm mix asphalt technologies

Abstract

The present study is focused on using warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology in stone matrix asphalt mixtures and investigated in detail on the moisture sensitivity of these mixtures using three different types of WMA technologies. The experimental design involved three sources of aggregates (A, B and C) and three WMA technologies using additives Asphamin®, Sasobit® and Evotherm® technology. Test results indicated that 13 mixtures failed to meet the minimum tensile strength ratio requirement of 85%, and all mixtures tested met the minimum wet indirect tensile strength (ITS) value of 448 kPa (65 psi) as per SCDOT specifications. Statistical analysis showed that there was significant difference in the wet ITS values between aggregate A (micaceous granite) and granite (C) for all the mixtures studied. Statistical analysis showed that except for two mixtures, there were no significant differences in the wet ITS values of WMA mixtures amongst four types of mixtures under identical conditions. The mixtures containing over 15% rubber (by weight of virgin binder) produced similar resistance to moisture susceptibility compared with mixtures made with PG 76-22+fibres.

Keywords:

• moisture susceptibility
• warm mix asphalt
• indirect tensile strength
• tensile strength ratio
• toughness
• deformation

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Dr E. Ray Brown for giving his valuable inputs and suggestions for this research project. Financial support was possible through a grant from South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control (DHEC) and the Asphalt Rubber Technology Service (ARTS) of Clemson University.

Notes

1. Email: [email protected]

2. Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Feipeng Xiao

1

Serji N. Amirkhanian

2