Evaluation of Aggregate Degradation Due to Laboratory Compaction and Ignition Oven Testing of HMA

摘要

Recent developments in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) design and analysis have resulted in the introduction of new laboratory compaction and testing equipment. This newer equipment includes the Superpave~(TM) Gyratory Compactor (SGC) and the NCAT ignition oven. Over the past five to seven years, the SGC and the ignition oven have improved and accelerated the compaction and testing capabilities of HMA laboratories throughout the US and abroad. However, some in the industry still express concerns regarding the degradation of aggregate during laboratory compaction and ignition oven testing. The objective of this study was to document the observed aggregate degradation resulting from SGC and NCAT ignition oven testing for common Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) mixes. This observational study included HMA samples from over 20 paving projects in the state of Tennessee. The mixes tested in this study included both crushed limestone and river gravel. The results of this study suggest that there is no significant degradation of aggregate resulting from the SGC or the NCAT ignition oven in Tennessee. The results are presented herein for review and discussion.