An Evaluation of the Shell Creep Test Procedure to Predict Rutting in Asphalt Pavements

摘要

An investigation into the feasibility of performing a creep test to predict rutting in asphalt pavements, as proposed by the Shell International Petroleum Company, was undertaken by the North Dakota State Highway Department and the University of North Dakota. A study was made of the rutting in North Dakota pavements constructed in the years 1972 through 1976. The equipment needed for the test was determined and obtained. Some was purchased while the creep testing apparatus itself was fabricated at the University of North Dakota. This report concerns areas of investigation such as sample preparation, loading procedure, interpretation of test results, effects of variations in material properties, and repeatability studies. Work correlating test results with actual rut measurements of pavements is planned for the next stage of this study and will be detailed in a later report.