Evaluation of Asphalt Pavement Analyzer for HMA Mix Design

摘要

Rutting is a common problem in hot mix asphalt pavements, particularly in hot climates and at intersections. The Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) is a laboratory accelerated loading equipment that can be used to evaluate rutting potential of HMA. This study was carried out to evaluate the potential of APA to predict rutting. Specifically, the objectives were to find the sensitivity of the equipment to changes in aggregate type and gradation, performance grade (PG) of asphalt binder, and evaluate the equipment by comparing the test results with the test results from Superpave shear tester (SST). Mixes from poor, fair and good performing pavements were also tested with the APA to develop a rut depth criteria for evaluation of mixes. Binder and surface course mixes were made with granite, limestone and gravel aggregates, with gradations above the maximum density line, gradations through the Superpave restricted zone in close proximity of the maximum density line, and gradations below the maximum density line. Results from tests with different aggregates, gradations, and binder types show that the APA is sensitive to these factors and, therefore, has a potential to predict relative rutting of hot mix asphalt mixtures. The APA had a fair correlation with the repeated shear constant height test conducted with the Superpave shear tester.