Comprehensive Evaluation of Compaction of Asphalt Pavements and a Practical Approach for Density Predictions

Abstract

The compaction of asphalt mixtures has a significant influence on their performance. Insufficient compaction leads to several distresses, such as premature permanent deformation, excessive aging, and moisture damage, even if all desirable mixture design characteristics are met. Currently, no acceptable method relates asphalt pavement density to the compaction pattern. The compaction pattern required to achieve the desired density is established on the basis of experience and trial and error, a process that is time-consuming and expensive. This study involved comprehensive experimental evaluation of several test sections that were constructed with different asphalt mixtures by various compaction methods. Results of these experiments were used to determine the effects of compaction temperature, compaction method, mixture design, and base type on the compactability of asphalt mixtures. In addition, the paper presents a systematic method to determine the compaction pattern required to achieve the desired density of asphalt pavements. This method lends itself to integration in an automated system that can be used by roller operators to estimate density during construction.

Development of compaction monitoring system for asphalt pavements

“…This method uses the compaction curve for each compaction roller and location of the roller on the mat to predict density in real time. The results showed good correlation between predicted and measured density [9].…”

“…This index combines the number of passes of compaction roller and the effectiveness factor of each roller pass. Kassem et al [9] found that the efficiency of the compactive effort across the steel rollers is non-uniform; a point on the mat closer to the center of the roller is subjected to more compaction than a point closer to the edge of the roller. The CI was found to be a good tool to provide uniform compaction effort and density across the mat [9].…”

“…Several factors such as amount of asphalt binder, aggregate gradation, aggregate characteristics, temperature, and roller type affect compaction of asphalt mixtures [1]. Several studies examined the relationship between field and laboratory compaction and mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. However, limited efforts were conducted to develop tools that could improve the uniformity of the compaction of asphalt pavements.…”

“…However, limited efforts were conducted to develop tools that could improve the uniformity of the compaction of asphalt pavements. Kassem et al [8,9] developed an index called the compaction index (CI) to quantify the compaction effort at any point in a pavement. This index combines the number of passes of compaction roller and the effectiveness factor of each roller pass.…”

Study on Process Parameters and Control Technology of One-Step Shaping for Thin Layer Paving of Polymer Concrete

“…However, it is not enough to study the interaction between paver operation performance and paving material [4][5]. Kassem et al (2012) predicted the density of asphalt pavements by using a new method and predicted density and the experimental density showed good correlation [6]. Pronk used a Huet-Sayegh model to analyzed rheological behavior of asphaltic mixes [7].…”