U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
202-366-4000


Skip to content
Facebook iconYouTube iconTwitter iconFlickr iconLinkedInInstagram

Federal Highway Administration Research and Technology
Coordinating, Developing, and Delivering Highway Transportation Innovations

Report
This report is an archived publication and may contain dated technical, contact, and link information
Publication Number: FHWA-RD-97-148

User Guidelines for Waste and Byproduct Materials in Pavement Construction

ASPHALT CONCRETE PAVEMENT

Application Description

INTRODUCTION

The primary design objective of the pavement engineer is to construct a pavement structure that will provide reliable, safe, and cost-effective service during its useful life. The introduction of nonconventional materials into a pavement structure imposes on the pavement engineer the responsibility to ensure that this primary design objective can still be achieved.

Six major pavement application descriptions are addressed in this chapter. These applications, which are considered the primary applications where waste and by-product material may be incorporated, include asphalt concrete, Portland cement concrete, granular base, embankment or fill, stabilized base, and flowable fill applications. Other applications do exist (e.g., curb and gutter, medians, etc.), but are not within the scope of these guidelines at this time.

To provide more detailed information relative to the design objectives and the materials used in these applications, a general overview of each is provided in this chapter. This overview includes a description of the conventional component materials that are typically used in these applications, desired properties of these materials and the final composite product (where applicable), and standard ASTM and/or AASHTO test methods that are normally undertaken to verify the suitability of these materials and the final product.

To obtain additional information on specific applications, the reader is referred to some additional references, which are presented at the end of each respective application description section.

Asphalt concrete pavements consist of a combination of layers, which include an asphalt concrete surface constructed over a granular or asphalt concrete base and a subbase. The entire pavement structure, which is constructed over the subgrade, is designed to support the traffic load and distribute the load over the roadbed. Pavements can be constructed using hot mix or cold mix asphalt. Surface treatments are sometimes used during pavement construction. Surface treatment acts as a waterproof cover for the existing pavement surface and also provides resistance to abrasion by traffic.

Hot mix asphalt is a mixture of fine and coarse aggregate with asphalt cement binder that is mixed, placed, and compacted in a heated condition. The components are heated and mixed at a central plant and placed on the road using an asphalt spreader.

Cold mix asphalt is a mixture of emulsified asphalt and aggregate, produced, placed, and compacted at ambient air temperature. The use of cold mix asphalt is usually limited to relatively low-volume rural roads. For higher traffic applications, cold mix asphalt pavement usually requires an overlay of hot mix asphalt or surface treatment to resist traffic action. The components of cold mix asphalt can be mixed at a central plant or in-situ with a traveling mixer.

Surface treatments consist of an application (or sometimes multiple applications) of emulsified or liquid asphalt and select aggregate, placed over a prepared granular base or existing surface. Following placement of the aggregate, the mixture is rolled and compacted to provide a drivable, dust-free surface. This type of pavement is common on light- to medium- volume roads that may or may not already have an existing bituminous surface.

MATERIALS

The components of asphalt concrete include asphalt aggregate and asphalt binder. Mineral filler is sometimes added to hot mix asphalt concrete.

Asphalt Aggregate

Aggregates used in asphalt mixtures (hot mix asphalt, cold mix asphalt, surface treatments) comprise approximately 95 percent of the mix by mass. Proper aggregate grading, strength, toughness, and shape are needed for mixture stability.

Asphalt Binder

The asphalt binder component of an asphalt pavement typically makes up about 5 to 6 percent of the total asphalt mixture, and coats and binds the aggregate particles together. Asphalt cement is used in hot mix asphalt. Liquid asphalt, which is asphalt cement dispersed in water with the aid of an emulsifying agent or solvent, is used as the binder in surface treatments and cold mix asphalt pavements. The properties of binders are often improved or enhanced by using additives or modifiers to improve adhesion (stripping resistance), flow, oxidation characteristics, and elasticity. Modifiers include oil, filler, powders, fibres, wax, solvents, emulsifiers, wetting agents, as well as other proprietary additives.

Mineral Filler

Mineral filler consists of very fine, inert mineral matter that is added to the hot mix asphalt to improve the density and strength of the mixture. Mineral fillers make up less than 6 percent of the hot mix asphalt concrete by mass, and generally less than about 3 percent. A typical mineral filler completely passes a 0.060 mm (No. 30) sieve, with at least 65 percent of the particles passing the 0.075 mm (No. 200) sieve.

MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND TESTING METHODS

Asphalt Aggregate

Since aggregates used in bituminous mixtures (hot mix asphalt, cold mix asphalt, surface treatments) comprise approximately 95 percent of the mixture by mass and roughly 80 percent by volume, the aggregate material(s) used in asphalt concrete have a profound influence on the properties and performance of the mixture. The following is a listing and brief comment on some of the more important properties for aggregates that are used in asphalt paving mixes:

Asphalt Binder

Although the asphalt binder component typically comprises approximately 5 to 6 percent by mass of an asphalt paving mixture, the selection of the proper grade of asphalt (asphalt cement or emulsion) for the traffic and climatic conditions to which the paving mixture is to be exposed is essential to the performance of the mix. Some of the more important properties of asphalt cement that are used to distinguish between different cements and to evaluate their quality include:

Table 24-1 provides a list of standard test methods that are used to assess the suitability of conventional mineral aggregates for use in asphalt paving applications.

Table 24-1. Asphalt paving aggregate test procedures.

Property Test Method Reference
General Specifications Coarse Aggregate for Bituminous Paving Mixtures ASTM D692
Fine Aggregates for Bituminous Paving Mixtures ASTM D1073/AASHTO M 29
Steel Slag Aggregates for Bituminous Paving Mixtures ASTM D5106
Aggregate for Single or Multiple Surface Treatments ASTM D1139
Crushed Aggregate For Macadam Pavements ASTM D693
Gradation Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates ASTM C136/AASHTO T27
Sizes of Aggregate for Road and Bridge Construction ASTM D448/AASHTO M43
Particle Shape Index of Aggregate Particle Shape and Texture ASTM D3398
Flat and Elongated Particles in Coarse Aggregate ASTM D4791
Uncompacted Void Content of Fine Aggregate (As Influenced by Particle Shape, Surface Texture, and Grading)

(Test is part of SHRP Superpave Level 1 design procedure for hot mix asphalt)

ASTM C1252/AASHTO TP33
Particle Texture Accelerated Polishing of Aggregates Using the British Wheel

(Not widely recognized in North America)

ASTM D3319/T279
Insoluble Residue in Carbonate Aggregates

Indirect measure of resistance of aggregate to wear, by determining amount of carbonate rock present)

ASTM D3042
Centrifuge Kerosine Equivalent

(Only used as part of the Hveem mix design procedure)

ASTM D5148
Particle Strength Resistance to Degradation of Large-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine ASTM C535
Resistance to Degradation of Small-Size Coarse Aggregate by Abrasion and Impact in the Los Angeles Machine ASTM C131/AASHTO T96
Degradation of Fine Aggregate Due to Attrition ASTM C1137
Durability Aggregate Durability Index ASTM D3744/AASHTO T210
Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate ASTM C88/AASHTO T104
Soundness of Aggregates by Freezing and Thawing AASHTO T103
Specific Gravity and Absorption Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate ASTM C127/AASHTO T85
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate ASTM C128/AASHTO T84
Unit Weight Unit Weight and Voids in Aggregate ASTM C29/C29M/AASHTO T19
Volume Stability Potential Expansion of Aggregates from Hydration Reactions

(Developed to measure expansion potential of steel slag aggregates)

ASTM D4792
Deleterious Components Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate

(Indirect measure of clay content of aggregate mixes)

ASTM D2419
Clay Lumps and Friable Particles in Aggregates ASTM C142

Table 24-2 provides a list of standard test methods used to characterize asphalt binder properties.

Table 24-2   Asphalt binder test procedures

Property Test Method Reference
General Specifications Recovery of Asphalt from Solution by the Abson Method ASTM D1856
Graded Asphalt Cement for Use in Pavement Construction ASTM D946
Graded Asphalt Cement for Use in Pavement Construction ASTM D3381
Emulsified Asphalt ASTM D977
Rheology Penetration of Bituminous Materials ASTM D5
Preparation of Viscosity Blends for Recycled Bituminous Materials ASTM D4887
Kinematic Viscosity of Asphalts ASTM D2170
Ductility of Bituminous Materials ASTM D113
Effect of Heat/Air on Asphaltic Materials by Thin-Film Oven Test ASTM D1754
SHRP Level 1 Binder Testing SHRP Mix Design Manual A-407
Incompatibility Storage Stability Test Shell Bitumen Industrial Handbook, 1995

Mineral Filler

Mineral fillers consist of finely divided mineral matter such as rock dust, slag dust, hydrated lime, hydraulic cement, fly ash, loess, or other suitable mineral matter.

Mineral fillers serve a dual purpose when added to asphalt mixes. The portion of the mineral filler that is finer than the thickness of the asphalt film and the asphalt cement binder form a mortar or mastic that contributes to improved stiffening of the mix. The particles larger than the thickness of the asphalt film behave as mineral aggregate and hence contribute to the contact points between individual aggregate particles. The gradation, shape, and texture of the mineral filler significantly influence the performance of hot mix asphalt.

Some of the more important properties of mineral filler used in asphalt concrete applications are as follows:

Table 24-3 provides a listing of applicable test methods containing criteria that are used to characterize the suitability of conventional filler materials for use in asphalt paving applications.

Table 24-3. Mineral filler test procedures.

Property Test Method Reference
General Specifications Mineral Filler for Bituminous Paving Mixtures ASTM D242/AASHTO M 17
Gradation Sieve Analysis of Mineral Filler for Road and Paving Materials ASTM D546
Plasticity Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils ASTM D4315
Deleterious Materials Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and Fine Aggregate
(Indirect measure of clay content of aggregate mixes)
ASTM D2419

ASPHALT CONCRETE MATERIAL

The mix proportions for a properly compacted asphalt concrete paving mixture are determined in the laboratory during mix design testing. The ability of a properly proportioned asphalt paving mix to resist the potentially damaging effects of the asphalt binder stripping from the aggregate particles is also routinely evaluated in the laboratory. To perform properly in the field, a well-designed asphalt paving mixture must be placed within the proper temperature range and must be adequately compacted. Asphalt concrete paving mixtures should be evaluated for the following properties:

Table 24-4 provides a list of standard laboratory tests that are presently used to evaluate the mix design or expected performance of paving mixes.

Recent developments in asphalt pavement design research which was conducted under the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP), has resulted in the development of a new asphalt mix design procedure, referred to as Superpave (Superior Performing Asphalt Pavement Design Procedure). Where the traditional mix design approach (using Marshall mix or Hveem design methods) was based on empirical laboratory design procedures, the Superpave mix design approach represents an improved system for specifying asphalt binder and mineral aggregates, developing an asphalt mixture design, and analyzing and establishing pavement performance prediction. The system includes an asphalt binder specification (performance graded binders), a hot mix asphalt design and analysis system, and computer software that integrates the system components. The unique feature of the Superpave system is that it is a performance-based specification approach, with the tests and analyses having direct relationship to field performance.

Table 24-4. Asphalt paving material test procedures.

Property Test Method Reference
Stability and Flow Characteristics
(also air voids)
Marshall Method AASHTO T245
Hveem Method AASHTO T246, T247
Asphalt Institute Recommended Cold Mix Method Asphalt Institute Cold Mix Manual
Resistance to Plastic Flow of Bituminous Mixtures Using Marshall Apparatus ASTM D1559
Stripping Resistance Immersion - Marshall Method ASTM D4867
Immersion - Marshall Method AASHTO T283 (Modified Lottman Method)
Resilient Modulus Superpave Mix Design Asphalt Institute Superpave Series No. 1 (SP-1)
Asphalt Institute Superpave Series No. 2 (SP-2)
Unit Weight Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity and Density of Bituminous Paving Mixtures ASTM D2041
Compacted Density In-Place Density of Compacted Bituminous Paving Mixtures ASTM D2950

 

Superpave mix design and analysis is performed at one of three increasingly rigorous levels of performance. Superpave Level 1 is an improved materials selection and volumetric mix design procedure; Level 2 uses the same volumetric mix design procedure as Level 1 as a starting point, in conjunction with a battery of tests to predict the mix performance; and Level 3 involves a more comprehensive array of tests to achieve a more reliable level of performance prediction. At present, only the performance-graded asphalt binder specification and Superpave Level 1 approach has been finalized, with the performance prediction models used in the Level 2 and Level 3 procedures still being validated.

Users are referred to the Asphalt Institute Superpave Series No. 1 and No. 2 publications listed in the reference section for detailed information on the Superpave mix design equipment and test methods and on the performance-graded asphalt binder requirements.

REFERENCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

AASHTO Guide for the Design of Pavement Structures. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, DC, 1993.

Basic Asphalt Emulsion Manual. Asphalt Institute, Manual Series No. 19, Lexington, Kentucky.

Mix Design Methods for Asphalt Concrete and Other Hot-Mix Types. Manual Series No. 2 (MS-2), Sixth Edition, Asphalt Institute, Lexington, Kentucky, 1994.

Morgan, P. and A. Mulder. The Shell Bitumen Industrial Handbook. Shell Bitumen, Riversdell House, Surrey, U.K., 1995.

Performance Graded Asphalt Binder Specification and Testing. Superpave Series No. 1 (SP-1), Asphalt Institute, Lexington, Kentucky.

Superpave Level 1 Mix Design. Superpave Series No. 2 (SP-2), Asphalt Institute, Lexington, Kentucky.

 

Federal Highway Administration | 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE | Washington, DC 20590 | 202-366-4000
Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center | 6300 Georgetown Pike | McLean, VA | 22101