PMSS Project Details

Project ID:	FHWA-PROJ-09-0033
Project Name:	Detailed Exploration of the Locking Point Concept in Mix Design
Status:	Active
Contact:	Last Name: Gibson First Name: Nelson H Telephone: 202-493-3073 E-mail: nelson.gibson@dot.gov
Organization:	Federal Highway Administration - Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC)
Office:	Office of Infrastructure Research and Development
Team:	Pavement Materials Team
Roadmap/Focus area(s):	Infrastructure Research and Technology Strategic Plan and Roadmap
Project Description:	The project will use X-ray computed tomography and mechanical performance tests to evaluate the manner in which aggregate particles pack during mix design to assess whether there is a point where aggregates no longer pack but simply move around. This will be compared to empirical definitions of locking point which try to define the same thing. Then contemporary performance tests will be used to quantify the performance consequences for alternate mix design practices which attempt to increase binder content and durability without sacrificing permanent deformation (rutting resistance).
Laboratories:	Bituminous Mixtures Laboratory
Start Date:	September 1, 2009
End Date:	February 27, 2013
Funding Amount:	$0.00
FHWA Program Name:	Innovative Pavement Research and Deployment
Goals:	The objective of this research is to recommend mix design and performance test practices to increase asphalt mixture durability based on the hypothesis that current Superpave mix design compaction levels are too high and result in lower than optimal asphalt contents.
Project Type:	Onsite
Background Information:	Since Superpave has been implemented, a portion of public agencies have gradually diverged from the standard tables of compaction effort to determine the optimum asphalt content in response to a perceived lack of asphalt binder, low durability and crack prone mixtures; which are conversely very rut resistant. This project utilizes a variety of candidate
Test Methodology:	Shared materials from public agencies and comparative laboratory performance tests
Other Information:	Data not yet available
Partners:	Data not yet available
More Information URL(s):
Fieldtest:	none
Expected Benefits:	Asphalt pavements with less cracking, moisture damage or raveling and thus longer life.
Deliverables:	Name: Mix design guidance with explicit examples. Product Type(s): Research report, Techbrief Description: The first phase of the study illustrated a proof of concept that aggregate packing and locking likely can be achieved less than the established design gyration levels, but confirmation is needed. The second phase of the study then illustrated the sensitivity of rutting and cracking performance as well as compact ability when a moderate reduction in gyration level was pursued. The third phase of the study expands the number of mixtures and aggregate types evaluated in the third phase. Audiences: State highway agencies Secondary Audiences:
Related URL(s):
Project Findings:	It is recommended that Agencies utilize the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (currently being implemented) using confined Flow Number tests and Simplified Viscoelastic Continuum Damage fatigue tests to confirm that durability is increased and rutting is not significantly affected by a change in mix design specification. A more simplistic recommendation is to increase asphalt binder contents by 0.4% if the standard design gyration compaction levels are kept. 4 mixtures studied which were standard designed to 75 gyrations indicated that compaction was effectively achieved at around 60 gyrations. These mixes were redesigned at 65 gyrations and 3 of the 4 responded well to increase durability without sacrificing significantly rutting resistance. There was no general, consistent rule and essentially every mix should be checked with performance tests if modified Superpave mix design practices are used. Two additional mixes are being added to the 4 primary mixes to further confirm the findings.
FHWA Topics:	Roads and Bridges--Pavement and Materials Research/Technologies--Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC)
TRT Terms:	Mix Design Hot Mix Asphalt Aggregates Durability Asphalt Infrastructure Pavements
FHWA Disciplines:	Pavement and Materials
Subject Areas:	Materials Pavements Research