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Implementation of Improved Overlay Testers for Fatigue Cracking Resistance of Asphalt Mixture

What Was the Need?

Under Project 0-6815 “Improved Overlay Tester for Fatigue Cracking Resistance of Asphalt Mixtures, which concluded in June 30, 2016, an alternative data analysis methodology for OT that considers two parameters to quantify the AC mixes, critical fracture energy and crack progression rate. Researchers also proposed assessing the impact that different mix-design parameters such as aggregate type, aggregate gradation, asphalt binder content and performance grade (PG), recycle material content, and additives may have on the performance indices, critical fracture energy and crack progression rate.

Project Summary

The goals of this implementation project are (a) to assess the effectiveness of the alternative data analysis methodology that was proposed in Project 0-6815 and (b) to establish specifications and guidelines to design AC mixes with reproducible cracking potential that can be successfully used by the District personnel of the The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). In this project, UTEP researchers will address the following technical objectives: 1.) Provide assistance and training to TxDOT personnel for the proper use of the proposed OT test methodology and corresponding specifications in the laboratory setting. 2.) Improve specifications for the proper use of AC mixes in flexible pavements based on their cracking properties. 3.) Demonstrate the potential of the alternative data analysis methodology proposed under Project 0-6815 for balanced mix design along with the Hamburg wheel tracking (HWT) test results. 4.) Assess the impact that different mix-design parameters such as aggregate type, aggregate gradation, asphalt binder content and performance grade (PG), recycle material content, and additives may have on the performance indices, critical fracture energy and crack progression rate. 5.) Gather field performance data to correlate the lab and field cracking life of AC mixtures and establish limits of acceptable cracking properties using the proposed OT performance indices. 6.) Generate guidelines to improve the cracking resistance of underperforming AC mixes based on the influence of AC mix-design parameters.

Project Number

5-6815-01

Status

Completed

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