Evaluating the Superpave Option in Unified Facilities Guide Specification 32-12-15.13, Hot Mix Asphalt Airfield Paving
Abstract
This report presents results from a field study to compare the density of asphalt concrete specimens compacted using the Marshall apparatus to the density of specimens compacted using the Superpave gyratory compactor (SGC). The purpose of the study was to determine if using a new alternative construction specification based on compaction with the SGC would produce a different density than the traditional specification based on compaction with the Marshall apparatus. In addition, laboratory tests to indicate asphalt mixture rutting potential were performed to develop guidance for using new methods to assess mixture quality. Six paving mixtures were sampled to compact specimens using 75 blows of the manual Marshall hammer and 75 gyrations of the SGC. Three of the mixtures had higher air voids contents when compacted with the SGC. Two had nearly equal air voids content, and one had lower air voids content. The standard deviation of air voids content for a group of specimens compacted using the SGC was typically less than half of that for specimens compacted using the manual Marshall hammer. Using the SGC to prepare specimens for quality control and quality assurance is not expected to change the payment to a contractor for a given quality of work when using the method described in UFGS 32-12-15, and is expected to produce adequate mixtures when designed by the alternative specification allowing its use.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA602781
Entities
People
- John F. Rushing
- Lance C. Warnock
- Timothy J. Mccaffrey
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center