Dynamic Modulus of HMA and Its Relationship to Actual and Predicted Field Performance Using MEPDG

• Published in: Journal of performance of constructed facilities 2013-06, Vol.27 (3), p.334-345
• Main Authors: Tashman, Laith, Elangovan, Muthukumaran
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aggregates; Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Computation methods. Tables. Charts; Dynamic tests; Dynamics; Exact sciences and technology; Mixes; Pavement design; Predictions; Road construction. Pavements. Maintenance; Sieves; Structural analysis. Stresses; Technical Papers; Transportation infrastructure
• ISSN: 0887-3828; 1943-5509
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000328

AbstractA database of dynamic modulus values for typical Superpave mixes widely used in the state of Washington was developed and used to investigate the sensitivity of the dynamic modulus to aggregate gradation. Seven job-mix formulas (JMFs) were selected for study. The percent of these mixes passing a No. 200 sieve was changed by ±2% to prepare additional mixes referred to as modified mixes. Statistical analysis showed that using different JMF mixes significantly affected the dynamic modulus. This was not the case when the JMF was modified by changing the percent passing a No. 200 sieve. A simple evaluation of the prediction accuracy of the new Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) was conducted in which the measured dynamic modulus was used as a key input parameter to predict pavement distresses. Level 1 and Level 3 predictions of rutting, longitudinal cracking, alligator cracking, and International Roughness Index (IRI) were compared with field performance data. The MEPDG predicted IRI and alligator cracking reasonably well. The predicted rutting of the JMF mixes agreed well with the dynamic modulus trend. It was found that in the modified mixes, aggregate gradation did not affect the predicted distress significantly.