The design gradation’ influence according to Bailey, FAD and Marshall methodologies on the asphalt mixtures’ permanent deformation performance

ABSTRACT

Asphalt mixtures rutting is one of the main distresses that can happen at road and urban pavements. In this context, researches have been carried out on the aggregate gradation contribution to reduce this type of problem. This paper evaluated the influence of the mineral structure on the mechanical performance, regarding: Compaction Densification Index, Traffic Densification Index, Diametral Compression Tensile Strength, Uniaxial Repeated Load Test, Flow Number; and Moisture Induced Damage. Two asphalt mixtures were investigated. The first, reference composition M0, usually applied to Manaus pavements and designed according to the Marshall methodology. The second (M1), which is the formulation proposed in the present study, used the most current dosage criteria, such as: Superpave methodology, Bailey Method and Dominant Aggregate Size Range model, based on a strong stone skeleton of coarse grade, excluding natural sand, present at M0. The results revealed that the asphalt mixture M1, relative to the asphalt composition M0, achieved better performance for roads with high traffic volume and under severe conditions, as they presented smaller permanent deformations in relation to M0 mixture commonly used in urban pavements.

Keywords
Rutting; Flow Number; Bailey method; Dominant Aggregate Size Range model; Structural index (κ)