An asphalt concrete mixture used by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is evaluated on the basis of an asphalt-aggregate mixture analysis system (AAMAS) procedure. Two sets of ADOT asphalt concrete specimens were prepared using the California kneading compactor and the Marshall hammer. All tests recommended by the AAMAS procedure were performed. The test results were analysed using the AAMAS guidelines. It was found that the diametral resilient moduli of the ADOT mixture are within the acceptable range. The ADOT structural layer coefficient is close to the value recommended by the AAMAS study. The cutting potential is low in some cases and moderate in other cases. The ADOT mixture has slightly higher fatigue resistance at low temperatures than the asphalt concrete placed at the AASHTO Road Test. Recommendations for the evaluation of thermal cracking are provided. The potential for moisture damage is high, whereas the potential for disintegration is marginal. The AAMAS prediction generally matches the historical experience of the asphalt mixture. The current version of the AAMAS procedure is quite comprehensive and seems to provide good performance predictions. (Author/publisher)
Abstract