Accurate quantification of aggregate properties is essential for a better understanding of their effect on an asphalt mixture. This is even more relevant for stone mastic asphalt (SMA) for which stone-to-stone contact forms the cornerstone of SMA load-carrying capacity, especially against rutting. A quantitative method based on volumetric properties such as voids in mineral aggregates and voids in coarse aggregate to assess the internal aggregate packing in SMA is proposed. This method facilitates the evaluation of the effects of different degrees of aggregate packing on the rutting performance of SMA. A total of 24 core specimens for which volumetric properties had been determined were subject to both the resilient modulus and the repeated load uniaxial tests. The results generally indicated that there is a positive correlation between resilient modulus, including uniaxial strength and volumetric properties, thus affirming the intent of this research study. (a).
Abstract