MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Field Performance of Asphalt Pavements at Low and Intermediate Temperatures
Authors:	Pedro Romero
University:	University of Utah
Publication Date:	Jul 2022
Report #:	MPC-22-465
Project #:	MPC-546
TRID #:	01857400
Keywords:	asphalt mixtures, asphalt pavements, low temperature, pavement cracking, pavement performance

Abstract

Asphalt mixtures were collected from seven field projects and distributed to different laboratories to determine their potential for cracking. Samples were prepared in the lab for testing at two conditions: low, in-service temperatures using the bending beam rheometer device based on AASHTO TP-125 and intermediate temperature using the Illinois Flexibility Index tests based on AASHTO TP-126.

All mixtures are suitable for a low temperature of -22 °C, but only three of the mixtures are suitable for a low temperature of -34 °C. At an intermediate temperature of 25 °C, two mixtures had a low flexibility index value and are predicted to show premature cracking.

Evaluation was also done regarding the change in properties from the aging that occurs between mixing and laydown. In three mixtures, the changes were of sufficient magnitude to make a detrimental difference in the performance predictions. Comparisons between different laboratories were conducted to evaluate the tests variability.

This work indicates that while the tests can differentiate between different mixtures, work still need to be done to reduce their variability. A follow-up study is recommended to document the field performance of the mixtures and compare it to the laboratory predictions.

How to Cite

Romero, Pedro. Field Performance of Asphalt Pavements at Low and Intermediate Temperatures, MPC-22-465. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2022.