MPC Research Reports
Report Details

Title:	Testing of Field Cores to Determine Performance of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors:	Pedro Romero
University:	University of Utah
Publication Date:	Jul 2022
Report #:	MPC-22-467
Project #:	MPC-640
TRID #:	01857403
Keywords:	asphalt mixtures, cores (specimens), cracking, field tests, flexibility, pavement performance

Abstract

A study was conducted in which cores were taken from pavements three years after construction. The flexibility index (FI) of the cores, a parameter that relates to intermediate temperature cracking, was measured in the lab and compared to the known values of the same material obtained during constructions. The results indicate that after three years of field aging, the FI of the mixtures can decrease by as much as 50% or more. The change was affected by the temperature where the pavement was located.

A comparison was done between two tests that are designed to predict asphalt mixture performance at intermediate temperatures. It was found that both tests can predict the mixtures with the worst performance, but there was little agreement in other mixtures. Furthermore, high variability was observed on both tests evaluated.

It was concluded that the effects of aging should be considered during the mix design process when selecting a possible threshold value to prevent intermediate temperature cracking.

How to Cite

Romero, Pedro. Testing of Field Cores to Determine Performance of Asphalt Mixtures, MPC-22-467. North Dakota State University - Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Fargo: Mountain-Plains Consortium, 2022.