Determine the Influence of Thermal Segregation on Current Asphalt Mixtures
Since the development of TxDOT's thermal profile criteria, asphalt mixture design has changed significantly. Many of the mixes used in the early 2000s at the time of defining thermal segregation criteria are rarely used anymore by TxDOT. There is a need to determine if thermal segregation is resulting in performance problems with current generation mixes. In addition, there is a need to validate, and if needed, modify TxDOT's current thermal segregation specification, and define the consequences of recurring thermal segregation on current mixes. This project will make sure current construction specifications for thermal profile properly align with current generation asphalt mixtures and construction practices. Early work suggested moderate to severe thermal segregation resulted in 40-80% loss in asphalt mixture fatigue life. Setting the proper thresholds for thermal segregation with current mixes will have a tremendous impact on the anticipated service life of constructed asphalt layers. The research team will identify and document concerns with current thermal profile criteria as well as the consequences of recurring thermal segregation with current generation mixes using laboratory and field methods. Researchers will benchmark the occurrence of thermal segregation with current mixes and production placement methods. After evaluating current field technologies available for measuring thermal segregation, the research team will develop recommended updates to TxDOT's thermal profile specifications and test method.
Language
- English
Project
- Status: Completed
- Funding: $439970
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Contract Numbers:
0-7075
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Sponsor Organizations:
Texas Department of Transportation
125 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX United States 78701-2483 -
Managing Organizations:
Texas Department of Transportation
125 E. 11th Street
Austin, TX United States 78701-2483 -
Project Managers:
Dassi, Martin
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Performing Organizations:
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Texas A&M University System
3135 TAMU
College Station, TX United States 77843-3135 -
Principal Investigators:
Scullion, Tom
- Start Date: 20200901
- Expected Completion Date: 20230831
- Actual Completion Date: 20230831
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Asphalt mixtures; Hot mix asphalt; Mix design; Pavement layers; Segregation (Aggregates); Service life; Temperature
- Subject Areas: Construction; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01766410
- Record Type: Research project
- Source Agency: Texas Department of Transportation
- Contract Numbers: 0-7075
- Files: RIP, STATEDOT
- Created Date: Mar 2 2021 5:46PM