Evaluation of Asphalt Pavement Analyzer for HMA Design

Rutting is a common problem in hot mix asphalt pavements, particularly in hot climates and at intersections. The Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA) is a laboratory accelerated loading equipment that can be used to evaluate rutting potential of HMA. This study was carried out to evaluate the potential of APA to predict rutting. Specifically, the objectives were to find the sensitivity of the equipment to changes in aggregate type and gradation, performance grade of asphalt binder, and evaluate the equipment by comparing the test results with the test results from Superpave shear tester. Mixes from poor, fair, and good performing pavements were also tested with the APA to develop a rut depth criteria for evaluation of mixes. Binder and surface course mixes were made with granite, limestone and gravel aggregates, with gradations above the maximum density line, gradations through the Superpave restricted zone in close proximity of the maximum density line, and gradations below the maximum density line.