THE STUDY ON ASPHALT CONCRETE PERFORMANCE WITH DIFFERENT GRADATIONS USING SGC IN SHRP

The traditional Marshall mix design method is an empirical procedure. When considering the design of the mixture, the structural design and pavement performance should also be included, instead of separately considering each. Studies conducted by the US Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) developed a new mix design method: the Superior Performing Pavement (Superpave) Asphalt Mixture Design System. In the analytical process of the system, the compaction technique of samples is the most important process. SHRP considers that compaction tools in the laboratory should be simple and economical, as well as capable of simulating the in-situ compaction. The traditional samples produced by Marshall Compactor don't simulate in-situ rolling effects. The effects of gyratory compactor are better. In the Superpave Asphalt Mixture Design System, the mix design at Level 1 mainly uses the SGC to produce samples to evaluate the volumetric properties of selected mixtures. During Levels 2 and 3, SGC is also used to conduct performance tests. The entire mixture design system and site controls are based on the SGC. The study first uses the SGC to produce different gradation samples, then evaluates the differences between the SHRP gradation specification and the common specification used in Taiwan through the property of compaction curve. The study attempts to analyze the reasonableness of the SHRP specification, thereby obtaining an understanding of the SGC compaction properties. The study also conducts an initial research on its applications for future technique transfer and localization purposes of the domestic pavement engineering. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see IRRD 895316.