Development of Laboratory Performance Test Procedures and Trial Specifications for Hot Mix Asphalt: Final Report

The implementation of Superpave mix design procedures in 1997 has continued throughout the United States, and has gained general acceptance by most State Departments of Transportation. The Michigan Department of Transportation has successfully implemented Superpave mix design procedures for all mainline paving, inline with the national trend. However there are some unresolved issues with the new mix design procedures, such as the identification and use of performance test criteria to accompany the volumetric mix design criteria. Other evolutionary issues with regard to specifications, such as quality control and quality assurance testing and performance-related specifications, are also receiving acknowledgment as viable techniques to address dwindling experience in the industry. This report summarizes the activities of all the phases of research working towards development of performance testing criteria for HMA mix design as well as construction specifications.