Sensitivity of Dynamic Modulus and Flow Number of CDOT HMA Mixes in the Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design (PMED)

US Transportation Collection2020PDFTech ReportIslam, Md RashadulKalevela, Sylvester A.Colorado State University-PuebloColorado. Department of Transportation. Applied Research & Innovations BranchUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway AdministrationColorado Department of Transportation. Applied Research & Innovations BranchColoradoUnited StatesDynamic modulus of elasticityFlow measurementSensitivityPavement performanceMechanistic-empirical pavement designRuttingMix designHot mix asphaltCDOT-2020-01417.01FinalColorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has dynamic modulus (E*), and flow number (N) database of different mixes from different regions of Colorado. The sensitivities of these mixes considering factors such as mix types, aggregates source, volumetric properties, contractors, preparation times, binders, etc. on E*, and N, and on the pavement performances are investigated in this study. The effects of the mix factors were examined by statistical analysis, and using the Pavement Mechanistic-Empirical Design (PMED) software analysis. The mix, S(100) PG 76-28 is the most durable mix against rutting, and the mix, SX(75) PG 58-34 is the most durable mix against transverse cracking. On the other hand, SX(75) PG 64-28 mix is the most susceptible mix for rutting, and S(100) PG 64-22 is the most susceptible mix for transverse cracking. Performance of different mixes are mostly different from the CDOT default mixes. All distresses except rutting in HMA increase with the increase in air void, voids-in-mineral aggregates, voids filled with asphalt, and are insensitive to effective binder content, and asphalt content in the study range of these parameters. Rutting in HMA increases with the increase in voids-in-mineral aggregates, voids filled with asphalt, and is insensitive to effective binder content, air void, and asphalt content in the study range of these parameters. N-value can be statically different for different specimens of a mix prepared by a single contractor`. N-value increases with the increase in effective binder content, air void, voids-in-mineral aggregates, voids filled with asphalt, and asphalt content in the study range of these parameters.109