Enhanced In-Place Density: Why Is It So Important?

Federal Highway Administration2021PDFBriefUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway AdministrationNener-Plante, DerekUnited States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway AdministrationUnited StatesIn place densityAsphalt pavementsPavement performanceService lifeDemonstration projectsAlthough several factors can influence the performance of an asphalt pavement, one of the most important is in-place density. A small increase in density can potentially lead to a significant increase in service life of asphalt. Recognizing the importance of in-place density in building cost-effective asphalt pavements, FHWA initiated a three-phase demonstration project from 2015 to 2018: "Enhanced Durability of Asphalt Pavements Through Increased In-place Pavement Density." The objective of this demonstration project was to support agencies in their evaluation of current density requirements for acceptance.119