PREDICTING MOISTURE--INDUCED DAMAGE TO ASPHALTIC CONCRETE

This report describes the development of a laboratory test system designed for use in identifying asphaltic concrete mixtures susceptible to moisture-induced damage. Moisture-damage predictions are based on tests of specimens in the split-tensile mode following treatment to reproduce field conditions. Test procedures are neither excessively complex nor time consuming, and can be conducted with equipment presently available in most highway testing laboratories. A pilot evaluation employing cores from 17 pavements in 14 states showing various levels of damage produced encouraging results. A study plan is offered for full evaluation of the test system.