DEVELOPMENT OF PERFORMANCE RELATED SPECIFICATIONS FOR ASPHALT AGGREGATE MIXTURES

This paper, based on results obtained thus far from the SHRP Project, Performance Related Testing and Measuring of Aspahlt-Aggregate Interactions and Mixtures, describes initial methodologies used to select laboratory tests to evaluate fatigue cracking, permanent deformation, thermal cracking, aging, and water sensitivity. Included is a brief description of the plan, making use of wheel tracking tests and tests on prototype pavements, to verify that the accelerated laboratory tests simulate in-service conditions. Preliminary performance-based criteria for asphalt-aggregate mixtures based on the test methodologies under consideration, together with the method planned for their establishment are presented. Anticipated roles of state highway agencies and industry necessary to insure early implementation of the results are described.