EFFECT OF COMPACTION METHOD ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ASPHALT MIXTURES. DG XII - SMT PROGRAMME - CONTRACT SM4-CT98-2244

The aim of the research was to identify the sensitivity of mechanical properties to the compaction methods as required for use in the CEN product standards and to suggest practical ways to take into account the differences stated while permitting the use of the biggest possible number of compaction methods. The research has been performed from October 98 to October 1999. Four materials were selected (asphalt concrete, hot rolled asphalt, porous asphalt, stone mastic asphalt), four mechanical tests (direct tensile stiffness modulus, indirect tensile strength, cyclic creep test, moisture sensitivity) and three methods of compaction (Marshall impact, gyratory, vibrating hammer). In addition, a self-funded test programme has been performed, including two methods of compaction (wheel compactor, sliding plates) and one mechanical test (wheel tracking rut test). Preblended mixes were used and, for a given mix, all test specimens had a same target void content. For a given target value, specimens void content (average and spread) depends on compaction method and coring. Since each elementary operation is described in a separate standard, it would be useful in the future to think about links to be established between them. About moisture sensitivity, further evaluation with more sensitive mixes would be needed. For the covering abstract see ITRD E107185.