IN-PLACE DENSIFICATION OF HOT MIX ASPHALT AND VERIFICATION OF SUPERPAVE N(DESIGN)

The objective of this study was to verify the accuracy of the existing gyration table for the Superpave gyratory compactor. The verification includes data from two major research efforts, an evaluation of 40 field projects and the evaluation of 46 test sections of an accelerated loading test track at the National Center for Asphalt Technology. The results indicate that modified binders reduce the rate of pavement densification. The data appears to validate the currently specified gyration levels for low design traffic levels. Significant differences were found between the compactive efforts of different brands of Superpave gyratory compactors. These differences may be attributed to different internal angles applied to the samples.