Effect of Coarse Aggregate Morphology on the Resilient Modulus of Hot-Mix Asphalt

The resilient modulus measured in the indirect tensile mode according to ASTM D 4123 reflects effectively the elastic properties of asphalt mixtures under repeated load. The coarse aggregate morphology quantified by angularity and surface texture properties affects resilient modulus of asphalt mixes; however, the relationship is not yet well understood because of the lack of quantitative measurement of coarse aggregate morphology. This paper presents findings of a laboratory study aimed at investigating the effects of the material properties of the major component on the resilient modulus of asphalt mixes, with the coarse aggregate morphology considered as the principal factor. With modulus tests performed at a temperature of 25°C, using coarse aggregates with more irregular morphologies substantially improved the resilient modulus of asphalt mixtures. An imaging-based angularity index was found to be more closely related to the resilient modulus than an imaging-based surface texture index, as indicated b...