Temperature segregation and its impact on the quality and performance of asphalt pavements

Temperature segregation is non-uniform temperature distribution across the uncompacted asphalt mat during paving operations and may have detrimental effects on the quality and performance of asphalt pavements. However, many research studies conducted across the US have reported mixed observations regarding its effects on the initial quality and long-term performance of asphalt pavements.The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the temperature segregation on the density and mechanical properties of Louisiana asphalt mixtures. Seven asphalt rehabilitation projects across Louisiana were selected. A multisensor infrared bar (Pave-IR) system and a hand-held portable thermal camera were used to measure the temperature of asphalt mats. Field core samples were collected from various areas with varying severity levels of temperature segregation and tested for the density, fracture resistance (Jc) by semi-circular bending (SCB), rut depth by wheel tracking, and dynamic modulus (|E*|) by indirect tension (IDT) devices.Two distinctive patterns of non-uniform temperature distribution were observed: a cyclic and irregular temperature segregations. Laboratory test results showed that highly temperature segregated asphalt pavements (i.e., temperature differentials ≥41.7°C) can have significantly lower densities and the mechanical properties than the non-segregated area, especially when the temperature differentials are measured at compaction.