Date of Graduation
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Civil Engineering (MSCE)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Civil Engineering
Advisor/Mentor
Braham, Andrew F.
Committee Member
Hall, Kevin D.
Second Committee Member
Sasidharan, Lekshmi
Keywords
Asphalt; Balanced Mix Design; Cracking; Rutting; Statistical Analysis
Abstract
Many state agencies recognize that their current asphalt mixtures are susceptible to cracking and poor durability. Some agencies are adjusting their mix design procedures to increase the asphalt binder content, while others are moving toward a balanced mix design (BMD) to try and address both cracking and rutting. However, there is uncertainty on what asphalt mixture properties can impact cracking and rutting. This research explores the IDEAL-CT and APA data from two years of mix designs collected by ARDOT. To understand which asphalt mixture properties impact cracking and rutting in the field, Pearson correlation (PCM), Spearman rank correlation (SCM) and Kendall’s Tau (KCM) analysis methods were used. After running these analysis methods, CTIndex had the highest correlation with film thickness, while the rut depth had the highest correlation with the upper asphalt binder grade across all three. Interestingly, the second highest correlation was volumetric, with VFA or air voids for CTIndex and VMA or air voids for rut depth. As a part of this analysis, a preliminary recommendation for a minimum 9 microns asphalt film thickness has been made to ensure mixture durability. Finally, a procedure is provided for other owners to examine how their asphalt mixture properties impact their performance tests. Based on this research it is not recommended to use KCM, as it had the lowest correlation values. Both the PCM and SCM methods are recommended for use.
Citation
Ansari, M. (2024). Providing a Statistical Analysis Framework for Agencies to Analyze the Parameters Influencing the Rutting and Cracking Performance of Asphalt Mixtures. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/5299
