The Superpave mix design method consists of 7 basic steps:

  • Aggregate selection.
  • Asphalt binder selection.
  • Sample preparation (including compaction).
  • Performance Tests.
  • Density and voids calculations.
  • Optimum asphalt binder content selection.
  • Moisture susceptibility evaluation.

What are asphalt mix design methods?

HMA mix design is the process of determining what aggregate to use, what asphalt binder to use and what the optimum combination of these two ingredients ought to be. There are several different methods used to go about this process, of which the Marshall and Superpave methods are the most common.

What is the difference between Superpave and Marshall?

Marshall mix design primarily address the determination of asphalt binder content, while Superpave addresses all element of mix design. The Marshall design/construction method requires in most cases compaction 95% or greater of the maximum lab value.

What is Superpave system?

The Superpave (SUperior PERforming Asphalt PAVEments) system was developed to give highway engineers and contractors the tools they need to design asphalt pavements that will perform better under extremes of temperature and heavy traffic loads.

What is Superpave 19?

Superpave 19.0 Binder course mix for Traffic Category A, B, C, D, and E roads. Superpave 19.0 is similar to the traditional HL 4, HL 8, and (HS) HL 8 mixes according to OPSS 1150. Superpave 25.0 Large stone binder course mixes for use when thicker binder course lifts are required.

What is Superpave binder?

A New Approach to Asphalt Mix Design Rather than a specific process or procedure, Superpave is a performance-based specification for asphalt binder and volumetric mixture design.

What is mix design process?

Concrete mix design involves a process of preparation in which a mix of ingredients creates the required strength and durability for the concrete structure. The ingredients to be tested: water, fine aggregate (sand), coarse aggregate, cement, chemicals, reinforcement, and soil.

What is bituminous mix design?

The bituminous mix design aims to determine the proportion of bitumen, filler, fine aggregates, and coarse aggregates to produce a mix which is workable, strong, durable and economical.

What is Marshall mix design?

The Marshall Mix Design method was originally developed by Bruce Marshall of the Mississippi Highway Department in 1939. The main idea of the Marshall Mix Design method involves the selection of the asphalt binder content with a suitable density which satisfies minimum stability and range of flow values.

What is dust to binder ratio?

In the original Superpave specification, the dust-to-binder ratio was 0.6 to 1.2 by weight. During design, mixtures that are above the maximum density line at the 2.36-mm (for 19-mm or smaller mixtures) or 4.75-mm (for 25-mm or larger mixtures) critical sieve should have a dust-to-binder ratio of no more than 1.4.

Is Superpave an HMA?

Superpave consists of (1) an asphalt binder specification, (2) an HMA mix design method and (3) HMA tests and performance prediction models. Each one of these components is referred to by the term “Superpave”.

What is the Superpave 12.5 FC2?

Superpave 12.5 FC2 Surface course mix for use on Traffic Category D and E roads that provides superior rutting resistance and skid resistance through aggregate selection. Superpave 12.5 FC2 is similar to the traditional DFC mix according to OPSS 1150.

What is the Superpave mix design program?

The Superpave Mix Design Program is a combination of seven Excel worksheets in one workbook. This program conforms to Asphalt Institute Manual Series SP-2 and will perform volumetric calculations, plot charts and all other necessary functions needed to conduct a standard Superpave Mix Design.

What is the Superpave System?

The Superpave system ties asphalt binder and aggregate selection into the mix design process, and considers traffic and climate as well. The compaction devices from the Hveem and Marshall procedures have been replaced by a gyratory compactor and the compaction effort in mix design is tied to expected traffic.

What is the Superpave trial blending program?

The Superpave Trial Blending program is a combination of ten Excel worksheets in one Workbook. This program conforms to Asphalt Institute Manual Series SP-2 and will assist you in performing a Superpave Mix Design analysis for up to five different aggregate gradation combinations at one asphalt content.

What is the total thickness of the Superpave mix design 13?

TSR Superpave Mix Design 13 •Project on I-43 •Milwaukee, Wisconsin •18,000,000 ESAL Design •Asphalt Overlay – 88 mm total thickness •38 mm – wearing course (12.5 mm NMAS) •50 mm – intermediate course (19 mm NMAS) Example Project Data-