The use of asphalt low shear viscosity to predict permanent deformation performance of asphalt concrete

MOREA, F.; AGNUSDEI, J.O.; ZERBINO, R.

MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES

SPRINGER

Año: 2011 vol. 44 p. 1241 - 1248

1359-5997

The permanent deformation performance of asphalt concrete is strongly dependent on the rheological properties of the asphalt binder. It has been recognized that the asphalt’s low shear viscosity (LSV) characterizes the mixture’s rutting resistance. At the same time, the pavement temperature is one of the main factors that significantly affect the mixture performance. In this work the rutting performance of mixtures prepared with the same aggregate gradation and different binders (conventional, multigrade and polymer modified asphalts) were evaluated by using wheel tracking tests performed at 50, 60, 70 and 80 ºC; in parallel, the LSV of asphalts were measured at the same temperatures. The relationship between the asphalt’s LSV and rutting, to predict asphalt mixture performance, was discussed and a correction criterion to consider the effect of LSV is proposed.