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Permeability of Asphalt Mixtures with Bailey and Conventional Aggregate Gradations

  • Research Article-Civil Engineering
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Abstract

Highly permeable asphalt mixtures are prone to moisture damage leading to reduction in pavement service life. This study correlates dense-graded asphalt mixture’s air voids with its permeability. As permeability initiates due to significant interconnectivity of air voids, the relation between total air voids (TAVs) and connected air voids (CAVs) requires a critical review. Permeability of laboratory-compacted asphalt specimens was measured in the laboratory using four different permeameters. Conventional and Baily methods were utilized to develop aggregate gradations for asphalt mixtures. Different testing techniques were also used to ascertain the amount of CAVs, as aggregate gradation affects the airvoids significantly. An equation, based upon Darcy’s law, while assuming equilibrium of inflow/outflow of water to and from asphalt sample was proposed to determine the CAVs in the asphalt mix. The digital images of asphalt specimens were captured, and digital computed tomography (CT) technique was employed using ImageJ software for validation of the CAVs estimated from the relationship. It was observed that air voids, especially CAVs, and type of aggregate gradation have significant effects on permeability of asphalt mixture. The Baily modified mixes exhibited lower permeability. The permeability also increased with an increase in nominal maximum aggregate size. The interconnected pores, determined with the help of digital CT technique, validate the values of air voids estimated from the proposed relationship.

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Abbreviations

ASTM:

American Society for Testing Materials

BS:

British standards

CAV:

Connected air voids

CT:

Computed tomography

CT-CAVs:

Computed tomography-connected air voids

DCT:

Digital computed tomography

DGA:

Dense-graded asphalt

DSR:

Dynamic shear rheometer

EN:

European standards

FEM:

Finite element method

FWHA:

Federal highway administration

IDOT:

Illinois Department of Transportation

NMAS:

Nominal maximum aggregate size

NRL:

National Refinery Limited, Pakistan

RCAT:

Ratio of connected air voids to total air voids (= CAV/TAV)

RTFO:

Rolling thin-film oven

s:

Seconds

TAV:

Total air void

TTS:

Time and temperature superposition

VMA:

Voids in the mineral aggregate

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Pakistan

    Mahmood Ahmad & Imran Hafeez

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  1. Mahmood Ahmad
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  2. Imran Hafeez
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Correspondence to Mahmood Ahmad.

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Ahmad, M., Hafeez, I. Permeability of Asphalt Mixtures with Bailey and Conventional Aggregate Gradations. Arab J Sci Eng 46, 10869–10884 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-020-05300-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-020-05300-0

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