Handout of The Superpave Workshop 2004

SUPERPAVE Workshop – 2005 Page 1
Prepared and Developed by: Advance Engineering Center (AdEC)
SUPERPAVE™
Mix Design Workshop
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Prepared and Presented by
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Dubabe
1 Session 1 – First Day - Getting Started
Third Edition – January, 2005

Workshop on the new SHRP technology for the

design of asphalt concrete hot mixes
SUPERPAVE™
Superior Performing
Asphalt Pavements
Based on the Asphalt Institute Mix

Design Method as outlined in
SUPERPAVE Series No. 2 (SP-2)
Third Edition 2001 Printing

Table of Content
Session Title Page
Session 1 Getting Started 4
Session 2 Introduction 12
Session 3 SUPERPAVE Overview 21
Session 4 Mixture Criteria 27
Session 5 ePAVE Demo 40
Session 6 Selection of Binder and Aggregate 41
Session 7 Selection of Design Aggregate Structure 60
Session 8 Selection of Design Asphalt Content 81
Session 9 Evaluation of Moisture Sensitivity 91
Session 10 Solving Some SUPERPAVE Mix Design Problems 102
Appendix ePAVE User Manual ----

Session No 1
Getting Started

AdEC welcomes the
WELCOME reader and participant

in this workshop. We
will start by setting-up
some norms to our
meetings. First, let us
Icebreaking know each other and
My Specialty strengthen the line of
communication by
Handouts & Software answering the questions
in the second page.
Participation & Quizzes Details of the remaining
Time Management items shown will come
in the next slides.
Assistance (AdEC to them)
3 Monday, December 27, 2004
Add Notes and Ask Questions Below:

Quiz No (1)
1. What is your?
Name: ________________________________________________
Company: _____________________________________________
Degree: _____________________________________________
Years in materials:
2. Define the following:

Air voids: _____________________________________________
VMA: ________________________________________________
VFA:
3. Do you know SUPERPAVE? What does it stand for?
4. Connect the points below using four lines without passing twice
over any line.

My Specialty
Total Quality
Management (TQM)
relays heavily in many
concepts one of which
is participation and
Interaction and continues evaluation. teamwork. That is,
also, so important in the
Participation is root of Success. learning process. As
If you teach me then you know it … ??!! others usually leave
evaluation at the end of
Continues Process Improvement (CPI). the process, we will
incorporate it within the
Quizzes during process not after the fact ! process to have the
chance to improve as
All are TQM Fundamentals. we proceed not after the
fact.
5 Friday, October 01, 2004

ePAVE, AdEC
Handouts and Software development, was

designed to:
1. Do the
SUPERPAVE
computation and
decisions.
H/O are unique 2. Be a user friendly
3. Produce a design
Software (ePAVE) is developed by AdEC report.
4. Give some hints
“ePAVE” Available upon request for the designers
to solve some
design problems.

Time Management
Time is live …..
Workshop for five days (Sat. to Wed.)

Start 8:10 sharp
End the sessions 12:00 sharp
No late arrivals will be allowed
Questions and comments are open
If lab. work needs, group continue after 12:0

Assistance
AdEC
AdEC is
is always
always ready
ready to to work
work
with
with you
you to
to handle
handle all
all issues
issues and
and
matters
matters related
related toto highway
highway
engineering
engineering especially
especially materials
materials
(PMA,
(PMA, NA,
NA, HMA,
HMA, PCC,
PCC, Soil, …).
Soil,…).

Workshop Program
Day 8:10 -9:00 9:00 – 9:50 9:50 – 10:00 10:00 – 11:00 11:00-12:00
Session 1: Session 2: Session 3: Session 4:

Sat.
Getting Started Introduction Overview Mixture Criteria
Session 5: Session 6.1: Session 6.2:

Sun.
ePAVE Demo Selection of Binder Selection of Aggregate
Session 7: Lab. Work:
Mon.
Design Aggregate Structure Brake RV & Gyratory Comp. Demo.
Session 8: Session 9:
Lab. Work:
Tues. Design Asphalt Moisture
Gyratory Comp. & IST Demo
Content Sensitivity
Session 10:
Wed. Solving Some SUPERPAVE Mix Review of the H/O
Design Problems.
Add Notes Below:

Session No. 2
Session
Introduction
2 Thursday, September 30, 2004

This workshop is
Background … Importance of the Subject important because
MOT wants to use
SUPERPAVE in the
design of asphalt mixes
and stop using other
Internationally methods.
SUPERPAVE method
SHRP is not simple and needs
Background a good understanding to
Locally
correctly use it and
benefit from its power.
MOT instructions “circular No. 2253”
The idea of this event

The problem statement

More Into it ... Why SUPERPAVE? simply was "the roads
met all specifications
and yet perform bad".
Rutting and cracking is
always happening. We
Limitation of current grading systems need to improve our
specifications and
Penetration design methods.
Viscosity
No tests to simulate in-service aging

Three asphalts (A), (B)

More Into it ... Why SUPERPAVE? and (C) are having the
same penetration and
viscosity grades but
Consistency
note the following:
Pen. 1. A & B have
Vis. similar line slope
hard
hence similar
temperature
A susceptibility but
B have different
consistency at the
soft Vis. C range of
25 60 135 temperature
Temperature ,C
encountered in the
5 Friday, October 01, 2004 real life.
2. A & C have similar viscosity at low temperature but differ at high

temperature
3. B & C have similar consistency at 60 C but differ at all other
temperatures.

Here again; A, B and C

More Into it ... Why SUPERPAVE? have the same
consistency at 25 C (i.e.
penetration), but have
completely different
Asphalt A = Low temp susceptibility temperature
Asphalt B = Medium temp susceptibility susceptibility and hence
Asphalt C = High temp susceptibility performance.
C o n s is t e n c y ( p e n e t r a t io n )
A
B
C
25
Temperature ,C

The main part of the

More Into it ... Why SUPERPAVE? Hot Mix Asphalt
(HMA) design
technology was the
selection of the
Drawbacks of current design practices: materials and the
Marshall selection of the
proportions. The
• Impact compaction. current practices in both
• Shear strength of HMA is not adequately estimated. parts have not given us
Hveem a good performing mix.
• Important volumetric properties are not determined.
• Expensive and not portable.
pavements Unsatisfactory performance

SUPERPAVE is
More Into it … What is SUPERPAVE? defined as a "Hot
Asphalt Mix design
system that
includes both the
design method and
The final product of the SHRP Asphalt Research
Program is the SUPERPAVE® mix design system for new the mixture
construction and overlays. This system employs a series specifications".
of new performance based specifications, test methods
and practices for material selection, accelerated
performance testing, and mix design (1994).
8 Session 2 – First Day - Introduction

SUPERPAVE
What is New in SUPERPAVE researchers have
introduced new:
1. Binder grading
system
2. Aggregate
Performance based (PG) selection
3. Design method
Integrated approach A unique feature of the
SUPERPAVE is that it
Material selection is performance-based
Mix design specification. The tests
and analysis is directly
Based on project’s climate & traffic related to field
Compaction simulate actual conditions performance

For example, the binder

What is New in SUPERPAVE ? testing, evaluation and
grading in
SUPERPVAE Binder Properties are related to Performance SUPERPAVE, as
shown conceptually on
this slide, can be related
Test Performance property Mode of failure
to field performance by
engineering principles.
RTFOT & PAV Ageing & Hardening Cracking In addition, these tests
are performed at
RV Handling & Pumping Flow temperatures that are
encountered in the real
DSR Permanent Deformation Rutting life during the
pavement service.
DSR Fatigue Cracking Cracking Structural
BBR & DTT Thermal Cracking Low temp. Cracking
9 Saturday, October 02, 2004

Session No. 3
SUPERPAVE
Overview
2 Monday, November 22, 2004

This is an overview of the
SUPERPAVE Design Steps

SUPERPAVE design system
showing the main steps
needed to accomplish the
mission. There are four steps
to design a hot mix asphalt.
Step 4: A main feature of the
Moisture sensitivity SUPERPAVE design method
distinguishing it from the
Step 3: conventional design methods
(Marshall and Hveem) is the
Selection of DAC optimization of the aggregate
gradation in the DAS step
Step 2: before the designer searches
Selection of DAS for the optimum asphalt
content in the DAC step.
Step 1: Note:
Selection of materials
(binder, agg., modifiers, etc.) DAS = Design Aggregate Structure.
DAC = Design Asphalt Content

3 Session 3 – First Day – SUPERPAVE Overview

The first step is to select
Step 1: Selection of Materials the materials, starting by

the asphalt binder. The
selection process is based
on the actual conditions of
traffic and environment of
Selection of materials the project location.
SUPERPAVE has chosen

four aggregate properties
to be considered in the
selection of the aggregate
and labeled them as
consensus aggregate
• Modifiers properties. In
Binder Aggregate
• Others … SUPERPAVE, the
aggregate must meet the
consensus properties and
optionally meet the agency
requirements.
Finally select the modifier, in case it is needed, to upgrade the locally

available binder to meet the selected binder grade based on traffic and
environment for the project location. Carefully follow the modifier
producer recommendations for the production of PMA (polymer
modified asphalt - PMA).

The selection of Design
Step 2: Selection of DAS

Aggregate Structure (DAS)
is a new introduction to the
HMA design by
SUPERPAVE. Before
selecting the Design
Asphalt Content (DAC), or
Selection the optimum asphalt
of DAS content as refer to in
Marshall Mix design
method, the aggregate
gradation (or structure)
must be selected.
Selection of the DAS is the

most complex part of the
method. To fully
Evaluate and
Develop understand this part, the
Compact select designer must place special
Trial Blends confirming blend
attention and care.
Selection of Design
Aggregate Structure will be
illustrated by solving
manually a design project
example.

After selecting the DAS
Step 3: Selection of DAC (i.e. by selecting the most

promising aggregate
blend), the Design Asphalt
content (DAC) can be
selected. Computation in
DAC and DAS are similar.
Selection Select the DAC at 4.0 air
of DAC voids and check to confirm
that the other volumetric
properties and Dust
Proportion is within the
requirements.
Note: Preparation of
specimens in DAS and
Select Nmax DAC are gyratory
Compact Analyze compacted to Ndes only not
DAC verification
Nmax.
To protect against maximum densification by traffic, specimens are gyratory

compacted at the DAS and DAC to Nmax. Note: %Gmm @ Nmax must be less than
98%.

Finally, for protection

Step 4: Moisture Sensitivity against water effect,
evaluate the moisture
sensitivity of the HMA
using AASHTO T 283.
Moisture This can be achieved by
Sensitivity compacting six
specimens using the
gyratory compactor for
a number of gyrations
enough to produce a
specimen with 7% air
voids (%Gmm = 93);
then testing them after
Select Nx Compact Evaluate conditioning to
determine the indirect
tensile strength. The
ITS loss should be less
than 20%.

Session No. 4
Design Parameters &
Mixture Criteria

There are three basic

Design Parameters design input required
by SUPERPAVE, these
are:
NMS 1. Nominal maximum

size of the aggregate
(NMS).
2. Project location.
SUPERPAVE 3. Traffic level in terms

Basic Design of Equivalent Single
Parameters Axle Load (ESALs)
Location ESAL

The first design parameter that
Design Parameters is needed by the SUPERPAVE

method is the nominal
maximum size of the aggregate
comprising the mixture. The
definition of the nominal
maximum size is as given here,
NMS, Nominal Maximum Size is and, consequently, the
One sieve size larger than the maximum size is one sieve
larger than the NMS in the
first sieve to retain > 10%. standard SUPERPAVE sieve
group. Five NMSs have been
Five Mixture Gradation included in the SUPERPAVE.
NMS MS
The selection of the Nominal
37.5 mm 50.0 mm Maximum Size for a specific
location must be based on
25.0 mm 37.5 mm engineering judgment with the
19.0 mm 25.0 mm following considerations:
12.5 mm 19.0 mm 1. The contract documents

09.0 mm 12.5 mm 2. SUPERPAVE
implementation
guidelines issued by
5 Monday, November 22, 2004 MRDTM.

Session 4 – First Day 3. The Layer thickness

NMS Example …… requirements using
the general formula
outlined in MOT
Sieve Size, mm Sieve Size, in % Passing specifications stating
that the target or
MS 25 1 100.0
design thickness
NMS 19 ¾ 94.0 equals three (3)
times the nominal
>10% 12.5 ½ 76.6
maximum size.
9.5 3/8 63.7
4. The nominal
4.75 No 4 37.2
maximum size
2.36 No 8 28.2 should increase with
depth.
1.18 No 16 20.9 In this example, the
0.6 No 30 14.2 Maximum Size (MS) is
25.0 mm, the Nominal
0.3 No 50 7.8 Maximum Size (NMS) is
0.15 No 100 4.0 19.0 mm and the Sieve at
treating >10% is 12.5 mm.
6 0.075 No 200 3.1

Session 4 – First Day The second parameter is

Design Parameters the location. This
parameter covers two
types, the first is the
geographical location of
the project; the second is
the position of the layer
within the pavement.
Location:
The project location is
1. The geographical location of needed by SUPERPAVE to
allow the designer to select
the project where the Hot Mix the binder asphalt grade
(PG). This selection is
Asphalt (HMA) will be used. based on:
1. High pavement
2. The position of the layer design temperature
at a depth of 20mm
within the pavement from the pavement
surface and
2. Low pavement
6 design temperature.
For the local conditions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Hammad AL-Abdullwahb,
Dr. Ibrahim Al-Dubabe and other coworkers have developed temperature zoning map of
the Kingdom in KACST project "Adaptation of SHRP Performance Based Binder
Specifications to the Gulf Countries"1996

Session 4 – First Day

Position in Pavement … For the position of the
layer, SUPERPAVE
specifies two levels; the
layer is either < 100 mm or
> 100 mm from the
surface. If less than 25%
of a layer is within 100 mm
of the surface, the layer
Pavement Surface may be considered to be
below 100 mm for mixture
Top 100 mm design purposes.
Bottom 100 mm
Aggregate Base Coarse
Note: if > 25% is within the surface then consider in the bottom

Session 4 – First Day

Design Parameters The third design input
is the ESAL; the
definition is as shown
ESALs are the anticipated in the slide.
project traffic level
expected on the design The agency, Ministry of
lane over a 20-year period Transport for example,
regardless of the actual
design life of the roadway.
should specify the
NMS, Location (or
7
Binder PG) and ESAL
in the project contract
documents.
Design Parameters The depth of the
location of the from the
Ministry of Transport (MOT) has identified the surface
following ESAL classes:
Class ESAL Traffic Typical
Designation Range Description Applications
L Less than 300,000 Light traffic Agricultural roads, local
& city streets (no trucks)
ML 300,000 to 3 million Low Medium Feeders, collectors ...
M 3 million to 10 million Medium Main Roads, city streets
MH 10 million to 30 million Medium Heavy Highways & Expressway
H More than 30 million Heavy Heavily trafficked

highways, industrial areas ..
10 Session 4 – First Day - Design Parameters & Mixture Criteria

The following slides in

Mixture Design Requirements the reminder of this
session will illustrate
the mixture
1.1.SUPERPAVE
SUPERPAVEGyratory
GyratoryCompactive
CompactiveEffort
Effort(SGCE)
(SGCE) requirements based on
the design parameters.
ESAL SGCE
This slide shows the
Class Nini Ndes Nmax gyratory compactive
(million) effort or number of
gyrations needed for the
L (<0.3) 6 50 75 design. SGCE selection
ML (0.3 to <3) is exclusively based on
7 75 115 the traffic levels.
M and MH (3 to <30) 8 100 160
H (> 30) 9 125 205

The compacted
Mixture Design Requirements specimens at the GCE
must meet the criteria
of the density as shown
2.2. Density
Density (100
(100 –– Air
Air Voids%)
Voids%) here at varying traffic
levels.
ESAL REQUIRED DENSITY (% Gmm @)
Class (million) Nini Ndes Nmax
L (<0.3) < 91.5
LM (0.3 to <3) < 90.5
96.0 < 98.0
M (3 to <10)
MH (10 to <30) <89.0
H (> 30
Add Notes Below:

The Voids in the
Mixture Design Requirements

Mineral Aggregate
(VMA), is a property of
the aggregate structure.
3.3. VMA
VMA %% The VMA criteria is
based on the nominal
REQUIRED VMA % maximum size of the
aggregate and the
Nominal Maximum Size, mm traffic level.
37.5 25.0 19.0 12.5 9.5
11.0 12.0 13.0 14.0 15.0
Add Notes Below:

The Voids Filled with

Asphalt (FVA) criteria
is based on the traffic
level and the NMS.
4.4. VFA
VFA %%
ESAL VFA %
Class (million) All NMS = 9.5 NMS = 25.0 NMS = 37.5
NMS mm mm mm
L (<0.3) 70-80 70-80 67-80

LM (0.3 to <3) 65 – 78 65 – 78 64-80
M (3 to <10) 73 -76
MH (10 to <30) 65 -75 65 -75
H (> 30

The Dust Proportion is

the ratio of the passing
0.075 mm sieve to the
effective asphalt
content. The D/P
5.5. Dust
Dust toto Binder
Binder Ratio
Ratio (Dust
(Dust Proportion
Proportion DP)
DP) criteria is based on the
traffic level and the
position of the
DP gradation line with
respect to the restricted
zone.
0.6 – 1.2

Quiz No (2)
1. State three reasons for the importance of this subject?

a)
b)
C)
2. How does SUPERPAVE protect against:

Rutting:
Fatigue:
3. What are SUPERPAVE mix design steps?

Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
Step 4:
4. Define:
NMS: ________________________________________________
Location: ______________________________________________
ESAL:
5. What GCE we must use to prepare DAS specimens?
6. Why do we need to perform the Nmax verification?

Session 5 . . . ePAVE Demo

ePAVE
SUPERPAVE™
Mix Design Program
Version 2.0 - 2004
Developed by
Dr. Ibrahim A. Al-Dubabe
Advanced Engineering Center
(AdEC)
Copyright 2004-AdEC
All rights reserved
P.O Box 8658 - Riyadh 11492 - Saudi Arabia
Tel: 00966 1 4567377 - 4506682 - 00966-505814198
START Fax: 00966 1 4548166 Web site: www.nasikgroup.com
email: nasik@zajil.net
3 Tuesday, November 30, 2004

Session No. 6
Selection of Binder
& Aggregates
SUPERPAVE binder
grading system is
performance based.
Before the Design ……
Use the Design Parameters of your project:

ESAL (Class Designation or millions)
NMS
Location (Geographical & within pavement)
to identify the required SUPERPAVE criteria
for your Hot Mix Asphalt.
4 Session 6 – Second Day – Step 1: Selection of Materials

SUPERPAVE binder
Before the Design …… grading system is
performance based.
PG x-y
Identify the following SUPERPAVE criteria for Where:
your Hot Mix Asphalt : x is the average
seven-day
Asphalt binder grade maximum
Consensus properties requirements pavement
temperature
Number of gyration for Nini, Ndes and Nmax
% Gmm at Nini, Ndes and Nmax y is the minimum
pavement design
%VMA temperature
%VFA
DP ratio

Session 6 – Second Day SUPERPAVE binder
Asphalt Binder . . . Basics grading system is
performance based.
PG x-y
Where:
☺ Performance based binder specifications x is the average
seven-day
AASHTO M320 (Standard Specifications for Performance–Graded Asphalt Binder)
maximum
For details see Asphalt Institute SP-1
pavement
Intended for Modified and unmodified asphalt temperature
☺ Depends on environment, traffic & reliability y is the minimum

☺ Property is constant but temperature varies pavement design
temperature
☺ Example PG 64-22
☺ Every Grade is 6 C.
4

SUPERPAVE binder
Asphalt Binder . . . Basics grading system is
unique. Rheological
values are fixed but
temperatures to meet
these values vary. This
made the specifications
very sensitive to
temperature because
behavior asphalt is
really highly dependent
on temperature.

Use of engineering
Asphalt Binder ... Grade Selection

judgment in selecting
the appropriate grade is
crucial to handle the
boarder lines and
protect against the
☺ Determine project weather data dominating failures
☺ Select reliability encountered in the area.
☺ Determine design temperatures

☺ Verify asphalt PG (grade bumping)
☺ Determine temp-vis relationship

For the local conditions
Asphalt Binder ... Grade Selection

of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, Dr.
Hammad AL-
Abdullwahb, Dr.
Ibrahim Al-Duabe and
other coworkers have
developed temperature
zoning map of the
Selection of Asphalt Kingdom in KACST
project "Adaptation of
Binder Grade is Based SHRP Performance
Based Binder
on the Kingdom Specifications to the
Gulf Countries"1996..
Temperature Zoning Map


Session 6 – Second Day The selection of the

Asphalt Binder ... Grade Selection binder grade based on
the temperature-zoning
map is basic and needs
Grade Bumping (speed and loading); Increase to be adjusted for the
special project
the selected PG based on the map to adjust for conditions for traffic
traffic speed and level by: load and speed. The
designer must make
ESAL Standing Slow (20- Standard (>70) grade bumping
(<20) 70) according to the table
L (<0.3) One Grade shown in this slide.
LM (0.3-<3) Two Grades One Grade
M (3-<10) Two Grades One Grade
MH (10-<30) Two Grades One Grade One Grade
H (> 30) Two Grades One Grade One Grade

8

The laboratory
Asphalt Binder ... Mixing & Compaction

compaction and mixing
temperatures are
determined by
measuring the rotational
To determine laboratory mixing and compaction temperatures viscosity at two
use Rotational Viscometer ASTM D 4402 and AASHTO T 316. different temperatures
Mixing Temp @ 0.17 Pa.s (say 135 and 165 C).
Compaction Temp @ 0.28 Pa.s
Sample
Spindle
Sample
Chamber

Use the measured

Asphalt Binder ... Mixing & Compaction
viscosities to generate
the viscosity-
temperature
relationship in a semi-
Temperature Viscosity Relationship
log paper (or using
ePAVE). The designer
10 must determine the:
Compaction Range (0.28 Pa.s)
1. Mixing
V is c o s it y , P a .s
Mixing Range (0.17 Pa.s) temperature at

1 0.17 + .02 Pa.s
2. The compaction
temperature at
0.1 0.28 + .03 Pa.s
100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200
Temperature, C

Example
Asphalt Binder ... Grade Selection Example

Problem:
Design a wearing coarse layer with thickness of 7.0 cm.
A) General Design Data:
1. Location:
Al-Madinah Area – Highway connecting Madinah with Yanbu
2. Design traffic:
Assumed = 18.000.000 ESALs
B) Materials Properties:
1) Asphalt from Riyadh refinery having the following data
Property Value
Flash point 325 C
Specific Gravity 1.02
Rotational viscosity at 135 C 0.494 Pa.s
Rotational viscosity at 165 C 0.075 Pa.s

Example
☺ From the temperature zoning map of the

Kingdom the fitted grade is PG 70-10
☺ Adjusting the binder grade for traffic (grade
bumping):
for speed no effect because high speed
for level increase grade one step, then the suggested
grade for this project is PG 76-10
☺ Note: Locally produced asphalt (RT,RY,KW &
BH) is PG 64-12 and -18, then we need polymer
modification.

Example
From my previous research, an asphalt from Riyadh refinery modified with

3% SBS meets PG 76-10 and has the following performance properties:
Property Results SUPERPAVE Criteria
Fresh Binder - original
Flash point 328 > 230 C
Rotational viscosity @ 135C 1.562 < 3 Pa.s
DSR G*/sin delta, 76C 1.495 > 1.0 kPa
RTFOT Residue - Aged Binder
DSR G*/sin delta, 76C 4.085 > 2.2 kPa
PAV Residue – Aged Binder
DSR G* x sin delta, 25C 2.362 < 3000 kPa
BBR Stiffness, -12 C 156 < 300 MPa
BBR m-value, -12 C 0.305 > 0.300

The proposed aggregate

Aggregate . . . Physical Properties for the project must
meet the consensus
properties according to
SUPERPAVE criteria.
☺ Aggregate:
Consensus (SUPERPAVE) Requirements:
Coarse agg. Angularity, (CAA) ASTM D5821
Fine agg. Angularity, (FAA) AASHTO T304
Flat and elongated particles (F&E) ASTM D4791
Clay content, (SE) AASHTO T176
Source (MOT) Requirements:
Toughness AASHTO T96
Soundness AASHTO T104
Clay lumps & friable particles AASHTO T112
Others

Test criteria for CAA,

Selection of Aggregate
FAA, SE and F&E are
shown here.
<100 or >100 is the
location of the layer
SUPERPAVE Aggregate Requirements under the design in the
pavement. For the
ESAL CAA FAA Sand Eq. F&E CAA, the first figure is
<100 >100 <100 >100 for one fractured face
L (<0.3)
while the second is for
55/ - - - 40 - two fractured faces.
LM (0.3-<3) 75/ 50/ 40 40 40 10 Note: the fraction of the
M (3-<10) 85/80 60/ 45 40 45 10 aggregate that must be
MH (10-<30) considered in the test.
95/90 80/75 45 40 45 10
H (> 30 100/100 100/100 45 45 50 10
16 Tuesday, January 11, 2005

SUPERPAVE specifies
Aggregate . . . Gradation Basis gradation using the 0.45-power
gradation chart. The x-axis is an
arithmetic scale of sieve size in
mm raised to the power 0.45 as
shown in the upper figure on
the left.
100
An important feature of the
Example: 0.45-power chart is that the
80
4.75 mm Sieve Plots at (4.75)0.45 = 2.02 maximum density gradation line
% P a s s in g
60 plots as a straight line from the

origin to the maximum
40 aggregate size. As shown in the
middle figure in the left.
20
SUPERPAVE has added two

important features to the 0.45-
Sieve Size Raised to the 0.45 Power
power chart these are the
20 Session 6 – Second Day – Step 1: Selection of Materials control points and the restricted
zone.
Control Points. Control points
function as master ranges through
Aggregate . . . Gradation Basis which gradations must pass.
Control points are placed at the
nominal maximum size, an
intermediate size (2.36 mm), and
the smallest size (0.075 mm). The
100 control point limits vary
depending on the nominal
80 Maximum Destiny Line maximum aggregate size of the
design mixture.
60
% P a s s in g
40
20 Maximum Size
19.0 mm

Restricted Zone. The

Aggregate … Gradation restricted zone resides along the
maximum density gradation
Requirements between the intermediate size
(either 4.75 mm or 2.36 nun)
and the O.3-mm size. Figure
3.10 shows the control points
100 and restricted zone for a 12.5-
mm SUPERPAVE mixture
(12.5-mm nominal maximum
80
Maximum Destiny Line and 19.0-nun maximum size).
Control Point The restricted zone forms a
60 band through which it is
% P a s s in g
generally recommended that

Restricted Zone the gradation not pass.
40 Nominal Gradations that pass through
Maximum Maximum the restricted zone from below
Size Size the zone have often been called
20
"humped gradations" because
of the characteristic hump in
the grading curve that passes
12.5 mm 19.0 mm through the restricted zone.
In most cases, a humped gradation indicates an over-sanded mixture and/or a mixture that
possesses too much fine sand in relation to total sand. This gradation often results in tender
mix behavior, which is manifested by compaction problems during construction. These
mixtures may also offer reduced resistance to permanent deformation (rutting) during their
performance life. The restricted zone prevents a gradation from following the maximum
density line in the fine aggregate sieves. Gradations that follow the maximum density line
often have inadequate VMA to allow room for sufficient asphalt for durability. These
gradations are typically very sensitive to asphalt content and can easily become plastic with
even minor variations in asphalt content.

Quiz No (3)
1. In SUPERPAVE, What are the bases for selecting?
GCE
Density
VMA%
VFA%
D/P ratio
2. Which statement is correct? A) ___ B) ___

A) In the binder specs. temperature is fixed and property varies
B) In the binder specs. temperature varies and property is fixed
3. How we can determine compaction and mixing temperatures ?
4. What are SUPERPAVE requirements for the aggregates?
5. Does CAA and FAA criteria vary with depth of layer?

YES_____ No: _____
6. Define Maximum Size and Nominal Maximum Size?

MS
NMS

Session No.
Session No. 77
Selection of Design
Aggregate Structure

After selecting the

Step 2: Selection of DAS materials, the designer
must start the process of
Selection of DAS
selection of the design
aggregate structure
Trial Blends Compact Evaluate (DAS).
A) Establish trial blends: DAS comprises three

Develop Three blends main steps as shown in
Determine combined aggregate properties the adjacent slide.
B) Compact trial blend samples:
Estimate trial AB%
Prepare mixture
Gyratory to Ndes
C) Evaluation
Analyze and select the most appropriate blends to be used
to select DAC
5 Session 7 – Third Day - Step 2: Selection of DAS

In order to establish the

A) Establish Trial Blends trail blends, the
designer must consider
the shown items.
1) Establish trial blends based on:

Hot bin gradations
Blending % to meet SUPERPVAVE Criteria
Control points for the design NMS
Restricted zone for the design NMS
Minimum of three blends are selected

SUPERPAVE requires
A) Establish Trial Blends developing a minimum
of three blends from the
available hot bins
samples in the project
site.
2) Compute combined aggregate properties The blending percentages
Estimate mathematically the combined are selected using
aggregate properties based on the blending ePAVE so that the
resulted gradation line:
percentages and the aggregate properties.
1 is away from the
For the selected blend verify the combined maximum density line.
properties by testing. 2. is within the control
points.
3. is outside the restricted
zone (strong
recommendation).

Once the gradation of

A) Establish Trial Blends the trial blends are
selected, the designer
must compute the
Use the following formula to Compute combined combined properties for
each blend using the
aggregate properties :
blending ratios and the
Property of the Combined Aggregate = original properties of
B1 x P1 + B2 x P2 + B3 x P3 + B4 x P4 the individual
aggregates from the hot
Variable Hot bin 1 Hot bin 2 Hot bin 3 Hot bin 4 bins.
Blending Percentage of B1 B2 B3 B4
aggregate from hot bin
Value of the property of P1 P2 P3 P4

aggregate from hot bin

To compact specimens
B) Compact trial blends from the three blends, we
need to estimate asphalt
content. The design can
select and use any one of
Select % Trial Asphalt Binder (Pbi) using one the shown methods.
of the following methods:
By computation which
will be shown in details
Computation (AASHTO PP-28) in the next slides.
Experience By the design experience

which can help in
identifying the amount
SUPERPAVE suggestions asphalt based on the
historical information
applicable to the project
and aggregate used.

Or by utilizing
B) Compact trial blends SUPEPRAVE suggested
values shown below:
NMS Suggested %
1) Estimate Trial Blend (% AB) By Computation: 37.5 3.5
25.0 4.0
a. Estimate the effective specific gravity of the 19.0 4.5
blends (Gse) using: 12.5 5.0
9.5 5.5
Gse = Gsb+ C x (Gsa – Gsb)
Computation method to
Gsb = Aggregate bulk specific gravity estimate asphalt content
C = Aggregate absorption factor is assumed 0.8 for the three trial blends
but for absorptive aggregate use 0.6 or 0.5 based on.
Gsa = Aggregate apparent specific gravity

B) Compact trial blends estimate asphalt content
for the three trial blends
b. Estimate the volume of asphalt binder (Vba)

absorbed into the aggregate for each blend using:
Ps x (1-Va )
Vba = x(1/Gsb 1/Gse) x 100
(Pb)/Gb – (Ps/Gse)
Vba = volume of absorbed binder
Va = volume of air voids (assumed 0.04)
Pb = percent of binder (assumed 0.05)
Ps = percent of aggregate (assumed 0.95)
Gb= Sp. Gr. Of binder (assumed 1.02)

c. Estimate volume of the effective binder (Vbe)

of the trial blends using:
Vbe = 0.081 -0.02931 x ln (Sn)
Where:
Sn = the nominal maximum size of the aggregate
blend in inches

d. Finally estimate the initial AB% (Pbi) for each
trial blend using:
Ps x (1-Va)
Ws =
(Pb/ Gb + Ps / Gse)
Gb x (Vbe + Vba)
Pbi =
(Gb x (Vbe + Vba) + Ws
Ws = weight of aggregate
Pbi = percent binder by weight of mix

Design project example

Selection of DAS … Example data.
Property Hot bin1 Hot bin2 Hot bin3 Hot bin4

Hand computation is
not recommended; use
Bulk Specific Gravity 2.703 2.689 2.723 2.690 of ePAVE simplifies
the process and
Apparent Specific Gravity 2.785 2.776 2.797 2.740 guarantees the accuracy
of the results.
Water Absorption, Pbw % 2.000 2.000 2.000 2.000
95 97
Coarse Aggregate Angularity, % min.
88 94
Fine Aggregate Angularity, % min. 52 43
Flat & Elongated, % max 0 0
Sand Equivalent, % min 47 70

Design Project Example

Selection of DAS … Example data.
Sieve Size Aggregate from Hot bins

1 2 3 4
25.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0
19.0 76.1 100.0 100.0 100.0
12.5 14.3 87.1 100.0 100.0
9.5 3.8 26.0 94.9 99.9
4.75 2.1 3.1 4.8 92.5
2.36 1.9 2.6 3.0 70.1
1.18 1.9 2.4 2.8 51.1
0.6 1.8 2.3 2.6 33.8
0.3 1.8 2.2 2.5 17.1
0.15 1.7 2.1 2.4 7.1
0.075 1.6 1.9 2.2 5.2

After doing the

B) Compact trial blends computation, the
designer must compact
two specimens using
the gyratory compactor
2) Prepare Hot Mix Asphalt for each blend using the
estimated asphalt
☺ Using: content and the
The trial blends Design Aggregate Structure gradation that was
The estimated initial trial asphalt binder (Pbi) selected for each blend.
The mixing and compaction temp. determined form
the temp.-vis. relationship STOA is the Short
Term Oven Aging.
☺ Apply the Short Term Oven Ageing (AASHTO PP2)
☺ Measure Gmm

Refer to the slide on

B) Compact trial blends page 34 to define the
Ndes for your project
based on the ESAL.
After compaction,
determine the
3) Compact 2 specimens for each blend to compacted mixture
Ndes (determined for the ESAL of your properties as shown
here.
project); then for each specimen:
Measure Gmb
Measure the specimen height at Nini & Ndes

C) Evaluate Trial Blends

1. Determine
%Gmm @ Ndes by dividing the Gmb by Gmm x
100
%Gmm @ any Nx by multiplying %Gmm @ Ndes
by the ratio of the height at Ndes to the height
at Nx from the gyratory compaction data.
Air voids & VMA using:
% Air voids = 100 - % Gmm @ Ndes
% VMA = 100 – (% Gmm @ Ndes x Gmm x Ps) / Gsb

To determine the
B) Compact trial blends % Gmm at any N
(gyratory compactor
rotation) use the shown
formula.
HNdes
%Gmm @ any Nx = %Gmm @ Ndes x Note that the
HNx gyratory compactor
will give you only the
Where: height of the sample
at each gyration (N).
HNdes = Height of specimen at Ndes
HNx = Height of specimen at any N

Design project
Selection of DAS … Example example.
Computation of % Gmm at any Nx

N H, mm % Gmm
5 129.0 85.1
Nini = 8 127.0 86.5
10 125.7 87.7
30 120.1 91.5
40 119.0 92.4
50 118.0 93.1
60 117.2 93.8
80 116.0 94.7
Ndes = 100 115.2 95.4
Gmb 2.445
Gmm 2.563

IMPORTANT
C) Evaluate Trial Blends SUPERPAVE system
design the mixes by
2. Estimate @ 4% air voids (96% Gmm @ Ndes): determining the
aggregate gradation
Asphalt content % using: (DAS) and asphalt
Pb,estimated = Pbi – (0.4(4-Va) content percentage
Note: (DAC) for the HMA at
VMA using: C = 0.1 if Va < 4.0 a level of Air Voids of
% VMAestimated = %VMA initial + C(4-Va) C = 0.2 if Va > 4.0 4.0%
VFA using:
% VFAestimated = 100 x (%VMAestimated - 4.0)/% VMAestimated
% Gmm @ Nini using:

% Gmm estimated @ Nini = % Gmm @ Nini – (4.0 – Va)

C) Evaluate Trial Blends
3. Calculate DP ratio
Compute Pbe using:
Pbe = - (Ps x Gb ) x (Gse – Gsb)/GsexGsb) + Pb,estimated
DP using:
DP = P0.075 / Pbe
4. Summarize results and Compare with
SUPERPAVE criteria and select the most
confirming blend.

Design project
Selection of DAS … Example example.
Densification data for the trial blends (DAS)

No of Gyration Blend 1 Blend 2 Blend 3
S1 S2 S1 S2 S1 S2
5 129.0 130.3 131.7 132.3 130.9 129.5
Nini = 8 127.0 128.1 129.5 130.1 127.2 127.3
10 125.7 126.7 128.0 128.7 127.2 125.9
30 120.1 121.5 122.2 122.7 121.8 121.0
40 119.0 120.2 120.1 121.5 120.5 119.7
50 118.0 119.3 119.6 120.1 119.6 118.7
60 117.2 118.5 118.7 119.2 118.8 118.1
80 116.0 117.3 117.3 117.8 117.6 116.9
Ndes = 100 115.2 116.4 116.3 116.8 116.7 116.1
Gmb 2.445 2.473 2.444 2.447 2.432 2.442
Gmm 2.563 2.563 2.565 2.565 2.568 2.568

Quiz No (4)
1. What are the bases for the selection of the NMS?
2. Define:
Control points:
Restricted zone:
3. Why we have to do the short term oven aging? For how long?
4. How can we compute %Gmm @ any Nx?
5. What is the air void percentage at which we estimate the mix

properties in the selection of the potential blend? (Step 2: Selection
of DAS)?
6. How can we estimate the combined aggregate properties?

Session No.
Session No. 88
Selection of
Selection of
Design Asphalt
Design Asphalt Content
Content
2 Wednesday, November 24, 2004

The selection of the
Step 3: Selection of DAC optimum asphalt
content (Design Asphalt
Content DAC), is
performed after
selecting one blend
Selection from the three potential
of DAC blends (i.e. the
aggregate blend that has
conformed to
SUPERPAE criteria)
Select Nmax
Compact Analyze
DAC verification
5 Session 8 – Fourth Day - Step 3: Selection of DAC

The selection of the
Step 3: Selection of DAC optimum asphalt
content (Design Asphalt
Content DAC), is
performed after
A. Compact samples of the selected blend selecting one blend
i. Prepare mixture at four AB% from the three potential
blends (i.e. the
ii. Compact to Ndes
aggregate blend that has
B. Analyze conformed to
i. mixture Volumetric properties SUPERPAE criteria)
ii. Generate graphs
C. Select DAC at 4.0% air voids
D. Verify mixture densification at Nmax

Eight specimens are
A) Compact Samples compacted by the
gyratory compactor to
Ndes using the selected
Prepare HAM using four Asphalt Binder %s: blend and four asphalt
X
content parentages
X - 0.5
computed as shown in
X + 0.5
this slide
X + 1.0%
Where: X = Estimated binder content from step 2

at 4.0 air voids for the selected blend
Measure Gmm
Compact 2 specimens @ each AB% to Ndes
Measure specimen height and Gmb

For the selection of the
B) Analyze the results DAC, the designer shall
use the computational
formulas of the
volumetric properties,
the D/P and other
Use the same formulas in the selection of DAS to properties that were
compute: used in the DAS step.
The results of the
% Gmm @ Ninitial and Ndes
computation will be
Volumetric properties (Air voids, VMA, VFA) used to generate
DP ratio graphical relationships
Generate graphs for each property vs. AB% between the AV%,
VMA% and VFA and
the asphalt binder
content.

B) Analyze the results

The control of the

C) Select DAC design is to select the
DAC at 4.0% air voids,
then perform a check by
determining the other
properties at this DAC
From the graphs @ 4.0 % air voids determine and comparing them
DAC and check: with SUPERPAVE
criteria; if they meet
VMA and VFA and % Gmm @ Nini
then proceed to the next
Compute DP at DAC step, otherwise adjust
Compare with SUPERPAVE criteria and adjust your design as needed.
your design as needed.


DAC … Example Data.
Use ePAVE to analyze

Densification data for Design Asphalt Content (DAC) and evaluate the results.
No of Gyration 4.2 % 4.7 % 5.2 % 5.7 %
S1 S2 S1 S2 S1 S2 S1 S2
5 131.3 131.0 130.4 130.8 132.0 132.6 130.4 131.5

8 129.0 128.8 128.2 128.8 129.8 130.4 128.6 129.4
10 127.5 127.4 126.8 127.4 128.3 128.9 127.4 128.0
15 125.4 125.5 124.8 125.5 126.2 126.7 125.4 126.2
20 124.0 124.2 123.5 124.1 124.8 125.2 124.0 124.9
30 122.1 122.4 121.5 122.1 122.8 123.2 122.4 123.1
40 120.9 121.1 120.3 120.8 121.4 121.7 120.5 121.3
50 119.9 120.1 119.3 119.9 120.3 120.7 119.4 120.2
60 119.1 119.4 118.5 119.0 119.5 119.0 118.9 119.5
80 117.9 118.3 117.2 117.9 118.2 118.6 117.6 118.2
Ndes = 100 117.0 117.4 116.4 117.0 117.4 117.7 116.7 117.2

This step in the

D) Nmax Verification selection of DAC, is to
verify the mix
properties at Nmax.
Specifying a maximum
density at Nmax prevents
Gyratory compact 2 specimens to Nmax designing of a mixture
Compute %Gmm @ Nmax that will compact
Compare the results with SUPERPAVE criteria and excessively under
adjust your design as needed. traffic, become plastic
and produce permanent
deformation (Rutting).
Since Nmax represents a
compactive effort much
grater than Ndes


DAC … Example Data.
Densification data for the Nmax Verification

DAC = 4.9
No of Gyration
S1 S2
10 126.8 127.4
15 124.8 125.5
40 120.3 120.8
50 119.3 119.9
60 118.5 119.0
80 117.2 117.2
100 116.4 117.0
125 115.6 116.2
150 115.0 115.5
Nmax = 160 114.5 115.0

Session 9
Moisture Sensitivity
Evaluation

The last step in the

Step 4: Moisture Sensitivity
SUPERPAVE design
method is to evaluate
the mixture of the
selected blend and
Moisture selected asphalt content
for the effect of water.
Sensitivity
Select Nx Compact Evaluate
5 Session 9 – Third Day - Step 4: Moisture Sensitivity

Six specimens are
Step 4: Moisture Sensitivity

prepared at a level of
compaction to yield an
air voids % of 7%.
Then the specimens are

Select Nx tested according to
7 % air voids AASHTO T 283 to
determine the stability
Compact specimens
loss.
6 specimens
Compact to Nx
Evaluate
AASHTO T283
Tensile strength ratio is 80% minimum.
Compare with SUPERPAVE criteria and adjust your
design as needed.

Follow the standard test
A) Select Nx
procedure to conduct the
moisture evaluation and
MOT SUPERPAVE
Implantation Guidelines.
Use the densification data of the Nmax

verification step to determine the
number of gyrations to achieve 7% air
voids.
Note: 7% air voids = %Gmm of 93.0

The specimens are

Determination of N to Achieve 7% voids
prepared at a level of
Achieve compaction (i.e.
Gyratory compactor
rotations) to yield an air
HNdes voids % of 7%. The
%Gmm @ any Nx = %Gmm @ N x designer must use the
des
HNx Nmax densification data
to determine the N at
Where:
which the specimen has
air voids of 7% using
the shown formula.
HNdes = Height of specimen at Ndes
HNx = Height of specimen at any N


Determination of N to Achieve 7% voids
Data.
N H, mm % Gmm
5 129.0 85.1
8 127.0 86.5
10 125.7 87.7
30 120.1 91.5
40 119.0 92.4
5050 118.1
118.1 93.0
93.0
70 117.2 93.8
100 116.0 94.7
160 115.2 95.4
Gmb 2.445
Gmm 2.563

B) Compact Samples
Prepare HAM using DAS and DAC
Gyratory compact 6 specimens to Nx

C) Evaluate
Three specimens are control (no conditioning)
o
The other three is conditioned for 24 h at 60 C
Test all specimens to determine maximum
indirect tensile load at failure
Load Load

C) EEvaluation
valuation
Compute ITS
Maximum allowable ITS loss is 20%
Compare with SUPERPAVE criteria and adjust
your design as needed.


Moisture Sensitivity … Example Data.
Original Samples
Sample
Property
1 2 3 4 5 6
Diameter, mm 150 150 150 150 150 150
Thickness, mm 99.2 99.4 99.4 99.3 99.2 99.3
Dry Mass in Air, g 3986.2 3981.3 3984.6 3990.6 3987.8 3984.4
SSD mass, g 4009.4 4000.6 4008.3 4017.7 4013.9 4008.6
Mass in Water, g 2329.3 2321.2 2329.0 2339.0 2331.5 2329.0
Maximum load, Newtons 20803 20065 20354
Maximum Specific Gravity

2.558 2.558 2.558 2.558 2.558 2.558
(Gmm)
Property Saturated Conditioned
SSD Mass, g 4060.9 4058.7 4059.1 4070.8 4074.9 4074.8
Mass in Water, g 2369.4 2373.9 2372.8 2373.7 2380.3 2379.0
Thickness, mm 99.5 99.4 99.4
Maximum Load, Newtons 16720 16484 17441

Quiz No (5)
1. What is SUPERPAVE suggested asphalt binder content percentages
to start the selection of DAC process?.
2. Why we need to verify the mixture properties after selection of

DAC? What is the SGCE we must use to compact the specimens?
3. Define :
Nmax:
Ndes:
4. What is the SGCE that we must use to compact the specimens to

evaluate the moisture sensitivity of your mix ?
5 State some suggestions to improve your VMA% if your design does

not confirm to the VMA criteria?

Session No 10
Typical Problems in
SUPERPAVE Mix Design
2 Sunday, December 12, 2004

Session 10 – Fifth Day

Main Problems ………….
Asphalt Binder:
Binder PG selection in case the project crosses two zones
PG adjustments for speed and ESAL
PMA lab testing results are different from the manufacturer recommendations.
Aggregate:
Inaccurate measurements of Specific Gravities. (Gsb, Gsa, Gmb, Gmm …)
FAA method selection in AASHTO T304.
Hot Mix:
Low VMA.
The designed mix fail in the moisture sensitivity testing (TSR is less than 80%).


Asphalt ……
1.0 Problem:
What binder PG must be selected in case the project crosses two zones?
Solution:
Select the highest PG
Split the project in to two PG or more.
Use engineering judgment to select the PG based on the historical performance
of the project or similar in the area.


Asphalt ……
2.0 Problem:
How can we adjust PG for speed and ESAL in a project where these factors are
different in some of the project locations?
Solution:
Select the highest ESAL and the lowest speed (check cost ?)
Use more than one PG.
Use engineering judgment to select the PG based on the historical performance
of the project or similar in the area..


Asphalt ……
3.0 Problem:
What shall we do if the PMA lab testing results are different from the
manufacturer recommendations?
Solution:
Check PMA production instructions as given by the manufacturer for mixing
mechanism, time and temperature.
Check the polymer content.
If everything is OK, use your results, since the PMA physical and rheological
properties are asphalt source dependent.


Aggregate ……
1.0 Problem:
Inaccurate measurements of Specific Gravities. (Gsb, Gsa, Gmb, Gmm …)
Solution
The volumetric properties are the heart of the SUPERPAVE mixture design
system , which depends on the specific gravities of the materials; hence,
high caution must be practiced in the measurements of the needed
specific gravities.
Read the standard procedures carefully and make sure they are applicable to
your case.
Check all of your laboratory equipment for calibration, damage and errors.
Do some self training and education.
Follow the standard procedure carefully.


Aggregate ……
2.0 Problem:
Which method we should use to measure the FAA in AASHTO T304
Solution
Use method A


Hot Mix ……
1.0 Problem:
What can I do to increase the VMA in my design?
Solution
The VMA is an aggregate property which depends on the packing
characteristics of the aggregate.
Gradation:
1. Move gradation away from the maximum density line.
2. Gap-grade the gradation (reduce the amount between two sieves)
3. Reduce the amount passing 0.075 mm sieve (No 200)
Surface texture:
1. Use particles with high angularity
2. Use particles with rough surface texture.
3. Increase manufactured sand More ……..
How to Increase Voids in Mineral Aggregate

Guidelines to Increase VMA of SUPERPAVE Mixtures (1)
Introduction
The heart of the SUPERPAVE mixture design system is aggregate properties and volumetric
properties. If all the requirements are met, the resulting mix design should have:
• A strong aggregate skeleton for permanent deformation resistance.
• Sufficient asphalt binder for fatigue and asphalt binder aging resistance.
• Sufficient air voids space to hold plastic properties at bay and prevent permanent
deformation.
Problem
An issue which has been experienced is the difficulty of obtaining adequate voids in the mineral
aggregate (VMA). Although the number of mixtures which have experienced difficulty is in the
minority, the mix designers have become frustrated. Problem mixes typically will have low
VMA and will be non-responsive to changes in gradation.
For example, a 19.0 mm nominal maximum size mixture calls for 13.0% VMA. Say a mix
designer who is trying to design below the restricted zone finds the estimated VMA in trial
blends to be in the low 12's. Further, he finds that if the gradation is varied within the range

available below the restricted zone that the VMA varies from the low 12's to the high 12's, 13.0%
seems unachievable. The designer knows that adding additional sand will open up the mixture.
But what about the restricted zone? What to do?
First, the designer should realize that the packing characteristics of aggregate particles and hence
VMA is dependent on three factors:
1. gradation
2. surface texture
3. shape
In the example, the designer has investigated the effect of gradation within the limits below the
restricted zone but has not yet considered surface texture or shape. The mix designer is correct
that additional fine aggregate will increase VMA but the specifications prevent adding sand
because of the weakening effect which will occur in the aggregate skeleton. If the contract allows
mixtures above the restricted zone the designer can investigate such mixes, although other
problems will be faced, in particular, meeting density requirements at N initial.
Two competing demands are occurring during the mix design. Sufficient inter-particle space
must be available for a minimum amount of asphalt binder and the aggregate must have a
sufficiently strong skeleton to carry the traffic loads. SUPERPAVE specifications demand that
adequate VMA be obtained without weakening the aggregate skeleton.
Gradation Effect
Changing the gradation (particle size distribution) of a mixture will influence the amount of
space in the aggregate skeleton. The effect of gradation is separated from shape and surface
texture effects if all sized particles have the same shape and texture. Research published by
Nijboer in the 1940's, Goode and Lufsey in the 1960's and the Asphalt Institute in the 1980's
provide a basis for the 0.45 power chart.
Nijboer investigated aggregate gradations plotted as the log percent passing versus log particle
size. He showed a maximum packing density for both gravel and crushed aggregates when the
slope was 0.45. Goode and Lufsey reconfirmed Nijboer's results on gravel aggregates. Hence, the
basis of the 0.45 power chart. Work by the Asphalt Institute evaluated the drawing of maximum
density lines on a 0.45 power chart for both gravel and crushed limestone mixtures.
Lower the Minus 0.075 mm Content

Lowering the dust content in a mixture will increase the VMA. This effect may not be entirely
from the effect of gradation, but never the less it has one of the stronger effects on VMA.
Reducing dust content to the lower end of the specification will maximize the amount of VMA
which can be obtained. If the dust content is coming from mineral filler adjusting the gradation
can be simply a matter of reducing the amount being used. If the dust is coming predominately
from one of the aggregate stockpiles, say screenings, try to reduce the amount of that stockpile.
If the screenings are the only manufactured fines coming into the mix it may be necessary to
wash them or blend them with a washed screening. But first check out other easier ways of
increasing VMA. Make sure to add baghouse fines during the mix design if the fines are going
to be added back into the mix during production. These fines will reduce VMA of the produced
mixture. If friable aggregate particles are used, a greater quantity of dust should be used during

the design since they tend to create more dust during construction. Including baghouse fines in
the mix will make the design more accurate and reduce the amount of "VMA collapse" which
occurs from design to production.
Gap-Grade the Gradation

Try to blend the aggregates to give a gap grade. If the amount of material between two sieves can
be reduced, the mixture will have a higher VMA. The reason has to do with packing. Smaller
particles fill space in between larger ones. By gap grading the mixture the amount of a coarse
sieve is increased and the amount of material between the next two sieves is decreased. Hence
the mixture can not compact together as tightly, that is, VMA is increased.
Re-screen the Stockpiles

If the stockpiles contain a broad range of sizes it may be necessary to re-screen the piles into
different sized products and re-blend them together at different percentages. For example, with a
mobile plant where the aggregate for a single project is to be crushed in a gravel pit, the
aggregate may need to be split into more than two stockpiles. If the stockpiles already exist when
the mix design is being done, one of the piles may need to be re-screened on the 9.5 mm (3/8
inch) screen. Part of the sand may be excess. The mix design may not be able to use all of the
sand which is present in the pit. Even if the mix design is using manufactured aggregate
products there may be instances where splitting a stockpile and using different percentages in the
design may be necessary. If VMA can not be obtained with a set of stockpiles the option of
splitting one of them may be more desirable than obtaining an alternate stockpile from a different
source.
Surface Texture Effect

The way in which aggregate particles pack together for any given gradation is influenced by the
surface texture of the particles. Rougher textures generate more friction between aggregate
particles and resist compaction. Therefore, under a standard compactive effort, say a design
number of gyrations, the mixture will not compact as much and VMA will be higher. Typically
crushed faces have more texture than non crushed faces. In the case of gravel aggregate, the
more of the particle surface which has a crushed face, the more surface texture will be available.
Usually the more crushed a particle is, the more surface texture it will have but not always. Some
aggregates fracture with very smooth faces so crushing may not always increase texture
Increase Manufactured Sand

If manufactured sand and natural sand are being used together in a mix design the manufactured
sand portion can be increased to increase surface texture. Switching out 20% natural sand for a
washed manufactured sand with good "bite" can increase VMA by 2%. Good bite? Squeeze a
handful and feel the way the particles bite into one another.
Be aware of any offsetting gains in surface texture caused by increased dust. For example, if the
natural sand is clean and the manufactured sand has a high minus 0.075 mm content, the benefit
of increased surface texture may be offset or completely erased by increased dust content.
Increase Crush Count

Surface texture of the coarse aggregate can be increased by increasing the crush count,
particularly crushed-two-face particles.

Session 10 – Fifth Day Shape Effect

Hot Mix …… For any given gradation the
density to which aggregate
particles will pack is influenced
1.0 Problem Cont’d: by the shape of the particles.
What can I do to increase the VMA in my design? Cubical particles will not pack
Solution as tightly as flat "potato chip"
The VMA is an aggregate property which depends on the packing particles. In the gyratory
characteristics of the aggregate.
compactor, as under traffic, the
Shape:
1. Use aggregate with low flat and elongated particles (1:3 instead of 1:5) flat particles lay down flat, one
2. Examine crunching operation (feed rate, cone setting,…) on top of the other. Therefore,
3. VSI crushers tend to produce more cubical particles than cone crunchers.
there is not much space between
them. The VMA is low. Under
traffic, particles are flattened
out. They roll down. The same
effect occurs in a gyratory
10 compacted specimen
Under Marshall compaction the particles are not so free to rotate. In fact, flat particles tend to
bridge in a Marshall mold and give high VMA. Therefore, be aware of the influence of particle
shape when comparing Marshall specimens to SUPERPAVE specimens.
Evaluate Flat and Elongated Particles

If a mix design is giving low VMA measure the flat and elongated particles. SUPERPAVE
specifications limit the percentage of particles with a ratio 5:1. Measure the percentage of
particles which exceed a 3:1 or 2:1 ratio. If the percentages are high, say greater than 40%, try
adding a coarse aggregate which has a lower percentage. It may be possible to change just one of
the coarse aggregate stockpiles for another which is more cubical. Adding an intermediate sized
coarse aggregate with cubical shapes will disturb the larger particles from lying flat, one on top
of the other. The VMA will increase. The crushing operation can make a difference. Examining
the feed rate, cone settings, etc. is beneficial. Vertical shaft impact (VSI) crushers tend to
produce more cubical particles than cone crushers.
Conclusion
Obtaining adequate VMA in a SUPERPAVE mixture is an important part of the mix design
which must be met. VMA is only one parameter, aggregate skeleton strength is another. The
challenge to SUPERPAVE mix designers is to select aggregates which will give the proper
amount of VMA without weakening the skeleton. Many mixtures meet the SUPERPAVE
requirements without difficulty, others require more design work. This guidelines are intended to
help mix designers with the decision of which materials to use.
(1) Source: "How to Increase Voids in Mineral aggregate – Guidelines to increase VMA of SUPERPAVE Mixture" prepared by
Ad Hoc Mix Design Task Group, Presented to the FHWA SUPEPEVE Mixtures Expert Task Group., 1996


Hot Mix ……
2.0 Problem:
What can be done if the designed mix fail in the moisture sensitivity testing (TSR
is less than 80%).
Solution
1. Use an approved mineral admixtures such as hydrated lime (AASHTO M303) or
Portland cement (AASHTO M204)
2. Use liquid/chemical anti-stripping agents
3. No effort must be done to increase the DAC
4. Consider to redesign the mix.
11


Others ……
Problems faced by the Participants from their experience:

1. ..
2. ..
3. ..
4. ..
5. ..
6. ..
12

Handout of The Superpave Workshop 2004

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SUPERPAVE Workshop – 2005 Page 1

Prepared and Developed by: Advance Engineering Center (AdEC)

1 Session 1 – First Day - Getting Started

Third Edition – January, 2005

Workshop on the new SHRP technology for the

Based on the Asphalt Institute Mix

Third Edition – January, 2005

Session Title Page

Session 1 Getting Started 4

Session 3 SUPERPAVE Overview 21

Session 4 Mixture Criteria 27

Session 5 ePAVE Demo 40

Session 6 Selection of Binder and Aggregate 41

Session 7 Selection of Design Aggregate Structure 60

Session 8 Selection of Design Asphalt Content 81

Session 9 Evaluation of Moisture Sensitivity 91

Session 10 Solving Some SUPERPAVE Mix Design Problems 102

Appendix ePAVE User Manual ----

Third Edition – January, 2005

2 Session 1 – First Day - Getting Started

Third Edition – January, 2005

AdEC welcomes the

WELCOME reader and participant

3 Monday, December 27, 2004

Add Notes and Ask Questions Below:

Third Edition – January, 2005

2. Define the following:

3. Do you know SUPERPAVE? What does it stand for?

Third Edition – January, 2005

5 Friday, October 01, 2004

Add Notes and Ask Questions Below:

Third Edition – January, 2005

Handouts and Software development, was

6 Friday, October 01, 2004

Add Notes and Ask Questions Below:

Third Edition – January, 2005

Workshop for five days (Sat. to Wed.)

7 Friday, October 01, 2004

Add Notes and Ask Questions Below:

Third Edition – January, 2005

8 Friday, October 01, 2004

Add Notes and Ask Questions Below:

Third Edition – January, 2005

Session 1: Session 2: Session 3: Session 4:

Session 5: Session 6.1: Session 6.2:

10 Session 1 – First Day - Getting Started

Add Notes Below:

Third Edition – January, 2005

2 Thursday, September 30, 2004

Third Edition – January, 2005

3 Friday, October 01, 2004

Add Notes and Ask Questions Below:

Third Edition – January, 2005

The problem statement

4 Friday, October 01, 2004

Add Notes and Ask Questions Below:

Third Edition – January, 2005

Three asphalts (A), (B)

2. A & C have similar viscosity at low temperature but differ at high

Add Notes and Ask Questions Below:

Third Edition – January, 2005

Here again; A, B and C

6 Friday, October 01, 2004