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Asphalt Mix Design for Mpemba-Isongole Road

The document summarizes the methodology used to design an asphalt mix with a nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) of 12.5mm for upgrading the Mpemba-Isongole road in Tanzania. The methodology involved selecting a suitable binder based on temperature considerations, testing aggregates to evaluate their suitability, determining the optimum binder content through volumetric analysis, and conducting performance tests to ensure durability and resistance to permanent deformation. The designed mix will aim to provide a durable pavement capable of withstanding the traffic loads and climatic conditions of the road location.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
34 views32 pages

Asphalt Mix Design for Mpemba-Isongole Road

The document summarizes the methodology used to design an asphalt mix with a nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS) of 12.5mm for upgrading the Mpemba-Isongole road in Tanzania. The methodology involved selecting a suitable binder based on temperature considerations, testing aggregates to evaluate their suitability, determining the optimum binder content through volumetric analysis, and conducting performance tests to ensure durability and resistance to permanent deformation. The designed mix will aim to provide a durable pavement capable of withstanding the traffic loads and climatic conditions of the road location.
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.

5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Acknowledgements

My sincere thanks go to all those that have enabled me reach to a


successful completion of my Bachelors degree especially my placement
coordinators Vishal Rattan Sir and Jaspreet Singh Sir for technical advice,
My Industrial training supervisor Eng Mussa O Mataka who has guided me
professionally and been a great inspiration, my parents and family members
for their moral and financial support, lastly all my friends and course mates.

May the Almighty God richly bless you.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Authentication

Declaration

I declare that all the work contained in this report is a true reflection of
what transpired during the project process and has not been presented
to any institution for the award of a Bachelor’s degree.

Signature………………………… Date……………………….
Amiry Halifa Hida

Approval

This is to certify that Amiry Halifa Hida (Reg No. 11716170) carried out
this project titled “Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading
Mpemba-Isongole road” under my supervision.

Signature..................................... Date……………………….

Eng. Mussa Omari Mataka


Head of Materials and Research.
Central Materials Laboratory – TANLAB.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

List of Tables
Table 1.1:- Adjustment to binder grading based on loading and speed.
Table 1.2:- Recommended maximum aggregate size.
Table 1.3:- Aggregate grading control points for NMAS 12.5.
Table 1.4:- Dry and wet mix proportions.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

List of Abbreviations

TANROADS – Tanzania National Roads Agency.

CML – Central Materials Laboratory.

AASHTO – American association of state highway and transport officials.

BS – British Standards.

AWC – Asphalt Wearing Course.

IGDMA – Interim Guidelines for the Design of Hot Mix Asphalt.

MOW – Ministry Of Works.

SUPERPAVE – Superior Performing Pavement.

VIM – Voids in mix (Air voids).

VFB – Voids filled with binder.

VMA – Voids in mineral aggregates.

AMPT – Asphalt mixture performance tester.

ASTM – American Society for testing and materials.

TSR – Tensile strength ratio.

RTFOT – Rolling thin film oven test.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Table of Contents
Abstract ………………………………………………………………………………………1
Authentication ………………………………………………………………………………..2
Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………………………...3
List of Tables ……………………………………………………………………………….…4
List of abbreviations …………………………………………………………………………6

1.0 INTRODUCTION ………………………………………………………………………..7


1.1 Background of this Academic Report. …………………………………….7
1.2 Background of Mpemba - Isongole Road ………………………..………..7
1.3 Superpave Mix Design ……………………………………..……..………......7
2.0 OBJECTIVES ………………………………………………………………..………….8
2.1 Main Objectives ……………………………………………………………….8
2.2 Specific Objectives ……………………………………………………………8
3.0 METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………..…………………9
3.1 Binder Selection ……………………………………………………………….9
3.2 Aggregate Selection …………………………………………………………10
3.2.1 Coarse Aggregate Selection …..………………………..………..10
3.2.1 Fine Aggregate Selection …………………………………………11
3.4 Optimum binder Content ……………………………………………………12
4.0 RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION ……………………………….………13
4.1 Binder Tests ………………………………………………………….………13
4.2 Aggregates Tests ……………………………………………………..……..14
4.3 Blending of aggregates …………………………………..……..…………15
5.0 PERFORMANCE TESTS ………………………………………………….…………17
5.1 Workability ………………………………………………………..…………..17
5.2 Durability ………………………………………………………..…………….18
5.4 Permanent deformation ………………………………………..……………20
6.0 REFERENCES …………………………………………………………………………23

Appendice A: Laboratory test results

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of this Academic Report.

This report is written on the complete laboratory procedures adopted for the design of
Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road to bitumen standards
located in Songwe region.
As per the Lovely Professional University requirements, I opted to do a one year
internship at TANROADS for a period of a full academic year which will be equivalent
to the credits of last year of Bachelor in Civil Engineering.

This project Report is submitted as a partial fulfillment for the award of a bachelor
degree in Civil Engineering at Lovely Professional University in Punjab, India.

1.2 Background of Mpemba - Isongole Road


The proposed project is aimed at upgrading the Mpemba – Isongole road to bitumen
standard. The proposed project is to design the wearing coarse for the Mpemba –
Isongole road located in Songwe Region. The road extends to a 50.3km length.
The design of the particular pavement, among others requires a satisfactory asphalt
mix design for the wearing coarse to ensure a good performing pavement.

Accordingly, the Central Materials Laboratory (CML) was contracted to undertake the
design of the Asphalt wearing course (sp 12.5) and I was tasked to carry out the mix
design.

1.3 Superpave Mix Design


Superpave mix design method is a result of the Strategic Highway Research Program
(SHRP). The Superpave mix design method was designed to replace the Hveem and
Marshall methods due to the fact they fail to account for some failures occurring on the
pavement.
The volumetric analysis common to the Hveem and Marshall methods provides the
basis for the Superpave mix design method. The Superpave system ties asphalt binder
and aggregate selection into the mix design process, and considers traffic and climate
as well.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

The compaction devices from the Hveem and Marshall procedures have been replaced
by a gyratory compactor and the compaction effort in mix design is as expected in the
traffic.
2.0 OBJECTIVES

2.1 Main Objectives


The main objective for designing of asphalt mix wearing coarse (sp 12.5)
- To design a durable asphalt performing pavement that accounts for the traffic
loading as well as climatic condition for the specific place (Songwe Region).

2.2 Specific Objectives


- Binder selection.
- Aggregate selection.
- Optimum binder Content

3.0 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Binder Selection


Binder refers to the material that holds together the aggregates and other materials
incorporated in the mix design.

In the Superpave mix design, the PG Grade binders are preferred to be used because
they evaluate the binder on their performance. A PG (Performance Grade) binder
should be able to account for the resistance to failure in the pavement at high
temperatures, intermediate temperatures and resistance to cracks at low temperature.

According to IGDMA guidelines, In Tanzania the proposed binder selected to be used


for Superpave mix design based on the temperature mapping are PG 64-16, PG 70-10
and PG 76-4.

The Primary criterion for the selection of binder is through temperature consideration,
as the PG grade binder indicates the maximum 7 days average highest temperature
and its minimum temperature.
The selected binder based on the temperature is then bumped up a grade considering
loading and speed

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Table 1.1:- Adjustment to binder grading based on loading and speed


(IGDMA table 3-2)

20 years Adjustment to PG binder specification


1
increas Traffic Speed e the
design E80
high Standing Normal Standard
[Millions]
(avg speed (avg speed 20- (avg speed
<20km/hr) 70 km/hr) >70km/hr)
< 0.3 -2 - -
0.3 < 3 2 1 -
3 < 10 2 1 -
10 < 30 2 1 -2
≥ 30 2 1 1

temperature grade by the number of grade equivalent (1 grade 6⁰c)


2
Consideration should be given to increasing the high temperature grade by 1 grade
equivalent.

Once the binder has been selected, it is to be further tested in the laboratory so as to
check the properties of the binder against the required properties for the binder to be
used,

Tests to be conducted on binder includes,


1. Viscosity
2. Flash point
3. Stiffness (G*) at virgin binder, short term aged binder (RTFOT) and long term
aged binder (PAV).
4. Mass change

3.2 Aggregate Selection


In Superpave mix design, the general strength of the pavement is derived from the
aggregates used, the properties of the aggregates affects the final properties of the
mix, if the aggregates used in the mix do not meet the specifications then the outcome
of the final mix will not be a good performing pavement.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Aggregates obtained from various sources are checked on their properties before
starting of the design process, it is recommended that all the properties of the
aggregates tested to be within the range of the testing specifications.

The Superpave mix design system contains specific performance related


characteristics to assist in selecting acceptable aggregate materials and developing a
satisfactory aggregate blend for a given situation. Aggregate properties are specified
as agency properties or consensus standards.

The Superpave mix design accommodates coarse aggregate up to a maximum size of


50mm, the recommended maximum aggregate size for the design of paving mixes for
base, binder and surface coarse are as recommended on the table below.

Table 1.2:- Recommended maximum aggregate size


Pavement Layer Nominal Maximum aggregate size
Surface coarse 9.5 - 12.5mm
Binder Coarse 25 - 37.5mm
Base Coarse 25 - 37.5mm

Mpemba – Isongole project is for the design of wearing coarse, therefore a nominal
maximum aggregate size (NMAS) adopted is 12.5mm

Types of aggregates used in Superpave


1) Coarse aggregates
2) Fine aggregates
3) Filler

3.2.1 Coarse Aggregate Selection


The coarse aggregates used in the Asphalt mixes must be of suitable characteristics,
the characteristics and the properties of the coarse aggregates are tested in the below
discussed parameters.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

a) Gradation
The Superpave mix design system guides selection of an acceptable aggregate
gradation for a dense graded paving mix by means of control points.
The control points are graphed on the grading chart on which the percentage of
aggregate passing a sieve is plotted against the sieve opening size raised to 0.45.
Aggregate grading was determined with reference to ASTM C136 (dry sieve
analysis) or ASTM C117 (washed sieve analysis).

Grading of aggregates must lie within the specified control points, the nominal
maximum aggregate size (NMAS), 2.36mm and 0.075mm sieves. Grading of the
aggregate that lies within the control points meet the specifications as per the
guidelines.

Table 1.3:- Aggregate grading control points for NMAS 12.5


Percentage passing nominal
Sieve maximum aggregate size
NMAS =12.5
Sizes
Min Max
19mm 100
12.5mm 90 100
9.5mm 90
4.75mm
2.36mm 28 58
1.18mm
0.6mm
0.3mm
0.15mm
0.075mm 2 10

b) Toughness
Toughness is the measure of the material’s ability to absorb energy and plastically
deform without fracturing.
Aggregates are responsible for transmitting load to the underlying layers, resist
polishing of aggregates and abrasion under subjected loads.
The aggregates need to be sound, durable and tough enough to resist the failure of
the pavement.
According to the interim guidelines, toughness is measured using AIV (Aggregate
Impact Value), ACV (Aggregate Crushing Value), LAA (Los Angeles Abrasion) and
TFV (Ten Percent Fines Value).

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

c) Particle shape and surface texture


The shape of the aggregates plays a vital role in the aggregate interlocking and
enhances the strength of the aggregates.
Aggregates to be used in Superpave mixes are to be cubical and angular rather
than round. Round aggregates facilitate workability but reduce the interlocking of
the aggregates and hence reduce the general strength of the mix.

In the Interim Guidelines, particle shape and surface texture of coarse aggregate is
evaluated by using flat and elongated particle and Coarse aggregate angularity.

Flat and elongated particle


These are those coarse aggregate particles that have a ratio of length to thickness
equal to or greater than a specified value such as 5:1.
These aggregates are not desired in the mix because they tend to break under load
which results in the unstable mix.

Coarse aggregate angularity


This is the percentage of the particles greater than 4.75mm with one or more
fractured faces.
A fractured face is an angular, broken part of an aggregate created by crushing or
other artificial means.

Specific gravity and water absorption


This is the ratio of density of the material to the density of water at 25⁰ c and at
standard air Pressure.
For Superpave mix design, volumetric properties needed to be accounted for, but
due to the fact that the constituents of the mix such as binder and aggregates are
not easy to measure the volume, therefore their mass are taken and conversions
are carried out through the use of specific gravity.

Mass
specific gravity =
Volume x (unit mass of water )

Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB 11


Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Mass
Volume=
specific gravity

3.2.2 Fine Aggregate Selection


The fine aggregates to be used for the design of Superpave must comply with standard
specification recommended in the Interim Guidelines. The tested parameters for the
fine aggregate selection are as discussed below.

a) Cleanliness
Fine aggregates are tested in cleanliness in the form of sand equivalent and
presence of clay lumps and friable particle. The presence of the impurities in the
sand may cause the improper binding of the fine aggregates to the mix.

Sand equivalent test


The sand equivalent test quantifies the relative abundance of sand versus clay
in soil.
Sand equivalent test was tested with reference to CML LTM 2.2 or ASTM C128.

Presence of clay lumps and friable particles


Clay and other impurities are not recommended to be in the fine aggregate mix,
clay when mixed with water tends to soften and liquefy, clay is harmful in the
mix because it has low strength and it is stiff.
Presence of clay lumps and friable particles is tested with reference to ASTM
C142 or AASHTO T330.

a) Particle shape and surface texture


Fine aggregate need to be angular or cubical in shape and generally rough in
texture similar to coarse aggregate, when the fine aggregate pile has round
shape then it may be difficult for the fine aggregate to interlock and bind with the
rest of the aggregate skeleton.

Fine aggregate angularity


This is the percentage of air voids present in loosely compacted aggregate that
passes the 4.75mm sieve. Fine aggregate angularity is measured on the fine
aggregate portion of the blended aggregate by ASTM C1252.
Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB 12
Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Specific gravity and water absorption


Specific gravity of fine aggregate is the ratio of the weight of given volume of
fine aggregates to the weight of equal volume of water.
Specific gravity and water absorption of fine aggregates was measured with
reference to CML LTM 2.2 or ASTM C128.

3.4 OPTIMUM BINDER CONTENT


Binder is a material that holds or draws other materials together to form a
cohesive whole mechanically/ chemically by adhesion or cohesion.

The amount of binder to be added to a bituminous mixture cannot be too


excessive or too little. The principle of designing the optimum amount of binder
content is to include sufficient amount of binder so that the aggregates are fully
coated with bitumen and the voids within the bituminous material are sealed up.

The durability of the bituminous pavement can be enhanced by the


impermeability achieved. Moreover, a minimum amount of binder is essential to
prevent the aggregates from being pulled out by the abrasive actions of moving
vehicles on the carriageway.

However, the binder content cannot be too high because it would result in the
instability of the bituminous pavement. The resistance to deformation of
bituminous pavement under traffic load is reduced by the inclusion of excessive
binder content.

The optimum binder content is obtained by plotting the graph of Pb(percentage


binder) against VIM(Voids in mix),VFB(Voids filled with Binder) and VMA(Voids
in mineral aggregates)

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

As per the guidelines, the optimum binder content is selected at 4% VIM and
checked against VMA and VFB. From the graphs above the optimum binder
content for the mix was found to be 4.3%
The Superpave mix design is based on volumetric properties of the constituents
(Aggregates and binder), therefore the total percentage of the mix must be 100.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

The dry proportion includes the percentage volumes of the aggregate fractions
only, and the wet proportions includes the percentage volumes of aggregate
fraction including the preliminary designed binder content

The summary for the dry and wet proportion of the mix is shown below,

Table 1.4:- Dry and wet mix proportions.


PROPERTY RESULTS UNIT
       
Stockpile/fraction Dry proportions Wet proportions  
10--15 30.5 29.1885 %
5--10 35.5 33.9735 %
0--5 34 32.538 %
       
Design binder   4.3 %
Total dry prop 100   %
Total wet prop   100 %
       

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

4.0 RESULTS, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION


4.1 Binder Tests
The selected binder was then tested for various properties so as to confirm that the
selected binder has met the specifications.

The binder properties tested includes,


5. Viscosity
6. Flash point
7. Stiffness (G*) at virgin binder, short term aged binder (RTFOT) and long term
aged binder (PAV).
8. Mass change

Tests on Original binder


1. Rheological Properties of Binder
The property G*/Sin∂ @ 10 rad/s is tested using a DSR (Dynamic Shear Rheometer)
with reference to ASTM D7175 or AASHTO T315 and should be greater or equal to
1.0 kPa for virgin binder.

The original binder sample was tested on the G*/Sin∂ @ 10 rad/s @70⁰ c and it was
found to be 2.21 kPa.

Discussion
The stiffness of the virgin binder was found to be within the specifications limits and
therefore the stiffness of the virgin binder has met the specifications.

2. Viscosity
This is the quantity that describes the fluids resistance to flow.
The viscosity of the binder, PG 70-10 was tested as per CML laboratory manual test
3.8 or ASTM D 4402 and as per the specification the 135⁰c and 165⁰c viscosity should
be less than or equal to 3 Pa.s.

The PG 70-10 sample tested as per the above specifications showed the viscosity of
the binder @135⁰c to be 0.76 Pa.s and @165⁰c to be 0.20 Pa.s.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Discussion
The Viscosity of the binder @135⁰c and @165⁰c was found to be within the limits of
the specifications.

3. Flash Point
The flash point of a volatile material is the lowest temperature at which its vapours
ignite if given an ignition source.
The flash point of the binder is tested as per CML laboratory manual test 3.3 or ASTM
D 92b and as per the specification the flash point of the Original binder should be more
than or equal to 230⁰c
The binder sample tested as per the above specifications show the flash point of the
binder to be 300⁰c.

Discussion
The flash point of the binder was found to be within the specifications limits and
therefore the binder is within acceptable range.

Tests on binder after RTFO (Rolled thin film oven) ageing- short term ageing
4. Mass change (%)
The mass change of the binder after RTFO ageing is to be tested as per CML 3.4 or
ASTM D2872, and it should be maximum 1%

The tested mass loss of the binder was found to be 0.51% which is within the specified
range as per the guidelines.

5. Rheological Properties of Binder


The property G*/Sin∂ @ 10 rad/s is tested using a DSR (Dynamic Shear Rheometer)
with reference to ASTM D7175 or AASHTO T315 and should be greater or equal to
1.0 KPa for virgin binder, 2.2 KPa after RTFOT and ≤ 5000 KPa after PAV

After RTFO ageing the binder sample was tested on the G*/Sin∂ @ 10 rad/s @70⁰ c
and it was found to be 5.14 KPa.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Tests on binder after PAV (Pressure Aging Vessel) ageing- long term ageing
After PAV aging of the sample the property G*/Sin∂ @ 10 rad/s @34⁰c was again
tested with reference to ASTM D7175 or AASHTO T315. The result should be less
than or equal to 5000 kPa.

The result for */Sin∂ @ 10 rad/s @34⁰c of sample of the binder tested after PAV aging
was 2035 kPa.

Table 1.2: Summary of all binder tests

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

4.2 Aggregate tests


The aggregates selected have to be further evaluated by testing for their various
properties so as to check that they meet the desired specifications.

The following tests on aggregates were conducted to evaluate the various properties of
aggregates.

Coarse aggregate tests


Gradation
Aggregate grading was determined with reference to ASTM C136 (dry sieve
analysis) or ASTM C117 (washed sieve analysis).

TFV (ten percent fines value)


Toughness of the aggregate sample was evaluated by Ten Percent Fines Value.
This test was conducted with reference to CML LTM 2.4 or BS EN1097-4.
As per the guidelines of the IGDMA the value of TFV should be more than 210KN.

The tested TFV for the sample was measured to be 260KN for TFV-dry and
230KN for TFV-soaked.

Flat and elongated particle


Flat and elongated particle was measured with reference to ASTM D4791.
The maximum allowed limit to flat and elongated particles is 10%.

The measured flat and elongated from the aggregate sample was measured to be
5.9%.

Coarse aggregate angularity


Coarse aggregate angularity was tested with reference to ASTM D5821 and as per
Interim Guidelines 95% of the sample aggregate should have one or more
fractured faces and 90% of the tested aggregates should have two or more
fractured faces.

The tested coarse aggregate angularity for the sample was tested in two fractions
5 – 10mm and 10 -15mm stockpiles.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Coarse aggregate angularity for 5 – 10mm stockpile was 100% for one or more
faces and 86% for two or more faces.
Coarse aggregate angularity for 10 – 15mm stockpile was 100% for one or more
faces and 90% for two or more faces.

Specific gravity and water absorption


The specific gravity and water absorption was tested in aggregate fractions of
5 – 10mm and 10 – 15mm and it was calculated as Bulk specific gravity and
Apparent specific gravity.

With reference to CML LTM 2.2 or ASTM C127 the limit for the water absorption of
the coarse aggregate is 1% maximum by mass.

The bulk Specific gravity was calculated to be 2.789 and 2.845 for 5 – 10mm
And 10 – 15mm fractions respectively.
The water absorption was calculated to be 0.48% and 0.33% for 5 – 10mm and
10 – 15mm fractions respectively.

Fine aggregate tests.


Tests conducted on the fine aggregates portion of the sample aggregates includes;

Sand equivalent test


Sand equivalent test was tested with reference to CML LTM 2.2 or ASTM C128.
As per the Interim guidelines the sand equivalent should be minimum 50% total
fine fraction.
The measured sand equivalent for the given fine aggregate sample was 75%

Presence of clay lumps and friable particles


Presence of clay lumps and friable particles is tested with reference to ASTM
C142 or AASHTO T330. The clay lumps and friable particles are to be of
maximum 10%
The presence of clay lumps and friable particles was found to be 0.25%

Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB 20


Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Fine aggregate angularity


Fine aggregate angularity is measured on the fine aggregate portion of the
blended aggregate by ASTM C1252.
The results of this test are used in the laboratory during the Superpave mix
design process.
As per the specifications the minimum fine aggregate angularity is 45%

The measured fine aggregate angularity for the aggregate sample was
measured to be 49%

Specific gravity and water absorption


Specific gravity and water absorption of fine aggregates was measured with
reference to CML LTM 2.2 or ASTM C128.
Water absorption for fine aggregates should be maximum 1.5%
The measured water absorption for the fine aggregates sample was 0.48%

Fine aggregates were tested in Bulk specific gravity and apparent specific
gravity.

The measured bulk specific gravity and apparent specific gravity for the
aggregate sample was measured to be 2.748 and 2.785 respectively.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Table 1.3: Summary of all aggregate tests

4.2 Blending of Aggregates


Three fractions of stockpiles were received, 0-5mm, 5-10mm and 10-15mm. From
these fractions three trial blends were developed for further testing as the Superpave
mix including the selected Optimum binder content.

The blending was done in excel spreadsheet and was graphed so as to design the
blends proportions that lies within the control points as shown below.

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

5.0 Performance tests for Superpave mix


Superpave is a mix design that evaluates the asphalt mix on the basis of their
performance, from Performance Grade binder (PG) selection to performance based
aggregate tests.
According to Interim Guidelines the optimum mix among the selected trial blends must
be tested on their performance characteristics.

The performance tests performed on the Superpave mix includes;


Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB 23
Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

a) Workability
b) Durability
c) Permanent deformation resistance (Rutting)

5.1 Workability
Workability can be defined as a property that describes the ease with which a Hot
Mixed Asphalt (HMA) can be placed, worked by hand, and compacted. This definition
provides a term that is applicable to movement of HMA through construction equipment
to the roadway, handwork of HMA, and compactibility on the roadway.
From the Interim Guidelines Workability is measured using a gyratory compactor with
reference to AASHTO PP 60.

According to the Interim Guidelines, the air void of the specimen should not exceed
3% after 25 gyrations.

5.2 Durability (Moisture resistance)


Moisture susceptibility is a primary cause of distress in Hot Mixed Asphalt (HMA)
pavements. HMA should not degrade substantially from moisture penetration into the
mix. HMA mixtures may be considered susceptible to moisture if the internal asphalt
binder to aggregate bond weakens in the presence of water. This weakening, if severe
enough, can result in stripping.

To measure the potential for moisture damage to HMA mixtures, moisture susceptibility
testing can be performed. Results from the moisture susceptibility test may be used to
predict the potential for long-term stripping and to evaluate anti-stripping additives,
which are added to the asphalt binder, aggregate, or HMA mixture to help prevent
stripping.

The two commonly accepted tests to evaluate the durability are ASTM D4867M and
AASHTO T282. In the interim Guidelines, the recommended test method is ASTM
D4867M

5.3 Permanent deformation (Rutting)

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Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Permanent deformation (rutting) is a phenomenon that results from non-recoverable


deformation of the pavement. This is related to pavement stiffness, and also to the
rheological (flow) properties of the binder.
Rutting is a term for when permanent deformation or consolidation accumulates in
an asphalt pavement surface over time; this is typically shown by the wheel path
being engraved in the road.
Asphalt roads are considered flexible, and this can be shown during summer
months when the binder on the surface of older asphalt roads begins to stick to the
bottom of shoes. Rutting occurs because the aggregate and binder in asphalt roads
can move.

The tests involved in the testing of permanent deformation of the Hot Mixed Asphalt
include:
a) Loaded wheel tests (BS 598-110 wheel tracking method)
b) Repeated load axial (Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester – Flow number test
and the repeated shear constant height test)

According to the Interim Guidelines, the repeated load axial test commonly known as
Flow number test is recommended for the mix design while the loaded wheel test is
done for the verification of the rutting potential in the field.

Flow Number Test


This test was performed using a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) on 100mm diameter
and 150mm thick specimens at a testing temperature of 50⁰C at air voids 7±1% at an
axial applied stress of 600Kpa. A pulse load of 0.1sec is applied and resting period of
0.9sec.
The maximum number of load cycles and micro strain is 10,000 and 50,000
respectively.

Five sample specimens were prepared for AMPT- flow number test and the results
were tabulated and graphed as shown below.

Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB 25


Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

As per the Interim Guidelines, The flow number requirements for SP 12.5 for 20 years
design E80(millions) between 10 to 30 TLC is minimum 190 flow number cycles.

So from the above table of flow number test summary for the five sample specimens
tested and their graph of strain against flow number cycles, the flow numbers were all
greater than 190 cycles.

6.0 REFERENCES

1. [Link]
Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB 26
Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

2. [Link]
3. IGDMA (Interim Guidelines for Design of Hot Mix Asphalt) - 2018
4. Standard Specification for road works - 2000
5. Pavement design manual - 1999
6. Laboratory testing manual - 2000

Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB 27


Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB


Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

APPENDIX A
Laboratory test results

Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB


Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB


Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB


Design of Asphalt mix (Sp 12.5) for upgrading Mpemba-Isongole road

Central Materials Laboratory - TANLAB

Common questions

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Aggregate angularity plays a crucial role in the performance of asphalt mixes by affecting the interlocking and frictional resistance between particles, which contributes to the structural integrity of the pavement. In the Superpave method, aggregate angularity is measured to ensure aggregates have sufficient fractured faces, enhancing the strength and stability of the mix, thereby reducing deformation under loads . Coarse aggregate angularity also helps in achieving a higher degree of compaction and interlocking, critical for enduring high traffic loads .

Tests performed on binders in the Superpave mix include viscosity, flash point, stiffness measured as G*/Sinδ at different temperatures and aging stages (virgin, short-term aged using RTFOT, and long-term aged using PAV), and mass change tests. These evaluate the binder's resistance to deformation at high temperatures, tensile strength, and durability over time .

The Superpave mix design process ensures the selection of appropriate aggregate sizes and shapes by using specifications that require aggregates to comply with standard characteristics such as angularity, shape, and gradation. It uses tests like flat and elongated particle evaluation and coarse aggregate angularity to select particles that provide optimal interlocking and friction, leading to improved structural integrity and load distribution in the pavement .

The Superpave system incorporates traffic data by adjusting the compaction efforts using the gyratory compactor, which simulates the actual conditions the pavement will experience under traffic loads. It considers factors such as traffic volume, speed, and axle loads to determine the appropriate compaction level, thus tailoring the mix design to achieve longevity and performance based on the expected traffic conditions .

Aggregate cleanliness significantly impacts asphalt mix performance by influencing the bonding quality between aggregates and the binder. Clean aggregates, with low levels of clay and other impurities, enhance adhesion and reduce the likelihood of weak points in the structure. Tests for cleanliness, such as the sand equivalent test and assessment of clay lumps, are crucial to ensure the aggregates contribute positively to the mix's stability and strength .

The specific objectives for the asphalt mix design in the Mpemba-Isongole road project include selecting the binder type and content, aggregate selection, and determining the optimum binder content to ensure the pavement can withstand regional traffic and climatic conditions. These objectives aim to produce a durable and high-performing pavement .

PG (Performance Grade) binders are significant in Superpave mix designs because they provide a precise evaluation of binder performance under varying temperature conditions, which is crucial for preventing pavement failures such as rutting and cracking. Tanzania's use of these binders, such as PG 64-16, ensures the pavement can withstand both the high temperatures and potential for cracking at lower temperatures, improving durability and performance .

The Superpave method addresses pavement failures more comprehensively by incorporating performance-related tests for binders and aggregates, considering traffic and environmental factors. Unlike the Hveem and Marshall methods, which primarily rely on volumetric analysis, Superpave includes performance tests like Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and uses a gyratory compactor to simulate traffic compaction. These enhancements help in predicting potential failures like rutting and low-temperature cracking .

The primary objective of the Superpave mix design methodology is to design a durable asphalt pavement that accounts for traffic loading as well as climatic conditions specific to the Songwe Region .

The Superpave mix design method ties the selection of asphalt binder and aggregates into the mix design process by considering the performance requirements under expected traffic and climatic conditions. It replaces the traditional compaction devices from the Hveem and Marshall methods with a gyratory compactor and uses performance tests such as viscosity and stiffness measurements to ensure that both binders and aggregates are suitable for the mix .

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