Cold Compaction of Asphalt Mixtures Using High Frequency Vibrations

Funding Agency: DOD

Abstract: The goal of this project is to evaluate the potential of using high frequency vibrations for compacting hot mix asphalt at cold and warm temperatures. Compaction is an essential process that condenses the volume of asphalt mixtures composed of asphalt binder, aggregate, filler materials and air voids and has a substantial impact on the performance of asphalt pavements. The purpose of compacting asphalt pavements is to reduce air voids, increase stability and density, provide a smooth surface, and increase the load carrying capacity of pavements. In cold regions; however, the period of compacting asphalt mixtures for achieving desired field densities is shortened due to the low ambient temperatures (i.e., faster cooling of asphalt mixture). This study is initiated with the objective of evaluating the potential of using high frequency compaction to achieve desired compaction densities (i.e., 8 to 2% air voids) in the field within a shorter period of time. For this purpose, the research team at CREATEs will build custom test strips and evaluate the potential of using different levels of compaction vibration frequencies for compacting such strips. Samples will also be cored from the test strips to evaluate the impact of compaction (or achieved density) on fatigue and rutting performance of pavements.

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