Compaction studies on open-graded aggregates using portable impulse plate load test devices

Abstract

An ongoing research study is focusing on developing deflection-based compaction criteria for open-graded aggregate materials using Portable Impulse Plate Load Test Devices, such as the Light Weight Deflectometer (LWD). LWD tests were conducted on two different aggregate materials (ASTM # 4 and ASTM # 57) in cylindrical molds and a cubic wooden box with sides of 1.22 m. A scaled-up mold with a diameter of 304.8-mm was constructed and used for laboratory testing. Three different methods of compaction were used, and LWD testing was conducted after different levels of compaction. Nine (9) seating drops were necessary for LWD testing on open-graded aggregates. LWD testing in a mold was meaningful only for the large-diameter mold. Five seconds of compaction using a jackhammer was deemed to be adequate for stabilizing the aggregate matrix. Future tasks for this study have also been outlined in this paper.