Determination of Marshall parameters of bituminous mix by using non-destructive testing method

Abstract

Non-destructive test (NDT) is a fast, easy, cost-effective in-situ method of inspecting, testing, evaluating the different materials, component assemblies, etc. Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) test is one of the best NDT methods frequently used for cement concrete for evaluating various parameters e.g., strength, life, crack depth, corrosion, etc. Conventional destructive test (e.g., Marshall Test) is performed to determine the optimum bitumen content (OBC) and various Marshall parameters of bituminous concrete. Destructive tests are laborious, time-consuming, costly, moreover; it is impossible to find the in-situ characteristics of pavement by destructive test. In recent times, the UPV test has been emerging for bituminous concrete work. However, much reliability of non-destructive test on bituminous mix has not been developed. In this study, the Proceq UPV apparatus has been used to determine the dynamic modulus by a non-destructive test. To implement such study different proportions of virgin aggregate and of RAP material such as 0:100, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50 % was utilized to fabricate the bituminous concrete (BC). Correlations between dynamic modulus and stability, flow value, density, OBC (Optimum bitumen content) have been developed. These correlations can predict Marshall strength and parameters of conventional and non-conventional bituminous mix using the UPV apparatus. The results suggested that the 40:60% RAP-modified BC mix has executed superior results than the other mixes.