Abstract
When a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) ages, its mechanical properties, resistance, and durability change. Several studies have been conducted throughout the world to evaluate the effects of aging in HMAs. However, few studies have analyzed the influence of gradation. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of gradation on the mechanical properties of aged HMA mixes. For such purposes, three HMA mixes with different gradations were manufactured (named HMA-10, HMA-19, and HMA-25), which were conditioned in STOA (short-term oven aging) and LTOA (long-term oven aging) by following the guidelines established by the AASHTO R30 specification. Marshall, Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), resilient modulus, permanent deformation, fatigue (under controlled-stress condition), and Cantabro tests were performed. These tests were carried out to evaluate resistance under monotonic and cyclic load as well as the resistance to moisture damage and abrasion. The best performing mix in the test was HMA-19. There is no clear trend about the influence of gradation over the susceptibility of mixes for aging. This susceptibility changes depending on the test performed and the property measured. Furthermore, in resilient modulus tests, it is observed that the influence of gradation on aging susceptibility changes depending on the test temperature.
Highlights
A great portion of roadways throughout the world are built with asphalt pavements
This study measured the mechanical properties of three hot-mix asphalts (HMA) mixes when they age in the short term (STOA) and long term (LTOA)
The above could be seen as an indicator of good performance in mixes for resisting vehicle loads in hightemperature climates and in asphalt pavements with thicker asphalt layers
Summary
A great portion of roadways throughout the world are built with asphalt pavements. In turn, these roadway structures generally use hot-mix asphalts (HMA) to comprise the asphalt layer. These mixes must be transported to construction works and extended and compacted at high temperatures During this stage, asphalt binder thermally oxidizes, volatilizes its light components, rearranges its microstructure, and changes its physical–chemical properties (aging) [1]. HMA is exposed during the useful service life of asphalt pavement to the effects of weather (mainly photooxidation caused by sunlight and ultraviolet radiation, temperature changes, moisture, and evaporation, among others) as well as traffic. During this stage, asphalt continues to oxidize and age. As a result of this, it is important to conduct studies on this topic
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