Research Will Allow Better Use of Materials for Improved Pavements

Posted: Jul 27, 2023

Research at the University of Utah is addressing the disconnect between asphalt mixture tests and the inputs for the structure design of pavements. Because of its complexities, the dynamic modulus (which represents the stiffness of the asphalt material when tested in a compressive, repeated load and is required as an input into the structural design of asphalt) is seldom measured, resulting in average or default values being used. The researchers developed a theoretical relationship between parts of the dynamic modulus and the cracking tolerance index, a test used to indicate the resistance to pavement cracking. Their results indicate that it is feasible to incorporate the results from tests used for asphalt mixtures into the structural design of asphalt pavements, allowing for actual material properties to be used in the analysis. The ability to incorporate the material properties obtained during the design of asphalt mixtures into the structural evaluation of asphalt pavements will result in better use of site-specific materials, the ability to conduct life-cycle analysis, and more robust pavement designs.

Pedro Romero, Ph.D.
University of Utah

Development of Dynamic Modulus Parameters from Single Point Tests
MPC-23-499