Performance of Stone Mastic Asphalt Mixtures Fabricated by Different Compaction Methods
Yingjun Jiang, Yu Zhang, Jinshun Xue, Changqing Deng, Tian Tian
Abstract
In this study, stone mastic asphalt (SMA-13) mixtures were designed using three methods, namely the vertical-vibration testing method (VVTM), Marshall method, and superpave gyratory compactor method (SGC). The performances of SMA-13 designed by all three methods were measured and compared. Results show that the optimal asphalt content of the asphalt mixture was 5% lower in the VVTM-designed SMA-13 than in the Marshall-designed and SGC-designed asphalts mixture. In comparison with the Marshall- and SGC-designed asphalts mixture, the VVTM-designed SMA-13 exhibited higher density (2.4% and 2.2% increase, respectively), mechanical properties (32% and 13% increase, respectively), high-temperature rut resistance (30% and 8% increase, respectively), low-temperature crack resistance (20% and 17% increase, respectively), water stability (4% and 3% increase, respectively), and fatigue life (at least 33% and 9% increase, respectively). The VVTM-designed SMA-13 exhibited a deeper short-term aging degree than the other SMA-13 specimens, but a smaller long-term aging degree. In summary, the SMA-13 mixture designed by the VVTM method delivered a better road performance and durability than the traditional design method, enabling improved designs of SMA mixtures.