Comparative Performance Analysis of Superpave4 and Superpave5 Asphalt Mixtures in Massachusetts: Cracking Resistance, Permeability, and Mechanistic-Emperical Evaluation
Randomized trial compares cracking resistance and permeability of Superpave4 and Superpave5 mixtures, indicating Superpave5 as a better option.
Key Points
To compare the performance of Superpave4 and Superpave5 asphalt mixtures in terms of cracking resistance, permeability, and performance modeling.
Laboratory testing of four asphalt mixtures: Superpave4 with 14% and 15% VMA, Superpave5 with 15% and 16% VMA.
Conducted the Texas Overlay Test for intermediate-temperature cracking and the Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Test for low-temperature cracking.
Analyzed permeability with a falling head permeability test and predicted performance using FlexPAVE™.
Texas Overlay Test results aligned with Phase I cracking tolerance index behaviors.
TSRST showed no significant differences between mixture types in low temperature performance.
Superpave5 mixtures had higher permeability compared to Superpave4 but remained acceptable, and FlexPAVE™ simulations indicated superior rutting resistance for Superpave5.