Accelerated testing of an asphalt pavement with the third-scale model mobile load simulator (MMLS3)

Date
2000-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Accelerated pavement testing (APT) is the application of a wheel loading, to a prototype or actual layered, structural pavement system to determine pavement response and performance under controlled, accelerated accumulation of damage in a compressed time period. It is a tool used for the evaluation of performance of new pavement materials, distress mechanisms, pavement distress, and selection of rehabilitation strategies. In this study, the research work that was done in Jacksboro, Texas (USA) with the third-scale Model Mobile Load Simulator (MMLS3) as part of the APT programme of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is presented. The primary objective was to evaluate the performance ofthe different asphalt concrete (AC) materials (Dustrol and Remixer) used on highway US 281, in terms of rutting and distress due to wet trafficking. The other objective was to investigate the difference in rutting between the MMLS3 and the full-scale Texas Mobile Load Simulator (TxMLS). The scope of the study included fieldwork, laboratory work and theoretical analysis. On average, the performance of the layer from the Dustrol process was found to be poorer than that of the Remixer process. The Dustrol process was more susceptible to moisture damage and less resistant to permanent deformation compared to the Remixer process. The MMLS3 and TxMLS permanent deformations in the upper 90 mm surface layers correlated well in terms of the respective vertical stresses imposed by the two APT devices, after allowing for the difference in environmental conditions during trafficking. Overall, the study demonstrated that the MMLS3, used in conjunction with nondestructive field and laboratory testing, is a significant cost-effective APT device that can be used for evaluating the response and performance of the (surface) layers of full-scale, in-service pavements.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Versnelde Plaveisel Toetsing bestaan uit die gebruik van 'n wiellas op 'n prototipe of 'n bestaande gelaagde plaveiselstruktuur om die plaveiselgedrag onder beheerde en versnelde toename in skade in 'n verkorte periode te bepaal. Dit word gebruik om die gedrag van nuwe plaveiselmateriale, swigtingsmeganismes, plaveiselswigting en die keuse van rehabilitasie strategieë te evalueer. Die navorsingswerk met die derde skaal Model Mobile Load Simulator (MMLS3) wat onderneem is in Jacksboro, Texas (VSA), en deel uitmaak van die Versnelde Plaveisel Toetsingsprojek van die Texas Departement van Vervoer (TxDOT), word uiteengesit. Die hoofdoel van die studie was om die gedrag van twee verskillende asfaltmateriale, naamlik Dustrol en Remixer, wat gebruik is op die US 281-snelweg, in terme van sporing en swigting as gevolg van nat belastingstoestande te evalueer. 'n Verdere doelstelling was om die verskil in die gemete sporing tussen die MMLS3 en die volskaal Texas Mobile Load Simulator (TxMLS) te ondersoek. Die studie het veld- en laboratoriumtoetse en teoretiese analise behels. Die gedrag van die Dustrol laag is oor die algemeen swakker as die Remixer lae. Die Dustrol laag, in vergelyking met die Remixer lae, is meer vatbaar vir vogskade en spoor makliker. Nadat die invloed van verskillende omgewingstoestande gedurende asbelasting inaggeneem is, korreleer die sporing vir die MMLS3 en die TxMLS in die lae van die boonste 90mm van die plaveisel goed in terme van die vertikale spannings soos opgewek deur die twee toetstoestelle. In die geheel word bewys dat die MMLS3 tesame met nie-destruktiewe veld- en laboratoriumtoetse 'n belangrike koste-effektiewe versnelde plaveisel toetstoestel is, wat aangewend kan word in die evaluasieproses van die gedrag van (oppervlak) lae van volskaalse plaveisels in gebruik.
Description
Thesis (MEng)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.
Keywords
Pavements -- Testing, Accelerated life testing, Dissertations -- Civil engineering, Theses -- Civil engineering
Citation