Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement Compaction

[Jameschen6]

As Previous OPS Standard, The pavement compaction (Field density)requirement is 92-96.5%. As the concrete placement which there should be air content if the concrete placement exposed to the freezing condition. The asphalt 92-96.5% has be understood this way for a long time. Now the OPS standard changed the requirement to At least 92% some time ago. Theoretically, compaction can go up to 100%. Is this correct? I have asked a number of people of this matter. It seems that nobody can answer it. Thanks

 

[EireChch]

I am not sure on the first part of your question re concrete placement, air content and has to be understood for a long time. Could you explain a but further please.

But, yes you can compact material to its maximum dry density, there for you have achieved 100%. However, it is likely that you have just been able to apply better compaction that what was applied in the lab. This is why you can get more than 100%. You compacted better on site than you did in the lab.

 

[Jameschen6]

Thank you Eirechch,

My question is about the Asphalt pavement compaction. The old version of OPS standard had a requirement of field density 92-96.5% of MRD. A couple of years ago (maybe more than 2 years), The OPS was updated with requirement of the compaction 92% and up. They removed the upper limit. Theoretically, the compaction can reach 100% and the void can be 0%. Is this correct?

 

[Ron]

Yes, you can achieve 100% of the MRD and as you noted, the voids approach zero. That's not good!% The asphalt will then become less resilient and more brittle.

As a practical matter, it is very difficult to achieve 100% compaction during laydown. All conditions have to be perfect!

Keep an upper limit of 95 to 96 percent.


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[Jameschen6]

What is the consideration they have taken to remove the upper limit?

 

[Ron]

Committee ignorance


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