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General
Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is a generic term that includes many different types of mixtures of
aggregate and asphalt cement (binder) produced at elevated temperatures (generally between
300-350F) in an asphalt plant. Typically, HMA mixtures are divided into three mixture
categories: dense-graded; open-graded; and gap-graded as a function of the aggregate
gradation used in the mix.
A variation on tradtional hot-mix asphalt is warm-mix asphalt (WMA). WMA technologies
are processes or additives to HMA that allow mixture production and placement to occur at
temperatures (30-100F) lower than conventional HMA without sacrificing performance.
Technology currently used to make the WMA process possible are chemical binder additives,
chemical mixture additives, foaming admixtures, and plant modifications.
Additives and processes pre-qualified for use on department projects can be found on the
approved WMA list .
Significant benefits derived from using WMA include:
The following information addresses HMA mixtures, but generally do not differ appreciably
from WMA. Typically, the same parent test procedures or specification item applies to both
types of asphalt.
Dense-graded mixes are produced with well or continuously graded aggregate (gradation
curve does not have any abrupt slope change) and are specified under the current Items 340
and 341 (QC/QA). Typically, larger aggregates float in a matrix of mastic composed of
asphalt cement and screenings/fines (see Figure 3-3).
Open-graded mixes are produced with relatively uniform-sized aggregate typified by an
absence of intermediate-sized particles (gradation curve has a nearly vertical drop in
intermediate size range). Mixes typical of this structure are the permeable friction course
(Item 342) and asphalt-treated permeable bases. Because of their open structure, precautions
are taken to minimize asphalt drain-down by using modified binders (A-R) asphalt rubber,
or by use of fibers. Stone-on-stone contact with a heavy asphalt cement particle coating
typifies these mixes (see Figure 3-4).
Gap-graded mixes use an aggregate gradation with particles ranging from coarse to fine with
some intermediate sizes missing or present in small amounts. The gradation curve may have a
flat region denoting the absence of a particle size or a steep slope denoting small quantities
of these intermediate aggregate sizes (see Figure 3-5). These mixes are also typified by stone-
on-stone contact and can be more permeable than dense-graded mixes (Item 344,
Performance-Designed Mixtures), or highly impermeable (Item 346, Stone-Matrix Asphalt).
Stone-matrix asphalt (SMA) will be missing most intermediate sizes but have a relatively
high proportion of fines. Fibers or modified binders (A-R) are combined with these fines to
build a rich mastic coating around and between large aggregate particles. Compacting and
hand-working these mixes are usually more difficult than with either dense-graded or opengraded mixes.
Figure 3-3. Dense-graded mix cross-section and typical gradation curve for a dense-graded
mix.
Figure 3-4. Open-graded (Permeable Friction Course) mix cross-section and typical gradation
curve for open-graded mix.
Figure 3-5. Gap-graded (Performance-Designed or SMA) mix and typical gradation curve for
a gap-graded mix.
Resistance to Permanent Deformation. The mix should not distort or displace under
traffic loading. The true test will come during high summer temperatures that soften
the binder and, as a result, the loads will be predominantly carried by the aggregate
structure.
Resistance to permanent deformation is controlled through improved aggregate
properties (crushed faces), proper gradation, and proper asphalt grade and content.
Workability. Mixes that can be adequately compacted under laboratory conditions may
not be easily compacted in the field. Adjustments may need to be made to the mix
design to ensure the mix can be properly placed in the field without sacrificing
performance.
Skid Resistance. This is a concern for surface mixtures that must have sufficient
resistance to skidding, particularly under wet weather conditions. Aggregate
properties such as texture, shape, size, and resistance to polish are all factors related to
skid resistance. Under the departments Wet Weather Accident Reduction Program
(WWARP)*, aggregates are classified into four categories (A, B, C, or D) based on a
combination of frictional and durability properties. A friction demand assessment is
made by the responsible engineer. The proper aggregate or blend (using categories A
and B only) to achieve the assessed rating is then selected.
II
Type Mix
Compactor
Used
Dense-graded
Types A, B, TGC
C, D, F
As above
TGC
Must meet
Mix Evaluation
Comment
Density - 96.0%1
(Rich Bottom
Layer [RBL]
98%)
Indirect tensile
strength ( Tex226-F), Hamburg (
Tex-242-F), both
at optimum AC
content at 93 1%
density
Mix designed by
weight of
constituent
materials
Min. VMA by
mix type
As above
As above
Mix designed by
volume of
constituent
materials when
aggregate
stockpile specific
gravities vary by
0.300 or more.
Volumes
converted to
weights.
III
Large stone
(Types A, B)
SGC
Density - 97%
Min. VMA by
mix type
Indirect tensile
Mix designed by
strength (Tex-226- weight of
F) at each asphalt constituent
content, Hamburg
(Tex-242-F) at
optimum AC
materials.
content at 93 1%
density.
Density - 96%1
(Rich Bottom
Layer [RBL]
98%)
Min. VMA by
mix type.
IV
Performancedesigned
(Superpave,
Coarse
SGC
Matrix High
Binder) SPA, B, C, D,
CMBH-C, F
Indirect tensile
strength (Tex-226F), Hamburg (Tex242-F), both at
optimum AC
content at 93 1%
density.
Mix designed by
weight of
constituent
materials
Cantabro Loss (
Tex-245-F) at
optimum AC
content at 78-82%
density.
Mix designed by
weight of
constituent
materials
Indirect tensile
strength (Tex-226F), Hamburg (Tex242-F), both at
Mix designed by
weight of
constituent
materials
Density at Nini,
Ndes, Nmax must all
fall in allowable
range SP mixes
(summary
worksheet of mix
design program)
Min. optimum
asphalt content of
6.0%.
Permeable
Friction
SGC
Course (PFC)
Lab molded
density 7882%.
Max. allowable
draindown <
0.3%.
No visible
stripping by Tex530-C.
VI
Stone-matrix SGC
Asphalt
(SMA)
Density - 96%
Min. VMA
Min. AC content
6% for aggregate
bulk spec. grav.
2.75.
Must ensure
stone- on-stone
contact.
optimum AC
content at 93 1%
density.
Max. allowable
draindown <
0.2%.
No visible
stripping by Tex530-C.
Density - 97%
VII
Stone-Matrix
Asphalt
SGC
Rubber
(SMAR)
Min. VMA
higher for A-R
binder
Min. crumb
rubber modifier
content otherwise
as above
As above
Mix designed by
weight of
constituent
materials
1. Consideration should be given to increasing the lab molded density to 96.5 or 97.0% where
achieving field compacted density has been problematic.
The result of the mix design process is a job-mix formula (JMF), a starting point for the
contractor in producing HMA for the project. The responsible engineer and contractor
generally verify the JMF based on plant-produced mixture from a trial batch. The responsible
engineer may accept an existing mixture design previously used by the department and may
waive the trial batch to verify the JMF.
If the JMF fails the verification check using the trial batch, the JMF is adjusted or the mix
may be redesigned. Additional plant-produced trial batches are run until the JMF is verified.
During the course of the project, the JMF may be modified without developing a new mix
design to achieve specified requirements as long as adjustments do not exceed tolerances
established within the applicable mix specification.
overall pavement design, existing pavement conditions, lift thickness, traffic loading
characteristics), environment, past performance, local contractor experience, and economics.
Guidelines have been established to assist in the decision-making process in the form of a
Mixture Selection Guide. The Guide provides general descriptions of the various HMA mixes
used in the State (typical use, advantages, disadvantages); table ratings (subjective) of
mixture characteristics for each of the mixture types; table of typical lift thicknesses; location
within a pavement structure for each mixture type; and recommended choices for surface
mixtures.
there are concerns for bottom up moisture intrusion into less rich (higher air void)
bottom HMA layer
Along with establishing an engineered foundation, using RBL is designed to help mitigate
conventional bottom up fatigue cracking (see Figure 2-2).
Exceptions to the use of these improved performance mixes for high truck traffic pavements
must be granted by the Director of CST-M&P or designated representative. If a district is
interested in using these improved performance mixes on routes with less than 30 million
ESALs, the district must obtain approval from CST-M&P.
1. ensure that pavements are being constructed that provide adequate skid resistance
2. develop an overview of the skid resistant properties of the highway system
3. provide information for use in developing safety improvement projects and the
implementation of cost effective treatments at appropriate locations.
The WWARP allows the department to take advantage of the increased knowledge gained
through our research efforts and to more effectively and efficiently address the various
regional demands of Texas pavements. WWARP addresses three separate but interrelated
phases of pavement friction safety. The three phases are accident analysis, aggregate
selection, and skid testing.
Accident analysis is the first phase and it consists of the identification, evaluation and
improvement (as needed) for all wet weather accident locations. This information is
contained in the Crash Records Information System. The Traffic Operations Division
will furnish reports through the Construction Division (CST) to the districts on an
annual basis.
The second part of the program is aggregate selection. Each bituminous coarse
aggregate source is classified into categories based on a combination of the frictional
and durability properties of the aggregate. The classifications will be listed in the
Bituminous Rated Quality Source Catalog provided (every 6 mos.) by the
Geotechnical, Soils & Aggregates Branch of the Materials & Pavements Section of
the Construction Division (CST-M&P).
The third part of the program will consist of skid analysis and will include a
mandatory collection of skid data that will become part of the Pavement Management
Information System (PMIS).
Although CST-M&P has been delegated responsibility for administering the WWARP
program, it is the districts responsibility to manage frictional properties for their pavements
through sound engineering judgment and application of the program.