Characterization Tests for Mineral Fillers Related to Performance of Asphalt Paving Mixtures

Abstract

Various studies have shown that the properties of mineral filler, especially the material passing through a 0.075-mm (No. 200) sieve (generally called P200 material), have a significant effect on the performance of asphalt paving mixtures in terms of permanent deformation, fatigue cracking, and moisture susceptibility. However, researchers have employed different characterization tests for evaluating the P200 materials. This study was undertaken to determine which P200 characterization tests are most related to the performance of asphalt paving mixtures. Six P200 materials representing a wide range of mineralogical composition and particle size were used. These P200 materials were characterized by six tests including Rigden voids, particle size analysis, and methylene blue test. Mixes were prepared with two fines to asphalt ratios (0.8 and 1.5) by weight. Mix validation tests included the Superpave shear test for evaluating permanent deformation and fatigue cracking, and the Hamburg wheel tracking test and AASHTO T283 for evaluating moisture susceptibility of the 12 mixtures containing different P200 materials and fines to asphalt ratios. The particle sizes in microns corresponding to 60 and 10 percent passing and the methylene blue test were determined to be related to the performance of asphalt paving mixtures.

The colloidal structure of bitumen: Consequences on the rheology and on the mechanisms of bitumen modification

“…Since mineral fillers enter at typically 2 to 12 wt.% of the total mineral matter in a bituminous mix, the bitumen/filler blend, sometimes called mastic, naturally forms when bitumen is mixed with aggregates. It is generally believed that the properties of the mastic are indeed more relevant than that of the bitumen in order to obtain sustainable pavement materials [263,264].…”

“…Mineral filler is the fine part of the granular fraction, generally being defined as the material passing the 200 sieve in the US (0.075 mm) or the 0.063 mm sieve in Europe, with a typical average particle size in the 10-50 µm range [263][264][265]. Since mineral fillers enter at typically 2 to 12 wt.% of the total mineral matter in a bituminous mix, the bitumen/filler blend, sometimes called mastic, naturally forms when bitumen is mixed with aggregates.…”

Experimental investigation on the effect of hydrated lime on mechanical properties of SMA

“…Previous studies conducted by Kim in 1990Kim in , 1994Kim in , 1995Kim in and 1999 as well as an earlier contribution of Bahia in 1999 indicates that the fatigue damage and the restorability depend heavily on the properties of the bitumen, properties of bitumen additives, interaction between bitumen and its additives, and ingredients which affect growth of the micro-cracks in the mastic [4]. According to the results obtained from the performance and volumetric tests, and also by establishing a relationship between the parameters extracted from these tests, finer filler will make the asphalt mixture stiffer and will eventually reduce the rutting phenomenon [5]. The crushed stone is a common filler material.…”

Evaluation of sawdust ash as a partial replacement for mineral filler in asphaltic concrete

“…Higher filler content results in stronger pavement attributed to better asphalt cohesively and better internal stability. However, excess amount of filler may weaken the mix by increasing the amount of asphalt needed to coat the aggregates (Kandhal et al, 1998).…”