X-ray Tomography to Characterize Air Void Distribution in Superpave Gyratory Compacted Specimens

Authors: Tashman L.¹; Masad E.¹; D'Angelo J.²; Bukowski J.²; Harman T.³

Source: International Journal of Pavement Engineering, Volume 3, Number 1, 1 January 2002 , pp. 19-28(10)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

Abstract:

Air void distribution has considerable influence on the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures. Several factors such as the compaction effort, method of compaction, aggregate gradation, and aggregate shape control the air void distribution. An X-ray computed tomography (CT) system along with image analysis techniques are used in this study for non-destructive characterization of air void distribution in gyratory specimens prepared using different gradations and compaction efforts.

The air void distributions in gyratory specimens are quantified using parameters that describe the change in percent and volume of air voids along the horizontal and vertical directions. Air voids are shown to be more concentrated in the top and bottom regions that are in contact with the base plates, as well as in the outer region that is in contact with the mold. The non-uniformity of the distribution increases with an increase in compaction effort. The difference in aggregate gradations used in this study is shown to have just a slight influence on the air void distribution.

Keywords: Compaction; Air void; X-ray CT; Image analysis

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-2910, USA 2: Office of Pavement Technology, Federal Highway Administration, 400, 7th Street, Southwest, Room 6319, Washington, DC 20590, USA 3: Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center, Federal Highway Administration, 6300 Georgetown Pike, HRDI, McLean, VA 22101-2296, USA

Publication date: 2002-01-01

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