Civil Engineering Association

Synthesis of Performance Testing of Asphalt Concrete

At present, like many other agencies, the Minnesota Department of Transportation asphalt material specifications rely primarily on volumetric properties to ensure good field performance. There have been considerable amounts of research efforts to develop so called “asphalt performance tests” that can link laboratory-measured parameters to pavement performance. Research efforts are also undertaken to refine the asphalt mix-design method so that laboratory tests and procedures can be incorporated into material specification. This research project explored availability of such tests, their suitability, and their use by other agencies.