ABSTRACT
Low-temperature cracking, fatigue cracking, and rutting are three common types of distress in asphalt pavements. This study’s primary objective was to compare the performance of field and laboratory hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixes in terms of fatigue cracking, low-temperature cracking, rutting, and moisture sensitivity. Performance specifications based on test results and literature reviews were determined, including rut depth for rutting resistance, flexibility index (FI) for fatigue cracking resistance, and fracture energy for low-temperature cracking resistance. Low-temperature cracking, fatigue cracking, rutting, and moisture damage resistances were determined using Disc-shaped Compact Tension (DCT), Semi-circular Bend (SCB), Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA), and Indirect Tensile Tests (IDT). Field mix and raw materials to create laboratory mixes were obtained from seven districts in North Dakota. Field mixes were replicated in the laboratory and compacted with 7±0.5% air voids using a Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC). At least three specimens were tested to examine low-temperature and fatigue cracking, four were used to determine rutting resistance, and six were used to investigate moisture damage resistance. The laboratory mixes had a better low-temperature and fatigue cracking resistance, while field mixes generally had higher flexibility indices (FIs). Interstate, interregional, and state corridors have minimum and maximum parameters: maximum rut depths of 7 mm, 8 mm, and 9 mm, minimum FIs of 6, 5, and 4 for good fatigue cracking resistant mixes, and minimum fracture energies of 500 J/m2, 450 J/m2, and 400 J/m2 for good low-temperature cracking resistant mixes, respectively.
