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Research Project
IMPACT OF AGGREGATE GRADATION IN LOAD TRANSFER
BEHAVIOR OF BITUMINOUS MIXES : A COMPARATIVE STUDY
OF BC & SMA MIXES

Guided By: Submitted By:

Prof. Dr. A.P. Singh Kapil Dhabu (2017H1300083P)
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Flow of Presentation

 Introduction
 Objective of the Study
 Literature Review
 Methodology
 Aggregate Test Results
 Bitumen Test Results
 Preparation of SMA and BC Mixes
 Results
 Conclusion and Further Scope of Work
 References
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Introduction

In a nutshell, bituminous
mix is nothing but a
Fine Aggregates Coarse
and Fillers Aggregates proportioned mix of
aggregates and
binders to reach to a
mix with desired
Binder
characteristics of
strength and physical
properties.

Bituminous Mix
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SMA & BC

 SMA and BC are two different types of bituminous

mixes differing in the aggregate gradation and the
binder content.
 Bituminous Concrete is a dense graded mix which is
generally used for surface layer in flexible pavements
due to better stability values and the mastic effect
which provides a smooth finish to the surface layer.
 Stone Matrix Asphalt is nothing but a gap graded
bituminous mix depending on aggregate to
aggregate interlocking for load transfer mechanism. It
is a highly rut resisting bituminous mix.
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Literature Review

 Literature reviews have been done in 3 major domains

as per the need of the study and keeping the future
scope in mind. The three domains being :

 Impact of aggregate gradation

 Code Specifications
 FEM modeling of pavement layers for stress and strain
analysis
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Literature Review

 As per existing code specifications, a module exists

which talks about how the aggregate should be and
how much the bitumen should be. But there is no
specification for strength criterion which is later justified
in the results.
 Amir Golalipour et al in their study talk about impact of
gradation change in three mixes gradations limited to
nominal size of 19 mm. The findings say that the upper
bound gradation with more of larger aggregates are
better in terms of Marshall stability and flow values and
also show higher resilient modulus. They are also
resistant to rutting.
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Literature Review

 Hongying Liu et al in their study considered the impact of

change of NMAS in the performance of SMA mixes.
 4 different aggregate gradation were designed with
NMAS ranging from 5 mm to 30 mm.
 It was concluded that, higher the NMAS, better is the rut
resistance. Also, with greater NMAS, the binder content
(optimum) reduced.
 Small aggregate size produces better resistance to
raveling and cracking.
 A suggestion has been made in the study that small NMAS
should be considered for water proof layer on the bridge
decks, whereas higher NMAS should be considered for
binder layer needing higher rut resistance.
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Literature Review

 Imran Hafeez et al in their study performed

experimental studies on 4 different aggregate
gradation for MSA mixes under PG grading criterion.
 With a combined analysis on different gradation
patterns under different performance grading tests,
they have concluded with similar results of Hongying
Liu and others.
 Further, on the basis of the results a recommendation
has been made to make use of NMAS 12.5 in SMA
gradation for better performance in terms of fatigue
and rut resistance.
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Literature Review

 Martin H. Sadd and others in their study have developed

a micro-mechanistic model of aggregate-bitumen
interaction and studied for the behavior of the model on
ABAQUS.
 A simulation of Indirect Tension Test on the prepared
samples was done by having variations in the
microstructure of the specimens.
 The results of the simulation were compared to physical
samples for validation purposes.
 The model developed was 2-D micro mechanistic model
and thus uniformity in the structure was assumed for the
results. This needs 3-D extrusion for exact results.
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Methodology

 For the initiation of sample preparations, constituent

materials were tested for their physical properties to
determine whether the aggregates and binder were
fit for use or not.
 The test results obtained were validated with
corresponding values suggested in the codes for the
concerned tests.
 The aggregate samples and the bitumen binder
samples were found to be OK for use and the results
are as follows.
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Aggregate Test Results
Serial Property Test Specification Test
No. s Results

1 Cleanliness GSA (IS:2386) <2% passing 1.5%

75 micron
sieve

2 Shape Test Combined EI&FI <30% 17.4%

(IS 2386)
3 Strength LA Abrasion <30% (BC), 16.4%
<25%(SMA)
AIV <24%(BC), 9.5%
<18%(SMA)
4 Water Water <2% 0.2%
Absorption Absorption Test

5 Bulk Sp. Gravity Sp. Gravity Test 2.5-2.9 2.68

6 Angular Number Angularity No. 0-33% 8%

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Bitumen Test Results

Serial Property Test Lab results

No.
1 Softening Point Ring & Ball 58.5o C
Test
2 Penetration Penetration 43
Test
3 Flash & Fire Point Flash & Fire Flash 196o C
Point Test Fire 208o C
4 Ductility Ductility Test 83 cm
5 Stripping Value Stripping 1%
Value Test
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BC Gradation

Sieve Size Range (%) Passing(%) Weight(gms)

19 100 100 -
13.2 90-100 95 60
9.5 70-88 75 240
4.75 53-71 60 120
2.36 42-58 50 120
1.18 34-48 40 120
0.6 26-38 30 120
0.3 18-28 20 120
0.15 12-20 15 60
0.075 4-10 6 108
Fines 2-8 6 72
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SMA Gradation

Sieve Size Range (%) Passing(%) Weight (gms)

19 100 100 -
13.2 90-100 92 96
9.5 50-75 55 444
4.75 20-28 23 384
2.36 16-24 18 60
1.18 13-21 15 36
0.6 12-18 12 36
0.3 10-20 10 24
.075 8-12 8 24
Fines 2-8 8 96
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Results

Sample No. Stability (kN) Flow (mm)

1 45 3.5
Avg.
2 44.9 3.4
Stability
3 47 3.2
45.63
4 14.7 3.8
13.9
5 14.2 3.6
6 12.8 3.1

Stability & Flow Values for BC Samples at

Room Temperature and at 60 0 C
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Results

Sample No. Stability (kN) Flow (mm)

1 30.6 2.8
2 35.9 3.5 Avg. Stability
3 32.1 4.0 32.86
4 5.1 3.8 5.5
5 5.6 3.8
6 5.8 3.7

Stability & Flow Values for SMA Samples at

Room Temperature and at 60 0 C
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Conclusion

 Results of the study show that at Room Temperature,

the stability value of BC samples is approximately 1.38
times more than that of SMA samples.

 Similarly, at 60 o C, the stability value of BC samples is

2.53 times more than that of SMA samples.

 Thus, the study signifies why their isn’t any specification

for Marshal stability for SMA mixes.
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Conclusion

 The reason for the same being, at 60 o C, due to

aggregate resting over each other for matrix
formation, the aggregates shear and skid over each
other.
 Since, Marshall stability value gives load value for 2%
air voids in the sample, thus the samples compresses to
fill-up the available spaces and fail under the loading
criterion for lower values.
 This implies that Marshall Stability and Flow values
shouldn’t only be the design criteria for any pavement
layer.
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Future Scope

 Modeling of aggregate bitumen composite mixture

over FEM package

 Simulate the actual load transfer mechanism with

different gradations and check for Ultimate Tensile
Loading Failure value.

 Compare the results with laboratory tensile strength

values on Marshall samples.
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References

 IRC:SP: 79-2008, “Tentative Specifications for Stone Matrix Asphalt

 Amir Golalipour, Ehsan Jamshidi, Yunus Niazi, Zahra Afsharikia,
Mahmood Khadem , “Effect of Aggregate Gradation on Rutting
of Asphalt Pavements” , 5th International Congress, Sustainability
of Road Infrastructures (2012)
 Hongying Liu, Peiwen Hao, Jinzhi Xu , “Effects of Nominal
Maximum Aggregate Size on the Performance of Stone Matrix
Asphalt” , MDPI Applied Science Journal (2017)
 Imran Hafeez, M.A. Kamal, M.W. Mirza, “An experimental study to
select aggregate gradation for stone mastic asphalt”, Journal of
Chinese Institute of Engineers (2014)
 Martin H. Sadd, Qingli Dai, Venkit Parameswaran, Arun Shukla,
“SIMULATION OF ASPHALT MATERIALS USING A FINITE ELEMENT
MICROMECHANICAL MODEL WITH DAMAGE MECHANICS”,
Transportation Research Record (2003)
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Thank You!