Evaluation of HMA E* Variation in Pavement Structures with Materials Produced for the Binzhou Expressway, Shandong

ABSTRACT The dynamic complex stiffness modulus (E*) master curves for both binder and mixture have been analyzed in detail for the material laid on the Binzhou perpetual pavement project constructed in 2005. Using finite element software an assessment has been made from available climatic data of the likely temperature depth gradients that are likely to be experienced by the roadway. These temperature depth gradients within the pavement structure have been used with the master curve properties to assess the likely stiffness variation with time of day and month that will occur. Information is also presented on how the aging procedures incorporated into the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) to be implemented in the USA by AASHTO will impact the early life stiffness properties. A comparison is given of aged and un-aged material properties. In addition, discussion is made with respect to the loading frequency, the type of shifting applied and use of limiting binder viscosity.