Publication Details
Performance-Related Specifications for Asphalt Concrete - Phase II 
Primary Topic: Flexible Pavement
Description: The objective of this study was to further the development of performance-related specifications (PRS) for asphalt pavement construction by: (1) conducting laboratory studies of the relationship s between materials and construction variables and fundamental response variables, and the relationships between the fundamental response variables and pavement performance indicators; and (2) developing a detailed plan (experimental design, construction details, and data collection and analysis) for an accelerated field test at a test track facility. The laboratory study performed for this research project focused on the development of secondary prediction relationships, which are equations that establish the relationship between variables and fundamental response variables. The results of the laboratory study indicate that compaction level had more influence on mixture properties than any other variable in the experiment. A technique for estimating compaction effects using measurable specimen properties was found and resulted in a compaction index equation. The prediction equations can be used with an estimated compaction index to relate measured mixture properties to optimum properties. These equations can also be used to predict relative effects of proposed changes in materials and construction specifications on performance-related mixture properties. When used with equations that relate performance-related mixture properties to pavement performance, the equations derived in this study can be used to establish penalties for nonconformance to specification limits. An automated version (LOTUS 1-2-3, spreadsheet) of the conceptual PRS system is included.
FHWA Publication Number: FHWA-RD-91-070
Publication Year: 1993