Investigation of the Effect of Lime on Performance of Hot Mix Asphalt using Advanced Testing and Modeling Techniques

Abstract

The benefits of using hydrated lime as an additive in asphalt concrete are well known. When added to asphalt concrete mixtures hydrated lime shows the beneficial effects of filler, while also improving resistance to moisture damage. This study presents findings from four studies into the impact of hydrated lime, the impact of lime introduction method on the volumetric optimums, and the performance evaluation of unmodified and lime-modified hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures at varying asphalt contents using Simple Performance Tests developed from the NCHRP projects 9-19 and 9-29 and the viscoelastic continuum damage (VECD) finite element analysis. The performance characteristics evaluated in this study include fatigue cracking and rutting behavior in both dry and moisture-conditioned states. Test methods adopted in this evaluation are: the dynamic modulus test for stiffness characterization; the triaxial repeated load permanent deformation test for rutting characterization, and the direct tension test for fatigue cracking characterization. From the experimental investigation it is found that the method of lime introduction can have an important effect on the optimum volumetric asphalt content. Regarding dynamic modulus it is found that hydrated lime has a minimal impact on the mixtures in this study. However, the findings from this study support conventional understanding of the effects of asphalt content, lime modification, and moisture conditioning on the fatigue cracking and rutting performance of HMA mixtures. That is, as asphalt content increases, the resistance to fatigue cracking improves and rutting performance worsens. Another accepted fact is that lime modification reduces the susceptibility for moisture damage in terms of both fatigue cracking and rutting. The contribution of this paper, therefore, is to demonstrate advanced test methods and models that can be used in the performance evaluation of various mixtures. With additional validation and calibration, the comprehensive methodology described in this paper may serve as the foundation for a performance-based HMA mix design and performance-related HMA specifications.