Evaluation of Marshall and Hveem Mix Design Procedures for Local Use

H. AL-ABDUL WAHHAB AND ZIAUDDIN A. KHAN

TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECORD

Abstract:

Conventional methods of mix design can sometimes result in materials that do not perform satisfactorily. In countries that experience extremes of temperature such as Saudi Arabia, the resultant failures can be severe; often occurring soon after the road is opened to traffic. A laboratory evaluation of Marshall and Hveem mix designs was undertaken with an objective of minimizing permanent deformation in asphaltic layers. Five different gradations were selected based on Ministry of Communications specifications. The design procedures were examined, and the mixes were subjected to dynamic and static testing to evaluate resilient modulus, split tensile strength, stiffness, and creep compliance characteristics. The test results indicated that Hveem mixes possessed better engineering properties than those designed by the Marshall method because the Hveem method can better identify mixes with high rutting susceptibility. Recommendations for additional testing techniques could be used for both mix design and quality control purposes.