HIGH AIR-VOID VOLUME IMPLICATIONS FOR ASPHALT CONCRETE SERVICE-LIFE AND PRICE PENALTY

Abstract

In road industry, the construction of asphalt concrete layers is a dynamic process that, if not properly done, will lead to problems compromising the pavement performance. One of the most common problems is poor compaction leading to air-void volume above the maximum acceptable. This study discusses the impact of compaction/density deficiencies and presents an innovative model to calculate the asphalt pavement service-life loss in a simple and objective way, and in line with the road construction managers needs to calculate price penalty for contractors. The model was optimized for dense graded asphalt concrete, that typically has a maximum acceptable air‑void volume between 4% and 7%.