Correlation between permanent deformation-related performance parameters of asphalt concrete mixes and binders

This paper examines methods to predict the performance of hot asphalt concrete mixes based on performance parameters of binders. Specifically, relationships between binder parameters determined from multiple stress creep and recovery tests were correlated to the creep parameters of hot asphalt concrete mixes obtained from cyclic load compression testing. For the determination of creep parameters, a modified expression of the creep curve is proposed to cover the entire spectrum of permanent deformation; including the tertiary creep phase. Non-recoverable compliance, unrecovered strain, and recoverable strain of binders show good correlation to creep parameters of hot asphalt concrete mixes such as creep rate and high temperature performance ratio. Additionally, unrecovered strain and non-recoverable compliance of binders correlates well with mean rut depth of asphalt concrete mixes. However, no correlation has been detected between the difference in non-recoverable compliance of binders and permanent deformation parameters of asphalt concrete mixes.