Correlation of Aggregate Test Parameters to Hot Mix Asphalt Pavement Performance in Hawaii

Abstract

The long-term performance of HMA pavements is strongly dependent on the characteristics of the aggregate in the mixture. The set of aggregate specification tests currently in use by the Hawaii Department of Transportation was investigated in relation to long-term field raveling pavement performance. Additional tests were considered in an effort to optimize the quality standards for local basaltic aggregates, which in some regards are significantly different from those found elsewhere in the United States. Results indicate that the widely used Los Angeles abrasion test correlates poorly with performance and should be replaced, perhaps by the aggregate durability index test. Raveling degradation in Hawaii’s harsh tropical environment is strongly influenced by chemical processes, with the magnesium sulfate soundness test showing a stronger correlation with performance than the sodium sulfate soundness test. These findings throw light on the relative importance of individual aggregate tests, but they should be viewed with caution due to a lack of historic data on additional factors affecting long-term field HMA pavement performance.