Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Study on the optimization design of mixing moisture content in foamed asphalt mix

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Materials and Structures Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This research discussed the rational mixing moisture content (MMC) in foamed asphalt (FA) mix design. Sieve analysis was firstly used to study the bitumen dispersion and bitumen-aggregate coating and bonding action in FA mixes with three levels of MMC. Then, through variance analysis, the impacts of MMC, bitumen content and their interaction effect on the mechanical properties of FA mixes were studied. Indirect tensile strength test and dry density determination were carried out on FA mixes consisting of different gradings and material types to explore the rational MMC. On base of that, monotonic triaxial test was performed on two types FA mixes with various filler contents to further investigate the rational MMC for FA mix. The research results indicated that improper MMC led to bitumen clots and affected cohesion of FA mix. MMC and bitumen content had important impacts on mechanical properties of FA mix, while their interaction effect could be ignored in mix design. Optimal MMC increased to a certain extent with the increase of fine aggregates content, especially filler content in the grading. 70–80% of the optimum moisture content (OMC) was recommended as rational range of MMC for FA mix with 5–15% filler content and 75–85% of OMC for mix with 15–20% filler content, which offered a reference for easy and simplified MMC design for FA mix.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. He G, Wong W (2007) Laboratory study on permanent deformation of foamed asphalt mix incorporating reclaimed asphalt pavement materials. Constr Build Mater 21:1809–1819

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Csanyi LH (1957) Foamed asphalt in bituminous paving mixtures. Highway Res Board Bull 160:108–122

    Google Scholar 

  3. Cazacliu B, Peticila M, Guieysse B, Colange J, Leroux C, Bonvallet J, Blaszczyk R (2008) Effect of process parameters on foamed bitumen-based road materials production at ambient temperature. Int J Road Mater Pavement Des 9(3):499–523

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Muthen KM (1999) Foamed asphalt mixes: mix design procedure. Report (CR-98/077). CSIR Transportek, South Africa

    Google Scholar 

  5. Nataatmadja A (2001) Some characteristics of foamed bitumen mixes. Transp Res Rec 1767:120–125

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Bowering RH, Martin CL (1976) Performance of newly constructed full depth foamed bitumen pavements. In: Proceedings of the 8th Australian Road Research Board conference, Perth, Australia

  7. Jenkins KJ, Long FM, Ebels LJ (2007) Foamed bitumen mixes = shear performance? Int J Pavement Eng 8:85–98

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Ruckel PJ, Acott SM, Bowering RH (1983) Foamed-asphalt paving mixtures: preparation of design mixes and treatment of test specimens. Transp Res Rec 911:88–95

    Google Scholar 

  9. Acott SM, Myburgh PA (1982) Design and performance study of sand bases treated with foamed asphalt. Transp Res Rec 898:290–296

    Google Scholar 

  10. Jenkins KJ (2000) Mix design considerations for cold and half-warm bituminous mixes with emphasis on foamed bitumen. Ph.D dissertation. University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch

  11. Akeroyd FML, Hicks BJ (1988) Foamed bitumen road recycling. Highways 56:42–45

    Google Scholar 

  12. Sakr HA, Manke PG (1985) Innovations in Oklahoma foamix design procedures. Transp Res Rec 1034:26–34

    Google Scholar 

  13. Semmelink CJ (1991) The effect of material properties on the compactability of some untreated road building materials. Ph.D dissertation. University of Pretoria, Pretoria

  14. Humberto C, Franco L, Wood LE (1982) Stabilization with foamed asphalt aggregates commonly used in low-volume roads. Transp Res Rec 898:297–302

    Google Scholar 

  15. Brennen M, Tia M, Altschaefl A, Wood LE (1983) Laboratory investigation of the use of foamed bitumen for recycled bituminous pavements. Transp Res Rec 911:80–87

    Google Scholar 

  16. Lee H, Kim Y (2003) Development of a mix design process for cold in-place rehabilitation using foamed asphalt. Final report for TR-474 Phase I. Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa Highway Research Board

  17. Lee H, Kim Y (2007) Validation of the mix design process for cold in-place rehabilitation using foamed asphalt. IHRB report TR-474. Iowa Department of Transportation, Iowa Highway Research Board

  18. Bowering RH (1970) Upgrading marginal road building materials with foamed asphalt. Highway Engineering in Australia. Mobil Oil of Australia, Melbourne South

    Google Scholar 

  19. Roberts FL, Engelbrecht JC, Kennedy TW (1984) Evaluation of recycled mixtures using foamed bitumen. Transp Res Rec 968:78–85

    Google Scholar 

  20. Jenkins KJ, Robroch S, Henderson MG, Wilkinson J, Molenaar AAA (2004) Advanced testing for cold recycling treatment selection on N7 near Cape Town. In: Proceedings of the 8th conference on asphalt pavements for Southern Africa

  21. Moloto PK (2010) Accelerated curing protocol for bitumen stabilized materials. Master’s dissertation. University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch

  22. Asphalt Academy (2009) A guideline for the design and construction of bitumen emulsion and foamed bitumen stabilised materials, TG2, 2nd edn. Asphalt Academy, Pretoria

    Google Scholar 

  23. Little DN, Button JW, Epps JA (1983) Structural properties of laboratory mixtures containing foamed asphalt and marginal aggregates. Transp Res Rec 911:104–113

    Google Scholar 

  24. Lee DY (1981) Treating marginal aggregates and soils with foamed asphalt. Assoc Asphalt Paving Technol 50:211–250

    Google Scholar 

  25. Wirtgen GMBH (2004) Wirtgen cold recycling manual, 2nd edn. Wirtgen GMBH, Windhagen

    Google Scholar 

  26. Fu P (2009) Micromechanics for foamed asphalt stabilized materials. Ph.D dissertation. University of California, California

  27. Jenkins KJ, Mulusa WK (2008) Updating bituminous stabilized materials guidelines: mix design report, phase II. Task 2—Development of a simple triaxial test. Technical Memorandum. www.asphaltacademy.co.za

Download references

Acknowledgment

This research was supported by the west area technology project of National Ministry of Communications in China (Granted No. 200531800009).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Highway Institute, Chang’an University, Nan Er Huan Zhong Duan, Xi’an, 710064, China

    Jin-Zhi Xu, Pei-Wen Hao, Yong-Feng Ma & Na Liu

Authors
  1. Jin-Zhi Xu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Pei-Wen Hao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yong-Feng Ma
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Na Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jin-Zhi Xu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Xu, JZ., Hao, PW., Ma, YF. et al. Study on the optimization design of mixing moisture content in foamed asphalt mix. Mater Struct 45, 1071–1085 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-011-9817-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-011-9817-7

Keywords

Search

Navigation