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Assessing the Impact of Aggregate Quality on Flexible Pavement

Perfotmance
Ermias Ketema Kate ( M.Sc in Construction Technology and Management )
Bethel Lulu Gebeyehu ( M.Sc in Road and Railway Engineering
Department of Civil Engineering, College of engineering, Wolaita Sodo University
PO.box 138, Wolaita sodo, Ethiopia

Abstract
The construction of cost-effective flexible road pavements is depend on appropriate design and using quality
materials for pavement construction. Road Flexible pavements are intended to limit the stress created at the
subgrade level by the traffic traveling on the pavement surface, so that the subgrade is not subject to significant
deformations. At the same time, the pavement materials themselves should not deteriorate to such an extent as to
affect the riding quality and functionality of the pavement. These goals must be achieved throughout a specific
design period. Pavements do deteriorate, however, due to, several factors can affect the pavement performance.
Among these factors quality of materials and its deviation from specification. The objective of this research is, to
assess the effects of aggregate quality on pavement performance in Jimma zone; this was achieved by
conducting laboratory tests which were started visiting quarry sites and pavement aggregate production sites,
then samples was extracted and brought to Ethiopian Road Construction Corporation laboratory, where qualities
of aggregates investigated and finally marshal mix design were taken place.There are two source of aggregates
for wearing course and one source also for base course aggregate. Aggregates from both sources each have its
own deficiency in size distribution (gradation), in some basic properties of an aggregate supposed to be and with
sever temperature the hot mix asphaltnot strong enough to resist the upcoming traffic loads, and these problems
leads to the pavement not perform with expected durability, skid resistance and fatigue resistance, impose their
impact on pavement performance or durability of the pavement.
Keywords: - Absorption; Particle Shapes; Pavement Performance; Size Distribution; Strength.

1. Introduction
Road Flexible pavements are intended to limit the stress created at the subgrade level by the traffic traveling on
the pavement surface, so that the subgrade is not subject to significant deformations. In effect, the concentrated
loads of the vehicle wheels are spread over a sufficiently larger area at subgrade level. At the same time, the
pavement materials themselves should not deteriorate to such an extent as to affect the riding quality and
functionality of the pavement. These goals must be achieved throughout a specific design period[1]. Pavements
do deteriorate, however, due to time, climate and traffic. Therefore, the goal of the pavement design is to limit,
during the period considered, deteriorations which affect the riding quality, such as, in the case of flexible
pavements, cracking, rutting, potholes and other such surface distresses to acceptable levels. The design method
aims at producing a pavement which will reach a relatively low level of deterioration at the end of the design
period, assuming that routine and periodic maintenance are performed during that period[1].

1.1. Objectives
To identify the sources of aggregates and their engineering properties;
To determine the quality of aggregates and compare with standard specification;
To determine Marshall mix design using the aggregates and assess the effects on pavement
performance;

1.2. Scope and limitation of the study

The paper was focused on aggregates used in base courses and wearing courses of flexible pavement roads in
Jimma zone, for aggregates used in flexible pavement construction in another area than stated area, may not
applicable but it may be used as reference.

1.3. Significance of the research

These research provides important answer for controversies, about the materials, especial aggregates used in
road pavements in study area. And knowing the effects of quality of aggregates on pavement performance,
enable pavement specialist to build smooth, cost effective, and long-lasting pavement that requires little
maintenance and satisfies user needs. To have an understanding or awareness about the qualities of aggregate
around Jimma zone.

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2. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY

2.1. Sampling procedure and data analysis
Aggregate sampling has been conducted according the sampling methods of (ASTM D 75) and(AASHTO T 2).
The following laboratory tests has been taken place in Ethiopian Road Constriction Corporation material and
testing laboratory. After conducting the tests listed below data was analyzed for further investigation the results
(data analysis, see appendix (1-5))
Table 3-1laboratory tests taken place
A} Tests on Aggregates Reference to test methods
Flakiness Index (FI) [16]
Aggregate Crushing Value (ACV) [7]
Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) [17]
Los Angeles Abrasion Test (LAA) AASHTO T 96
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Fine Aggregate AASHTO T 84
Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate AASHTO T 85:
Standard Method of Test for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates AASHTO T 84[18]
B} Asphalt concrete mix tests Reference to test methods
Marshall Mix Design ASTM D1559-89
Bulk Density of Saturated Surface Dry Asphalt Mix Samples ASTM D2726-96
Calculation of Void Content in Bituminous Mixes ASTM D3203
Marshall Test ASTM D1559-89

3 Analysis and Discussion

3.1. Aggregates from Babu’s aggregate production site for wearing course
3.1.1. Sieve analysis or gradation

Figure 4-1 Babu base course aggregate gradation with ERA gradation requirement
Figure 4-1, figure 4-2 and table 4-6 shows that the size distribution of within the requirement (except
sieve 10mm & 20mm this means base course aggregate has a deficiency coarse aggregate or coarser aggregates
are not sufficient, because it is clearly indicates that the gradation requirement of for special higher sieve sizes or
coarser aggregates are lower than the lower limit).

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Figure 4-2Babu base course aggregate gradation with ERA gradation requirement
Whereas the amount of aggregate particles (the fine aggregates of base course aggregate fulfills the
requirements it needs necessarily) that able passing the sieve size 0.425mm is sufficient because meeting the
grading requirement of the size.
3.1.1.1. Summary of basic properties of Babu Aggregates for base course
No Property Babu aggregate ERA specification Remarks
for base course
aggregate
1 Particle shape 34% < 35per cent <30% ok but not in a preferably
Flakiness index preferably position
2 ACV 36% < 25 or <29 Not good in strength
3 AIV 13% < 25 Ok
4 Hardness/toughness or 19%
abrasion
3.1.2. Aggregates from Enkulu’s aggregate production site for wearing course
3.1.2.1. Sieve analysis or gradation
Table 4-1 sieve analysis of (3/4) aggregate which Enkulu aggregate production site.
Sieve size mm Retained gm. % of Retained wt. of pass % of Pass Specification limit
25 0 0 5050 100 100
19 151.5 3 4898.5 97 85-100
13.2 2833.05 56.1 2065.45 40.9 71-84
9.5 1338.25 26.5 727.2 14.4 62-76
4.75 671.65 13.3 55.55 1.1 42-60
2.36 15.15 0.3 40.4 0.8 30-48
1.18 5.05 0.1 35.35 0.7 22-38
0.6 5.05 0.1 30.3 0.6 16-28
0.3 0 0 30.3 0.6 12--20
0.15 0 0 30.3 0.6 8--15
0.075 5.05 0.1 25.25 0.5 4--10
pan 25.25 0.5

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3.1.2.2. Summary of Enkulu’s aggregate properties with respect to ERA wearing course aggregate
specifications
Table 4-2 summary of Enkulu’s aggregate properties with respect to ERA wearing course aggregate
specifications
No Property Enkulu aggregate ERA Remarks
Coarse aggregates (3/4 and 3/8) specification
1 Cleanliness 0.56%[19] < 5 per cent Ok
passing
2 Particle shape 22% < 45 per cent Ok
Flakiness test
3 Strength
1 ACV 16% < 25% Ok
2 AIV 16% < 25% Ok
3 LAAV 15% < 30% Ok
4 Hardness/toughness or 15% <15 or <12 for Ok
abrasion heavy traffic
5 Polishing Not tested because no polishing machine in Not less than 50-
the lab 75 (depending on
location
6 Durability Not tested because unavailability of sodium < 12 per cent < Not necessary for
sulphate or magsium sulphate solution and 18 per cent wearing course
economic limitation, even though for
wearing course the aggregate temperature
during Marshall mix is high(170ºc) no room
for thawing and freeze.
7 Water absorption 1. for 3/4 Enkulu aggregate is 1.89 < 2 per cent 3/4 ok but 3/8 not ok
2. for 3/8 Enkulu aggregate is 2.09

3.2. Hot mix asphalt results and discussion

3.2.1. Aggregate blending for mix design
Table 4-3 proportioning or blending Babu Aggregate for marshal mix design
Materials 3/4 aggregate 3/8 aggregate fine aggregate filler material
used Proportioning or blending Babu aggregate for marshal mix design
25% 20% 20% 35%
sieve % pass % blend % pass % blend % pass % blend % pass % blend total target design
mm blend value range
25 100 25 100 20 100 20 100 35 100 100 100
19 96.08 24.02 100 20 100 20 100.00 35 99.02 92 85-100
13.2 25.78 6.45 100 20 100 20 100.00 35 81.45 77 71-84
9.5 3.95 0.99 69.83 13.97 100 20 100.00 35 69.95 69 62-76
4.75 2.46 0.62 5.25 1.05 97.95 19.59 100.00 35 56.26 51 42-60
2.36 2.31 0.58 2.27 0.45 60.30 12.06 87.65 30.68 43.77 34 30-48
1.18 2.25 0.56 2.21 0.44 31.57 6.314 56.65 19.83 27.15 30 22-38
0.6 2.23 0.56 2.17 0.43 17.13 3.426 37.51 13.13 17.55 22 16-28
0.3 2.22 0.56 2.14 0.43 10.12 2.024 25.73 9.01 12.01 16 12--20
0.15 1.23 0.31 2.12 0.42 7.13 1.426 18.50 6.47 8.63 12 8--15
0.075 1.11 0.28 2.10 0.42 5.71 1.142 13.76 4.82 6.66 7 4--10

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Figure 4-3Gradation of total aggregate blend with respect to lower and upper limit

Figure 4-4 Gradation of total aggregate blend with respect to lower and upper limit
Figure 4-4 and 4-5, shows that size distribution of blending Babu Aggregate, it shows the gradation of
Babu aggregate looks like with comparing with lower, target value and upper limit gradation requirements.

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3.2.2. Enkulusources of aggregate

3.2.2.1. Aggregate blending for mix design
Table 4-4proportioning or blending Enkulu aggregate for marshal mix design
3/4 aggregate 3/8 aggregate fine aggregate filler material
Materials proportioning or blending Enkulu aggregate for marshal mix design
used 22% 20% 20% 38% 100%
sieve total Target design
mm % pass % blend % pass % blend % pass % blend % pass % blend blend value range
25 100 22 100 20 100 20 100 38 100 100 100
19 97.0 21.34 100 20 100 20 100.00 38 99.34 92 85-100
13.2 40.9 9.00 100 20 100 20 100.00 38 87.00 77 71-84
9.5 14.4 3.17 99.6 19.92 100 20 100.00 38 81.09 69 62-76
4.47 1.10 0.24 22.0 4.4 89.60 17.92 100.00 38 60.56 51 42-60
2.36 0.80 0.18 10.8 2.16 45.60 9.12 87.65 33.31 44.76 34 30-48
1.18 0.70 0.15 7.30 1.46 28.90 5.78 56.65 21.53 28.92 30 22-38
0.6 0.60 0.13 5.30 1.06 19.50 3.9 37.51 14.26 19.35 22 16-28
0.3 0.60 0.13 4.00 0.8 13.30 2.66 25.73 9.78 13.37 16 12--20
0.15 0.60 0.13 3.20 0.64 9.80 1.96 18.50 7.03 9.76 12 8--15
0.07 0.50 0.11 2.50 0.5 7.50 1.5 13.76 5.23 7.34 7 4--10
Table 4-18 shows that, blending Enkulu Aggregates based on sieve analysis of each type of the crushing
plant products (3/4, 3/8, fine and filler aggregates) using their percentage of pass.

Figure 4-5Gradation of total aggregate blend with respect to lower and upper limit

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Figure 4-6 Gradation of total aggregate blend with lower and upper limit
Figure 4-6 and 4-7, shows that size distribution of blending Enkulu Aggregate, to see how it looks like
while comparing with lower and upper limit of gradation requirements and in the blending the sieves with higher
sizes have high amount of passage,

Figure 4-7 Percentage of each types of aggregate blending graphical

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Table 4-5 proportioning or blending Enkulu aggregate retained

3/4 aggregate 3/8 aggregate fine aggregate filler material
Materials proportioning or blending Enkulu aggregate for marshal mix design
used 22% 20% 20% 38% 100%
total blend
sieve mm % retained % blend % retained % blend % retained % blend % retained % blend gm. target value design range
25 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 100
19 3.00 0.66 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 7.92 92 85-100
13.2 56.1 12.3 0.00 0 0.00 0 0.00 0 148 77 71-84
9.5 26.5 5.83 0.40 0.08 0.00 0 0.00 0 70.9 69 62-76
4.47 13.3 2.92 77.6 15.5 10.40 2.08 0.00 0 246 51 42-60
2.36 0.30 0.06 11.2 2.24 44.00 8.8 12.4 4.69 189.6 34 30-48
1.18 0.10 0.02 3.50 0.7 16.70 3.34 31.00 11.78 190.1 30 22-38
0.6 0.10 0.02 2.00 0.4 9.40 1.88 19.14 7.27 114.8 22 16-28
0.3 0.00 0 1.30 0.26 6.20 1.24 11.79 4.47 71.74 16 12--20
0.15 0.00 0 0.80 0.16 3.50 0.7 7.23 2.74 43.29 12 8--15
0.075 0.10 0.022 0.70 0.14 2.30 0.46 4.73 1.79 29.05 7 4--10
pan 88
Table 4-19, shows percentage of for each type of aggregate for each sieve size and the blend value
shows that the percent retained multiplied by the 1200gm of weight of aggregates for the Marshall Mix specimen.
3.2.2.2. Summary of volumetric analysis Marshall Mix design of Enkulu Materials
Table 4-6summary of volumetric analysis Marshall Mix design of Enkulu Materials.
Specimens Gsb Gmb Gmm % VA % VB VBA VBE Pbe Pba % VMA % VFA
Sample A 2.60 2.297 2.481 7.4 11.37 2.6 8.7 3.9 1.2 16.2 54.06
Sample C 2.60 2.278 2.481 8.2 11.28 2.6 8.7 3.9 1.2 16.9 51.45
Average 2.60 2.29 2.48 7.81 11.33 2.62 8.71 3.92 1.18 16.51 52.76
Table 4-22 shows the summary of HMA volumetric analysis or void analysis by using EAPS.It
indicates Percent void of air the specimen using Enkulu’s aggregate and is higher than the specification ERA
provides (3%-5%) and which will be permeable to air and water, resulting in significant moisture damage and
rapid age hardening (which means the HMA pavement have a problem in durability resulting to performance the
pavement earlier than design period) and it is 45.96% of VMA, (supposed to be 18%-30.9%).
The value of voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA) which within the limit of minimum requirement
(minimum VMA is 14, ERA), but VFA is not within the requirements (VFA of high traffic 65% to 75%), which
means the voids between aggregate particles is large.
3.2.2.3. Marshall Stability and flow
Table 4-7marshall Stability criteria of ERA versus Enkulu’s aggregate
Marshall test criteria HMA of EAPS ERA specification Remarks
Stability (KN) at 60ºc 1.249 7.0 Not good
Flow value (mm) 3.175 2 ok
Table 4-23 shows that, one of the major feature of Marshall Method of designing mixes,
stability test and flow test; with ERA specification with maximum applied load at sever temperature
(60ºc); the ability of that the asphalt concrete will not withstand the applied traffic load, will leads to deformation
and deflectionand result in making shorting the pavement performance and durability (due to problems gradation
and particle shapes (means the aggregate has large or high surface area that needs filler and binder material to be
effective in interlocking, voids of air with the particle is higher)),
Whereas in flexibility (flow value plastic flow of specimen at material failure) which shows that is good
plastic flow.

CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1. Conclusions
From the research made on the effects quality of aggregate on the pavement performance, the following
conclusions are drawn.
Source for base course aggregate is Babuaggregate production site.
Base course aggregates are not sufficiently durable, even though able resist any sudden action without
difficulty and good in its particle shapes.
Size distribution of base course aggregates are not well graded with the gradation requirement but pass
sufficient passing of test sieve .0425mm.
Sources for wearing course aggregates, are both BAPS and EAPS.
Wearing course aggregates are well adequate in strength and hard/ tough, able resist any sudden action
without difficulty and good in its particle shapes hard enough from any abrasion. But have water
absorption problem.
Size distribution of blended aggregate from BAPS comparing with gradation requirements is well graded

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or dense graded since it lies within the ranges, but with target value, is argumentative to say well graded.

5.2. Recommendations
It is important if it able review the aggregates quality periodical to as per quality specification to protect the
public asset from an early deteriorate and maintenance cost.
Base course aggregates seemsthat (not exactly), it meets the requirement specified it supposed to achieve in
base course construction but it has a strength problem (due to this not sufficiently durable) in carrying the
imposed loads and needed to be checked.
As the one who work for the client, consultants should determine any material quality related activities, in
accordance with the intention of client without compromise, in professional way.
Since roads are one of the public asset and needs protection from all nation, with their point of view,
therefore, all Highway Engineers,’ Material Engineers, Construction Engineers and Structural
Engineerhave the duty to do the research, provide important feedback on the quality of aggregates and its
impact on the pavement performance to the officials.

References
[1] ERA, Pavement Design Manual, Volume I Flexible Pavements and Gravel Roads chapte 1 Introduction, 1
ed., Addis Ababa: ERA, 2002.
[2] S. A. N. R. Agency, South African National Roads Agency, 1st ed., Johase burg: An Initiative of the South
African National Roads Agency Ltd, November 2011.
[3] C. S. A. Eclarkso, "Aggregate Specifications," in Aggregate Specifications, Eclarkso, Ed., Ontario,
Canadian Standards Association, 2002, p. 62.
[4] AACRA, Soils and materials manual, aggregates and asphalt testing, 1st ed., Addis Ababa: AACRA,
Feburary,2003.
[5] P. Kandhal, Aggregate Tests Related to Asphalt Concrete Performance in Pavements., NCHRP Report
405. ed., Auburn Alabama.: National Center for Asphalt Technology, Auburn University, 1998.
[6] AASHTO, Standard Specification for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, Part
– I (Specification), 21st ed., Washington DC.: AASHTO, 2001.
[7] BSI, Aggregate Testing, Part 110: Methods for determination of aggregate crushing value (ACV), 1st ed.,
London: BSI, 29 June 1990.
[8] BSI, Aggregate Testing ,BS 812, Part 113: Method for determination of aggregate abrasion value (AAV),
1st ed., London: BSI, 29 June 1990.
[9] NCHRP, "A Manual for Design of Hot Mix asphalt with commentary," NCHRP REPORT 673,
Washington DC, 2011.
[10] ERA, Pavement Design Manual, Volume I, Flexible Pavements and Gravel Roads, Chapter 8 Bitumen-
Bound Materials, 1st ed., Addis Ababa: ERA, 2002.
[11] ERA, Pavement Design Manual, Volume I, Flexible Pavements and Gravel Roads, Chapter 6 Unbound
Pavement Materials, 1st ed., Addis ababa: ERA, 2002.

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