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Inc Vma

Changing the gradation of an aggregate mixture can influence the amount of space in the aggregate skeleton. Research has shown that maximum packing density is achieved when the slope of the gradation curve is 0.45 on a log-log scale. Lowering the amount of fine particles (minus 0.075 mm) in a mixture will increase the air voids and therefore the VMA. Gap grading the gradation by reducing material between two sieve sizes will also increase VMA by improving particle packing.

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36 views1 page

Inc Vma

Changing the gradation of an aggregate mixture can influence the amount of space in the aggregate skeleton. Research has shown that maximum packing density is achieved when the slope of the gradation curve is 0.45 on a log-log scale. Lowering the amount of fine particles (minus 0.075 mm) in a mixture will increase the air voids and therefore the VMA. Gap grading the gradation by reducing material between two sieve sizes will also increase VMA by improving particle packing.

Uploaded by

varun persad
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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mixtures above the restricted zone the designer can investigate such mixes, although other

problems will be faced, in particular, meeting density requirements at N initial.

Two competing demands are occurring during the mix design. Sufficient inter-particle space
must be available for a minimum amount of asphalt binder and the aggregate must have a
sufficiently strong skeleton to carry the traffic loads. Superpave specifications demand that
adequate VMA be obtained without weakening the aggregate skeleton.

Gradation Effect

Changing the gradation (particle size distribution) of a mixture will influence the amount of
space in the aggregate skeleton. The effect of gradation is separated from shape and surface
texture effects if all sized particles have the same shape and texture. Research published by
Nijboer in the 1940's, Goode and Lufsey in the 1960's and the Asphalt Institute in the 1980's
provide a basis for the 0.45 power chart.

Nijboer investigated aggregate gradations plotted as the log percent passing versus log particle
size. He showed a maximum packing density for both gravel and crushed aggregates when the
slope was 0.45. Goode and Lufsey reconfirmed Nijboer's results on gravel aggregates. Hence, the
basis of the 0.45 power chart. Work by the Asphalt Institute evaluated the drawing of maximum
density lines on a 0.45 power chart for both gravel and crushed limestone mixtures.

Lower the Minus 0.075 mm Content

Lowering the dust content in a mixture will increase the VMA. This effect may not be entirely
from the effect of gradation, but never the less it has one of the stronger effects on VMA.
Reducing dust content to the lower end of the specification will maximize the amount of VMA
which can be obtained.

If the dust content is coming from mineral filler adjusting the gradation can be simply a matter of
reducing the amount being used. If the dust is coming predominately from one of the aggregate
stockpiles, say screenings, try to reduce the amount of that stockpile. If the screenings are the
only manufactured fines coming into the mix it may be necessary to wash them or blend them
with a washed screening. But first check out other easier ways of increasing VMA.

Make sure to add baghouse fines during the mix design if the fines are going to be added back
into the mix during production. These fines will reduce VMA of the produced mixture. If friable
aggregate particles are used, a greater quantity of dust should be used during the design since
they tend to create more dust during construction. Including baghouse fines in the mix will make
the design more accurate and reduce the amount of "VMA collapse" which occurs from design to
production.

Gap-Grade the Gradation

Try to blend the aggregates to give a gap grade. If the amount of material between two sieves can
be reduced, the mixture will have a higher VMA. The reason has to do with packing. Smaller
particles fill space in between larger ones. By gap grading the mixture the amount of a coarse

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