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HMA Lab Data and Troubleshooting

The document outlines a structured approach to interpreting lab data and troubleshooting mix design issues in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) by analyzing key volumetric parameters such as Air Voids (Va), Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA), and Voids Filled with Asphalt (VFA). It details common lab data issues, their possible causes, and solutions, including adjustments to aggregate gradation and binder content. Additionally, it provides a case study for diagnosing a problematic mix and emphasizes the importance of verifying lab procedures and validating adjustments with trial batches.

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Victor Thobias
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20 views5 pages

HMA Lab Data and Troubleshooting

The document outlines a structured approach to interpreting lab data and troubleshooting mix design issues in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) by analyzing key volumetric parameters such as Air Voids (Va), Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA), and Voids Filled with Asphalt (VFA). It details common lab data issues, their possible causes, and solutions, including adjustments to aggregate gradation and binder content. Additionally, it provides a case study for diagnosing a problematic mix and emphasizes the importance of verifying lab procedures and validating adjustments with trial batches.

Uploaded by

Victor Thobias
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Interpreting lab data and troubleshooting mix design issues in Hot Mix

Asphalt (HMA) involves analyzing volumetric properties (VMA, Va, VFA),


binder content, and aggregate structure to ensure compliance with
specifications (e.g., Superpave). Below is a structured approach to
diagnosing and resolving common problems.

1. Key Volumetric Parameters & Their Significance

Ideal
Importanc
Parameter Formula Range
e
*

Affects
durability
Air Voids (low Va →
(Va)
Va=100×(1−GmbGmm)Va=100×(1−GmmGmb) 3–5%
rutting;
high Va →
cracking)

Varies
by
NMAS
(e.g., Ensures
13– enough
VMA=100−(Gmb×PsGsb)VMA=100−(GsbGmb
VMA 15% binder
×Ps) for coating
12.5m aggregates
m
NMAS
)

Binder
VFA (Void
VFA=100×(VMA−VaVMA)VFA=100×(VMAVM 65– workability
s Filled with
Asphalt) A−Va) 75% and film
thickness

Dust/ P0.075/PbeP0.075/Pbe 0.6–1.2 Prevents


Binder tender
Ratio mixes or
Ideal
Importanc
Parameter Formula Range
e
*

binder
starvation

*Refer to agency specs (e.g., AASHTO M 323 for Superpave).

2. Common Lab Data Issues & Troubleshooting

A. Low VMA (< Specified Minimum)

Possible Causes:

1. Aggregate gradation too dense (excessive fines or poor particle packing).


2. Low binder content (not enough asphalt to coat aggregates).
3. High GsbGsb (aggregate absorbs too much binder).

Solutions:
✔ Adjust gradation:

 Increase coarse aggregates (reduce sand/fines).


 Check if the gradation falls below the restricted zone (if applicable).
✔ Increase binder content (but ensure Va stays within 3–5%).
✔ Use less absorptive aggregates or apply antistripping agents.

B. High Air Voids (Va > 5%)

Possible Causes:
1. Under-compaction (field rolling or lab compaction issues).
2. Low binder content (not filling voids).
3. High VMA (too many voids in aggregate structure).

Solutions:
✔ Increase compaction effort (check lab Marshall/Superpave gyrations vs.
field density).
✔ Raise binder content (but monitor VFA ≤ 75% to avoid bleeding).
✔ Tighten gradation (reduce VMA if excessively high).

C. Low Air Voids (Va < 3%)

Possible Causes:

1. Over-compaction (excessive rolling in the field).


2. High binder content (asphalt fills too many voids).
3. Low VMA (not enough space for air voids).

Solutions:
✔ Reduce binder content (check VFA ≥ 65%).
✔ Adjust gradation (increase VMA with coarser aggregates).
✔ Verify labGmmGmm (Rice) test accuracy (improper testing
inflates GmmGmm, lowering Va).

D. High VFA (> 75%)

Possible Causes:
1. Too much binder (excess asphalt fills voids).
2. Low VMA (not enough void space for air).

Solutions:
✔ Reduce asphalt content (recalculate VMA and Va).
✔ Increase VMA (use coarser aggregates).

3. Case Study: Diagnosing a Problematic Mix

Lab Data:

 Gmb=2.380Gmb=2.380, Gmm=2.470Gmm=2.470 → Va = 3.6% (OK)


 Gsb=2.710Gsb=2.710, Ps=94%Ps=94% → VMA = 12.1% (Below spec of 13%)
 VFA = 70% (OK)

Problem: Low VMA but acceptable Va and VFA.

Root Cause:

 Gradation is too dense (e.g., excess fines passing #200 sieve).

Fix:

 Reduce fines (adjust #200 sieve to 4–6% instead of 7%).


 Re-run mix design to verify VMA ≥ 13%.

4. Quick Troubleshooting Flowchart


text

Copy
Download
Is Va out of range? → Check compaction/binder content.
Is VMA too low? → Adjust gradation or increase binder.
Is VFA too high? → Reduce asphalt or increase VMA.
Is the mix tender? → Check dust/binder ratio (0.6–1.2).

5. Advanced Tips

 Rice Test Errors: If GmmGmm seems off, verify:


o No entrapped air in the loose mix.
o Proper vacuum sealing in the pycnometer.
 Field vs. Lab Density Mismatch:

o If field cores show higher Va than lab samples, compaction equipment may
be inadequate.

Conclusion

By systematically analyzing Va, VMA, VFA, and gradation, you can


diagnose most HMA mix issues. Always:

1. Verify lab procedures (Rice test, bulk SG).


2. Adjust aggregates first, then binder content.
3. Validate with trial batches before full production.

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