Prediction of the dynamic modulus of Superpave mixes

Since the mid 1990's Superpave researchers suggested using the dynamic modulus (E*) as a fundamental parameter to reflect the hot-mix asphalt (HMA) performance. Furthermore, E* is an essential input in the 2002 AASHTO Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). Hence, the method(s) of evaluating and/or predicting this property for H MA are essential for mix design as well as for structural design of asphalt pavements. This paper focuses on verification of a proposed model to predict E* from the properties of the HMA constituents. Dimensional analysis was used to pre-determine the model parameters. The model includes a new mix design mechanistic parameter, the Gyratory Stability (GS). The model was verified using field mixes and was compared to an MEPDG E* prediction model. MEPDG distresses results showed that the E* proposed model yielded closer results to actual E* results than MEPDG level-3 inputs.