The effects of residual moisture on asphalt concrete strength

This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of residual moisture in asphalt concrete mixture. Superpave method of mix design was adopted; two laboratory tests (i.e. resilient modulus and indirect tensile strength tests) were conducted on two different set of samples. One set was prepared using well dried aggregates while the other set was prepared with poorly dried aggregates (2% moisture). The results obtained shows that, specimens prepared with well dried aggregates are stronger compared to specimens prepared with poorly dried aggregates. The result shows that the resilient modulus of specimens produced with well dried aggregates doubles that of specimens produced with poorly dried aggregates. Tensile strength of specimens with well dried aggregates is higher which is an indication of resistance to fatigue damage. In general, specimens produced with dried aggregates are better in strength hence better performance.