Design, construction and implementation of Superpave pilot projects under a quality assurance programme

The research presented here outlines Massachusetts experience with design and construction of Superpave (SP) under a quality assurance (QA) programme. More specifically, this research documents the SP laboratory trial mixture formula (LTMF) design and verification procedures, SP QA specification requirements, field performance of the pilot SP projects, contractor's experiences with placing SP mixtures versus conventional hot mix asphalt mixtures, and modifications made to the Massachusetts SP specifications based on the first SP pilot project. Based on this study, the implementation of SP in Massachusetts has been successful. An effective procedure was developed to verify the contractors proposed SP LTMFs. The QA plan utilised by the Massachusetts Highway Department for acceptance of work has been effective, but data suggested changing some specification limits. Finally, the field performance of the SP mixture in terms of distress has been favourable.