| Asphalt mixes have a viscous-elastic behave controlled by the characteristics of their components (aggregates and bitumen). Temperature is an important factor during all the process of asphalt mix manufacturing (mixing and compacting). The bitumen is heated in order to modify its viscosity before it is mixed with the aggregate. However, when the bitumen is heated, it oxidizes.; The goal of this research is to evaluate the influence of the compaction temperature on rut depths of asphalt mixes specimens. An experimental procedure was developed, after a literature review, to carry out this research. Two MTQ standard asphalt mixes were selected (one ESG-10 and one GB-20). Thirty four specimens were compacted with +/- 5, +/- 7 and +/- 10°C of the compaction temperature required by MTQ's standard LC 26-400. All the specimens were submitted to a rutting test, with a LCPC rut tester.; The results show that the compaction temperature has little influence on the rut depth. However, a correlation was found between the compaction temperature and rutting which improves with the number load cycles. As a result of this research, we recommend to adapt the compaction sweeping plan of the specimens to its thickness. In addition, in order to limit the bitumen oxidation it is preferable to compact the specimens right after mixing rather than putting it into the oven for a curing period. |
