What is Rut Susceptibility Testing?
Preventing rutting in asphalt pavements is a major concern when putting together an asphalt mix design. Emerging technology may improve our ability to prevent rutting in asphalt pavements. One device used is the asphalt pavement analyzer (APA), which is a temperature-controlled wheel-tracking device. It measures the rutting that occurs in laboratory-compacted specimens. Rutting is induced with the use of a pneumatic hose loaded by an oscillating aluminum wheel. The hose is inflated to 100 psi and placed over the compacted asphalt specimens. A 100 pound load is then applied to the top of the hose by the oscillating wheel. A normal test is 8000 cycles of loading applied to specimens held at 64°C (147°F). Testing can be performed at other temperatures to model actual temperatures at a site. Proposed specifications would set a limit on the amount of rutting that can occur during this test. ODOT currently requires rut susceptibility testing using the APA–for informational purposes–on all dense-graded asphalt mixtures for use on ODOT transportation projects.
APAO Asphalt Pavement Analyzer Rut Testing Program
APAO offers rut testing services using the asphalt pavement analyzer (APA). These services include the following:
APAO Mixing and Compacting of Specimens
Submit the required batched aggregates, RAP, lime, asphalt cement and other materials as listed. Submit a copy of the complete JMF including specimen heights, and intermediate mass determinations used to compute the bulk specific gravities (GMBs).
Submitting Compacted Specimens for Test-only Requests
Mix and compact six specimens per AASHTO T312. Indicate the top of each specimen as removed from the SuperPave Gyratory Compactor by marking with a large T. Submit a copy of the JMF, the GMM and the GMB for the specimens prepared. Please contact Kevin Berklund for information on attaining the necessary void requirements.
Rut Test Submittal Forms:
Rut Request Form
APA Material Submittal Information Form
Preventing rutting in asphalt pavements is a major concern when putting together an asphalt mix design. Emerging technology may improve our ability to prevent rutting in asphalt pavements. One device used is the asphalt pavement analyzer (APA), which is a temperature-controlled wheel-tracking device. It measures the rutting that occurs in laboratory-compacted specimens. Rutting is induced with the use of a pneumatic hose loaded by an oscillating aluminum wheel. The hose is inflated to 100 psi and placed over the compacted asphalt specimens. A 100 pound load is then applied to the top of the hose by the oscillating wheel. A normal test is 8000 cycles of loading applied to specimens held at 64°C (147°F). Testing can be performed at other temperatures to model actual temperatures at a site. Proposed specifications would set a limit on the amount of rutting that can occur during this test. ODOT currently requires rut susceptibility testing using the APA–for informational purposes–on all dense-graded asphalt mixtures for use on ODOT transportation projects.
APAO Asphalt Pavement Analyzer Rut Testing Program
APAO offers rut testing services using the asphalt pavement analyzer (APA). These services include the following:
- Rut Susceptibility Testing for ODOT Contracts per SP00745 QA. Requires mixing and compaction of test specimens using the APAO's SuperPave Gyratory Compactor.
- Rut Testing for APAO members on other mixes. Mixing and compaction may be by the member.
- Rut Testing for non-members on other mixes. Mixing and compaction may be by others.
APAO Mixing and Compacting of Specimens
Submit the required batched aggregates, RAP, lime, asphalt cement and other materials as listed. Submit a copy of the complete JMF including specimen heights, and intermediate mass determinations used to compute the bulk specific gravities (GMBs).
Submitting Compacted Specimens for Test-only Requests
Mix and compact six specimens per AASHTO T312. Indicate the top of each specimen as removed from the SuperPave Gyratory Compactor by marking with a large T. Submit a copy of the JMF, the GMM and the GMB for the specimens prepared. Please contact Kevin Berklund for information on attaining the necessary void requirements.
Rut Test Submittal Forms:
Rut Request Form
APA Material Submittal Information Form