Abstract:

In order to remedy the shortcomings of the measurement of voids in coarse aggregates （VCAs） in dryrodded condition, the concept of minimum VCA and the corresponding mensuration are put forward. Then, the gradation intervention coefficient of asphalt mixture and a new standard of coarse aggregate contact are defined, according to which the existing ＂Coarse Aggregate Void Filling （CAVF）＂ method is improved. Moreover, the relationship between the gradation intervention coefficient and the asphalt mixture properties such as the high-temperature rutting resistance and the fatigue resistance is analyzed. The results show that the proposed standard of coarse aggregate contact based on the minimum VCA accurately determines the contact degree of coarse aggregates, that the improved CAVF method helps to design dense gap-graded mixtures satisfying the requirements of existing criteria, and that there is good correlation between the gradation intervention coefficient and the high-temperature rutting resistance as well as the fatigue resistance of the mixture.

Key words: :asphalt pavement, mixture, minimum VCA , mensuration, application