Evaluation of a mixture’s moisture sensitivity is currently the final step in the Superpave® volumetric process. This step is accomplished by using AASHTO T-283, which tolerates a range of values in the test variables of sample air voids and degree of saturation. The tensile strength ratios determined for the mixes in this study varied with the air void level and degree of saturation. Although the levels of conditioning were within the specifications for AASHTO T-283, test results both passed and failed the 80 percent criterion, depending on the severity of conditioning. An alternative to measuring indirect tensile strength is a test that evaluates a mixture’s fundamental material properties. A relatively simple test is proposed that measures the cohesion and friction angle for asphalt mixtures. In addition, the Superpave shear tester (SST) was incorporated as a tool in evaluating moisture sensitivity. The proposed axial test determined the cohesion and angle of friction of the mix. The friction angle remained constant for the conditioned and unconditioned samples. Hence, conditioning of the samples had practically no effect on the mixture’s internal friction. The cohesion of the mix decreased when the mix was subjected to conditioning. The reduction in cohesion was greater in the case of the Fountain aggregate, which is known to be highly moisture susceptible. The shear tests to failure performed on the SST confirmed the results of the new apparatus, which provides a simple method for determining a mixture’s cohesion. The loss of cohesion due to conditioning can be used to determine a mixture’s moisture susceptibility. The three antistrip additives used in this study were hydrated lime, a liquid amine, and a liquid phosphate ester.
Evaluation of Moisture Sensitivity Performance of Stone Mastic Asphalt Mixes with Additional Filler: A Laboratory Comparison of Dry and Wet Mixing Methods