Effects of aggregate gradation variantions on marchal mix properties of asphalt concrete
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14311/CEJ.2026.03.0030Keywords:
Asphalt Concrete, Aggregate Gradation, Marshall Stability, Hot-mix asphalt, Latin Hypercube Sampling, Indirect tensile strength, Tensile strength ratio, Microstructural analysisAbstract
Road infrastructure that is durable relies on the performance of the asphalt concrete, which is directly affected by aggregate gradation. This research guidelines the effect of unit changing on aggregate gradation on Marshall mix properties including stability, tensile strength and moisture sensitive. Bitumen properties (penetration, ductility, softening point, viscosity), particle size distribution, and aggregate characteristics (specific gravity, moisture content, AIV, AAV, and ACV) were tested. Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS), Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR), Marshall Stability, Marshall Flow, Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA), and Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB) were used to gauge mechanical properties. The average penetration of bitumen was a range of 68, ductility greater than 100 cm, and softening points (SP) between 56 and 58°C, which met ASTM standards, coarse aggregates having specific gravity accounts of 2.72–2.84, and fine Aggregates with a variety of 2.62–2.69. The ITS and TSR results of sample R13 were the highest among all samples (870 kPa and 89%, respectively), reflecting its robust tensile and moisture resistance. In contrast, ITS (660 kPa) and TSR (75%) for Sample R4 were lower. R13’s high Marshall Stability (15.93 kN) makes it suitable for high-traffic roads, whereas the low stability (4.5 kN) of R1 favours light traffic. And R13 had high VFB (82%), which increased durability too. The energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy performed at the surface area of the sample obtained from the isolated R13 showed 92.13% carbon content, which suggested good binding and less chance of cracks, whereas scanning electron microscopy displayed compact structure
Received: 27.06.2025
Received in revised form: 30.04.2026
Accepted: 09.08.2026
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