Principle analysis of mix design and performance evaluation on Superpave mixture modified with Buton rock asphalt

The main objectives of this study are to conduct principle analysis of mix design and evaluate the performance of the Buton rock asphalt (BRA) modified Superpave mixture through wheel tracking test, freeze-thaw indirect tensile strength ratio test, bending beam test, dynamic modulus test, and flow number (FN) test. The results prove that the voids in mineral aggregate (VMA) and the initial asphalt content calculated using the new equations proposed by this study based on theoretical analysis are more accurate than those of the traditional Superpave's empirical equations. The high temperature performance and the moisture damage resistance of the Superpave mixture modified with BRA were improved, but the low temperature performance was slightly declined comparing with the control mixture. The values of E∗/sinφ from dynamic modulus test of the BRA modified Superpave mixture were larger than those of the control mixture at various test temperatures and loading frequencies. In conclusion, the Superpave mixture modified by BRA has excellent high temperature performance.