Effect of compaction procedure on air void structure of asphalt concrete

Past studies found a significant difference of strength between laboratory and field compacted asphalt concrete (AC). This study evaluated the pore structure of AC compacted by gyratory compactor, linear kneading compactor (LKC) and field cores. The different components of pores were determined and compared for different compaction procedures. The variation of permeability as well as moisture damage of samples prepared by different compaction procedures was also compared. It was observed that the pore structure of field samples is totally different from linear kneading compacted and gyratory compacted samples. Permeability of field samples does not depend on the level of compaction as much as for laboratory compacted samples. The indirect tensile strength (IDT) of field samples is always less than gyratory samples and more than linear kneading compacted samples. Field samples and linear kneading compacted samples are more susceptible to moisture than the gyratory compacted samples.