Introduction to

HMA
• HMA
– with unbound (granular) base
– with bound (stabilized) base
– full-depth HMA
• Composite
– PCC/HMA
• Asphalt cement
• Hot-mix asphalt (HMA)
• Structure:
HMA Surface/Wearing Course
Surface Intermediate/Binder Course

Base Course (Bound or Unbound)

Subbase Course (Usually Unbound)

Subgrade Soil
 SURFACE
INTERMEDIATE

BASE

BASE OG

SUBBASE – Separator layer

SUBGRADE TREATMENT
section - NOW

• 7.5 cm
7.5 cm Drainage layer
 4 Roles:

HMA Layer
Base Course

Subbase Course

Subgrade Soil

provide structural capacity, frictional resistance, smooth ride, and barrier against moisture intrusion through the surface
 }
38 – 75 mm (1.5 - 3”) SMA, OGFC or Superpave
Zone
of Rut Resistant
High Intermediate Course
Compression 75 – 100 mm (3 – 4”)

Durable Base
May be composed of multiple layers
Max Tensile Strain

Pavement
Foundation
• Limit HMA Tensile Strain to 70 – 90
• Limit Vertical Compressive
strain at the top of the Subgrade
to 200 µstrain
• Functional Performance
– Providing users a safe and
comfortable ride (Friction and IRI)
• Structural Performance
– Ability to withstand traffic and
environmental loadings (Rutting,
Cracking)
 Traffic
Subgrade
Environment
Soil
PAVEMENT
PERFORMANCE
M&R

Materials C&M
Variation
• Stresses, strains and deformations
resulting from wheel loads
• Changes in material properties resulting
from changes in the environment
 Wheel
Load

HMA Surface
Base

Subbase

Subgrade Soil
Wheel
Load
 HMA
Contraction Surface

Friction on Underside of HMA Surface

Crack or Crack or
Cold Joint Tensile Strength Cold Joint

Tensile
Stress

Location Along HMA Surface

 Oxidation Penetration
Surface-Initiated Crack

200+ mm
HMA
Surface Interface Between Lifts
• Fundamental performance indicator
• Characterized by:
– Type
What?
– Severity
How Bad?
– Extent
How Much?
 Distress Traffic/ Climate/
Type Load Materials
Fatigue Cracking X (X)
Block Cracking X
Trans/Long Cracking X X
Potholes X (X)
Patch/Patch Deter. X
Rutting/Shoving X
Bleeding X
Weathering/Raveling X