Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

ASPHALT MIX DESIGNER

INTRODUCTION
Module 1
March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10
Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐1

Specification Year: July 2005

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

QUALIFICATION
…is a process where FDOT awards qualified 
status to an individual for achieving certain 
standards (written &  practical hands‐on).

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐2

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
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Qualification Program is Stratified

Level 1
• Basic Knowledge & Skills for Sampling & Testing

Level 2
• Good Construction Practices
• Quality Control 
• Interpretation of Tests & Specifications

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐3

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
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Qualifications Database

• System Uses:
• Technician’s Driver License
• or Florida‐Issued I.D.
• Maintain Database of Qualified Technicians
• Electronic Access by Individuals & Companies

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐4

Release 10, March 2019 1-4

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Asphalt Qualifications
 Asphalt Plant ‐ Level 1 
 Asphalt Plant ‐ Level 2
 Asphalt Paving ‐ Level 1
 Asphalt Paving ‐ Level 2
 Asphalt Mix Designer

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐5

Release 10, March 2019 1-5

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Introductions
• Name
• Company
• Position within Company
• Experience with 
Asphalt Testing/Quality Control

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐6

Release 10, March 2019 1-6

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Asphalt Mix Design

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐7

The purpose of this course is to help you understand the steps & testing
associated with developing a Superpave Mix Design. Project administrators &
oversight personnel, testing personnel, & inspectors will all benefit from this
course.

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Course Schedule
• Introduction
• Aggregate Properties, Blending, & Batching
• Volumetric Analysis
• Development of the Mix Design
• Moisture Susceptibility
• Mix Design Submittal
• Mix Design Exercise
• EXAM

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐8

Release 10, March 2019 1-8

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
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Print Your Certificate

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐9

The CTQP Administrator was changed to a private vendor in 2005 & the
qualification database is handled by them. Check the website above for more
information about the CTQP program & how to look up your qualification & exam
scores. FDOT has approved a list of Providers to register & teach classes. There
is a link to all courses & providers at the same site.

Release 10, March 2019 1-9

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

QUALITY

Meets or Exceeds the Expectations or Needs of the Customer

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐10

We want to build quality roadways – but what is quality? Who is the customer?
If you are an aggregate or binder supplier – your customer is the Asphalt
contractor. If you produce Asphalt & sell it to a paving contractor your customer is
the paving contractor. If you are a Consultant CEI inspector, your customer is the
DOT, But, who is the ultimate customer? The taxpayers who pay for & the
traveling public who use your pavements.

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Asphalt Quality = ??

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐11

But – what is your definition of Asphalt quality?

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

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TRANSPORTATION

QUALITY ASPHALT MIXTURES

Constructable

Conforms to Specifications

Satisfies Functional Requirements

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐12

If you define it from a Asphalt contractor or a DOT point of view these might be the
definitions of quality. But, are they? From an engineering point of view we are
interested in can the project be built, does it meet the specifications (will we get paid
for the work), & does the project satisfy the functional requirements of the project
(will it survive under traffic).

Release 10, March 2019 1-12

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

ASPHALT: WHAT ARE THE 
CUSTOMER’S EXPECTATIONS?

1. Smooth Surface
2. Minimal Traffic Disruptions
3. Adequate Skid Resistance
4. Minimal Overall Costs

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐13

WHO IS THE CUSTOMER?

The customer or traveling public or tax-payer what certain things from the
roadway we are building. Specifically they want a:
1. A smooth surface. A rough surface will result in higher vehicle costs & higher
pavement maintenance costs or shorter service life for the pavement.
2. Minimization of traffic delays. Inferior mixtures result in increased
maintenance/rehabilitation activities (or traffic delays) & increased
maintenance costs.
3. Adequate friction at the surface. Reduced friction or hydroplaning problems
results in increased accidents & more frequent traffic delays.
4. Minimize overall costs (taxes).

Release 10, March 2019 1-13

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

ASPHALT MIXTURE CHARACTERISTICS

• Resistance to Permanent  • Durability
Deformation  • Permeability/Impermeability 
• Fatigue Resistance  • Workability/Compactability
March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10
Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐14

These are the engineering properties that we think of when we think of a quality
pavement:
1. Resistance to permanent deformation – the ability of a mixture to sustain
repeated loading without distortion or displacement.
2. Fatigue resistance – ability of a mixture to resist cracking under repeated
loading.
3. Durability – ability of the mixture to resist the physical changes in the
properties of the materials over time.
4. Permeability/impermeability - ability to resist the passage of water & air
though the mixture.
5. Workability/compactibility – the ease at which a mixture can be placed &/or
compacted.

Release 10, March 2019 1-14

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Quality will not result from  focusing on 
a couple of key parts  of an operation...

it will result only when EVERYTHING is done right.

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐15

This is how we get quality asphalt pavements. We can put together the perfect
mix design – but if the other parts of the program are not followed it will be difficult
to get the desired results.

Release 10, March 2019 1-15

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Quality starts here!!
March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10
Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐16

The crushing & screening must be done in such a manner as to provide a uniform
product.

Release 10, March 2019 1-16

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

It Continues Here

Good Materials Management is Important

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐17

Then the aggregate must be handled properly. What is wrong with this picture?
The handling of the aggregates at the plant is discussed in the CTQP Plant Level
II course.

Release 10, March 2019 1-17

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Plant Calibration

Details in Plant Level 2

It Continues Here
March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10
Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐18

The plant must be calibrated – this is discussed in detail in the CTQP Plant Level
2 course.

Release 10, March 2019 1-18

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

It Continues Here

Well‐Equipped Labs 
& Knowledgeable People

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐19

The right testing equipment must be made available & the people trained to use
that equipment. They also need to posses the knowledge to know what to do with
the test data. The training of the people is covered in the CTQP Plant Level I
course & in this course.

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

And It Continues Here

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐20

And it continues through the paving operation. This is covered in the CTQP
Paving Level II course.

Release 10, March 2019 1-20

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

MIXTURE DESIGN

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐21

The purpose of mix design is to determine the best combination (or percentages)
of mixture components that meet the mix design criteria. It establishes the
volumetric properties & provides a target for the contractor to produce a specific
blend of materials that satisfies the design criteria.

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Asphalt Mix Design
Objective:
• Develop an Economical Blend of Aggregates & Asphalt that 
Meet Design & Functional  Requirements

Historical Mix Design Methods:
• Marshall
• Hubbard Field

New:
• Superpave

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐22

Historically in Florida, Asphalt mixes were designed using the Marshall & Hubbard
Field design procedures. The Asphalt industry & the FDOT now use SuperPave
mx designs. This is the technology that will be taught in this course.

Release 10, March 2019 1-22

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Requirements in Common
Sufficient Asphalt to Ensure a Durable Pavement
Sufficient Stability Under Traffic Loads
Sufficient Air Voids
• Upper Limit to Prevent Excessive Environmental Damage & to 
Prevent Cracking
• Lower Limit to Allow Room for Initial Densification Due to 
Traffic & to Prevent Plastic Deformation Rutting

Sufficient Workability
March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10
Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐23

Regardless of the mix design procedure used the goal for the Asphalt mixture is
that it will have:
1. Sufficient asphalt to ensure a durable pavement.
2. Sufficient mixture stability to satisfy the demands of traffic without distortion or
displacement.
3. Sufficient voids in the total compacted mix to allow for a slight amount of
additional compaction under traffic loading without flushing, bleeding, & loss of
stability, yet low enough to keep out harmful air & moisture.
4. Sufficient workability to permit efficient placement of the mix without
segregation.

Release 10, March 2019 1-23

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Volumetric Relationships
Va Air Mair = 0

VMA Asphalt Mbe

Vb Vfa Mb
Vba Absorbed Asphalt
Vmb Mmix
Vmm
Vsb Aggregate Magg
Vse

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐24

We use volumetric relationships to analyze an Asphalt mixture. These are

represented by a phase diagram.

Think of the basic phase diagram outline as an empty bucket. The first
thing you add to the bucket is the aggregate. The volume of aggregate has
two components: volume of the solid particle and volume of the water-
permeable voids. The next thing that is added to the bucket is the asphalt
cement.

Because the aggregate has surface voids, some of the asphalt fills a portion
of these voids. The remainder of the asphalt remains on the surface of the
aggregate. This is the asphalt that is available for “sticking” the aggregate
together and is referred to as the “effective” asphalt.

When the sample is compacted, the total volume will also contain a
percentage of air voids. VMA is the sum of the air voids and the volume of
effective asphalt (i.e., the asphalt film).

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Basic Terms
Specific Gravity (G):  Gxy
x: b = binder
s =  stone (i.e., aggregate)
m = mixture

y: b = bulk
e = effective
a = apparent
m = maximum
Example:
Gmm =  gravity, mixture, maximum (i.e., maximum gravity of the mixture)
Gmb = gravity, mixture, bulk
March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10
Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐25

The terms used to describe the properties of an asphalt mix have a set of
standardized abbreviations as shown on this slide and the next one.

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

Basic Terms (cont.)
Mass (P) or Volume (V) Concentration:  Pxy or Vxy
x: b = binder
s = stone (i.e., aggregate)
a = air

y: e = effective
a = absorbed

Example:
Pb = Percent binder
Pba = Percent binder absorbed
Va = air voids
March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10
Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐26

Release 10, March 2019 1-26

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

4 Steps of Superpave Mix Design

1. Materials Selection 2. Design Aggregate Structure

3. Design Binder Content 4. Moisture Sensitivity
March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10
Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐27

These are the steps associated with any mix design including Superpave mix
design.

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Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

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TRANSPORTATION

Superpave Mixture Requirements
• Mixture Volumetrics
• Air Voids (Va)
• Voids in the Mineral Aggregate (VMA)
• Voids Filled with Asphalt (VFA)
• Mixture Density Characteristics (at Nini, Ndes, Nmax)

• Dust Proportion
• Moisture Sensitivity
• Specified in Section 334
March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10
Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐28

FDOT has established certain parameters that are of interest in the specifying of
an Asphalt pavement. This slide shows those parameters. We will discuss these
in more detail later.

Release 10, March 2019 1-28

Asphalt Mix Designer Module 1 - Introduction

Florida Department of
TRANSPORTATION

ANY QUESTIONS ?

March 2019 Asphalt Mix Designer Release 10

Spec Year: July 2005 Module 1‐29

Release 10, March 2019 1-29