Moisture Effect on Stiffness of Asphalt Concretes for Low Volume Roads: Comparative Study of Asphalt Institute and Witczak 1-40D Models
Enwuso A. Igwe1, Emmanuel O. Ekwulo1, Captain G. Ottos1
Citation : Enwuso A. Igwe, Emmanuel O. Ekwulo, Captain G. Ottos, Moisture Effect on Stiffness of Asphalt Concretes for Low Volume Roads: Comparative Study of Asphalt Institute and Witczak 1-40D Models International Journal of Constructive Research in Civil Engineering 2016, 2(4) : 12-19
In many parts of the developing nations flexible road constructions are made without due to consideration to drainage facilities due to cost implications and as such most of such pavements fail prematurely. The present study sought to buttress the importance of good drainage facilities as part of avenues to enhance pavement performance and life. The study focused on determining the impact that moisture will develop on pavement stiffness (dynamic modulus) under repeated loads. This involved simulating the effect of moisture on stiffness of flexible pavement using asphalt concretes prepared in the laboratory for low traffic volumes at varying frequencies of loading using Asphalt Institute and Witczak 1-40D Models. The results from the study revealed that flexible pavement when under moisture continuously loses bind-ability between the aggregates and asphalt cement therefore results in stripping of the pavement under repeated traffic loads due to reduction in stiffness (dynamic modulus).