Asphalt mix design: Discussion on the bulk specific gravity procedure influence on the results obtained from empirical, volumetric, and performance-based methods

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the impact laboratory procedures for air void content determination design and mechanical performance an asphalt mixture. A dense-graded AC20 gap-graded SMA12.5 mixtures were designed using empirical volumetric methods. Volumetric properties are determined based several bulk gravity procedures: dry, SSD (saturated surface dry), paraffin coated, vacuum-sealed dimensions. Relationships between with specific their made it possible analyze these mixtures. Global variations relevant, although differences moderate considering common (less than 10%). Impact a property can be considerable, up 70%. For applications, have significant effect overall in-service performance.