Effect of Marshall and Gyratory Compaction Methods on Segregation of Asphalt Mixture by Image Analysis

The distribution of aggregate particles in asphalt mixtures play an important role in determining the properties of asphalt concrete. Segregation is a common failure that occurs during the construction when the factors such as aggregates gradation, compaction and mixing temperature are not controlled well. It increases the risk of early failures such as rutting, lower density and degradation. Thus, it is desired to study the internal structure of asphalt mixtures in terms of aggregate distribution using various compaction methods. The objective of the current study is to compare the distribution of aggregates in asphalt samples compacted by Marshall Compactor (MC) and Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) under different conditions of compactive effort. The MC and SGC samples were prepared and Image J software was used in conjunction with AutoCAD to analyze both types of samples in terms of particles distribution (Segregation). It was concluded that the average segregation ratio of Marshall Compacted Specimens (MCS) is relatively more than the Gyratory Compacted Specimens (SGS).