A simplified performance-based specification for asphalt pavements

Louisiana's current specification for asphalt pavements relies on the volumetric properties of asphalt mixtures for quality control (QC) and quality acceptance (QA). Realising the lack of fundamental correlation between the volumetric properties and the long-term pavement performance, developing a performance-based specification, which can complement the current specification with direct performance predictors, is needed. The objective of this paper is to introduce a simplified performance-oriented specification approach developed for new and rehabilitated asphalt pavements in Louisiana. The loaded wheel tracking (LWT) test-measured rut depth and semi-circular bending (SCB) test-measured fracture property (Jc) were selected as the field performance predictors for rutting and cracking, respectively. These laboratory-measured performance predictors were compared to the actual field performance of 10 pavement sections across Louisiana to establish the performance guidelines. Maximum LWT rut depths of 10 and 6 mm were proposed as the target quality limits for rutting in low and high traffic pavements, respectively. Minimum SCB Jc values of 0.5 and 0.6 kJ/m2 were proposed as the target cracking performance criteria in low and high traffic pavements, respectively.