‘Advanced Testing and Characterization of Bituminous Materials — ‘Loizos, Pat, Scarpas & ALQadi (ods) (© 2009 Taylor & Francis Group, London, ISBN 978-0-415-55854-9 Reliability and suitability for standardization of methods for HMA density measurements: Experimental investigation on transverse vs longitudinal variations FG. Praticd, R. Ammendola & A. Moro DIMET Department, Mediterranea University, Reggio Calabria, Italy ABSTRACT: Lower density zones can occur at longitudinal joints. On the other hand, ‘cores extraction is time-consuming and subjected to technical and operator ertors. Const quently, a challenge is the use of electromagnetic sensors. In the light of above facts, the main objectives and scopes have been confined into the analysis of the reliability and suitability for standardization of high-speed devices. In particular the potential for detecting density non- cconformities especially in joints area has been investigated. In-lab and on-site experiments were designed and performed. Different measurement methods (vacuum sealing method, portable non-nuclear devices, dimensional) have been used. In the factorial plan, longitu- inal versus transverse variability has been considered. On the basis of the data analyses, it was possible to perform a tentative evaluation of the reliability and of the suitability for standardization of the specific test methods. The obtained data provided information and indications for specific recommendations and for practical applications. 1 INTRODUCTION Lower density zones atthe longitudinal joints affect pavement ultimate performance, expected life and lite cycle cost. Joint construction process is affected by many factors (AA.VV. 2004, Sebaaly et al. 2005a, Sebaaly et al. 2005b, Rao et al. 2007, Praticd et al. 2008a, Praticd et al. 2008b): paving tech- nique, joint features, compaction strategy, etc. Visual inspection (surface defects) and joint density measurements are needed in order to estimate density levels and to assess if requite- ‘ments are fulfilled. ‘On the other hand, cores extraction is time-consuming and subjected to technical and operator errors and, as a consequence, a challenge isthe use of electromagnetic sensors, which do not require penetrating probes to perform the measurement. Though many progresses hhave been done (AASHTO TP 68 2004, ASTM D7113 2005, AA.VV. 2006), reliability and suitability for standardization of such methods still need experimental and theoretical inves- tigations and studies. In the light of above facts, the main objectives and scopes have been confined into the analysis of the reliability and suitability for standardization of high-speed devices. In particular the potential for detecting density non-conformities especialy in joints area has been investigated. In-lab and on-site experiments were designed and performed. Dit- ferent measurement methods (vacuum sealing method, portable non-nuclear devices, dimen- sional) have been used. In the factorial plan of experiments, longitudinal versus transverse variability has been considered. In the next section the design of experiments is described, \while section three deals with results and analyses. 2. EXPERIMENTAL PLAN In order to pursue the above-mentioned objectives, an experimental plan has been designed, Afier the laydown and compaction of the Cold Lane (CL), the laydown and compaction of 367Transverse sections Figure 1. Longitudinal (Li, .., L?)and transverse, (RI, ... R6) sections the Hot Lane (HL) has been cartied out. In this phase rolling from the hot side with over- lapping onto the cold lane by about 150 mm has been carried out. After the construction of the (CL) and (HL), insite and in-lab (on the extracted cores) measurements have been performed in the intersections ij between the longitudinal sections Z,(/= 1, 7) and the transverse sections R, (j= 1, ...6) asin figure Insite, the parameter P, density estimated through a non-nuclear portable device, has been measured. On the extracted cores, te following parameters have been determined: » (%) = asphalt binder content as a percentage of aggregate weight (BLU. CNR 0.38/73; ASTM 6307; EN 12697-1: 2006); (G=aggregate gradation (B.U. CNR n. 4/53; EN 12697-2: 2008): y,= aggregate apparent specific gravity (BLU. CNR n. 63/78; AASHTO TSS: 2004): Gu. = mix bulk specific gravity according to ASTM D6752; ASTM D6857; G.,= mix bulk specific gravity after opening (ASTM D6752; ASTM D6857);, 17," mix effective porosity (ASTM D6752; ASTM D6857): sayy = ix bulk specific gravity according to AASHTO 1269. ‘The effective porosity (ny) has been calculated from Guy. aNd Gyosc! May = 1) AG Z's fy = Water density ‘The following main sources of variance have been considered for the given plan of experi- ‘ments: i) Random distribution of actual values; ii) Construction; ii) Test procedures. Itisimportant to remark that three procedures have been considered for the determination of the bulk specific sraVity: Ggo> Gaps In the case of the indicator P the following main sources of variance have been taken into account (and therefore controlled): moisture, aggregate type, temperature, Nominal Maxi- ‘mum Aggregate Size, layer thickness. Note that, as is well-known, G,, is dimensionless, while P can be expressed in elem’. Any- hhow, all the results can be easily interpreted in terms of g/cm’ (G..c7,). ie. density. Gi o> Go 3. RESULTS Results are summarized in figures 2 to 33 and tables 1 and 2 Figures 2 to 7 refer to the transverse variation of G,,.,, (for each section R), while figures 8 to 13 refer to G,., and figures 14 to 19 refer to P. Figures 20 to 26 show the regressions of Pand G,,.,a8a function of G,,., along the transverse sections (RI to R6). 368It is important to point out previously that density curves are expected to present (from left, shoulder, to right, joint, see figure 3): 1. an initial domain (), within the Hot Lane (HL), in which the first derivative is positive and there is an increase of density up toa given value; 2. a second domain (Il), within the Hot Lane, in which the first derivative is substantially null and the density is constant; 3. a third domain (IID), across the joint (J), in which the frst derivative is negative and the density decreases; 4. a fourth domain (1V), on the right ofthe longitudinal joint (J) in which the frst derivative is expected to be positive: 5. a fifth domain (V), quit stationary, as the second one. FFigure 3 shows, inthe same plot, both the shape of the expected density plot and the obiained results (transverse section R2). The above-mentioned domains (I to V) are there represented. Itis possible to observe that sections R2 (figures 3,9, 15), 3 (figures 4 10, 16), 4 (figures 5,11, 17, RS (figures 6, 12, 18) present the expected increase of density on the right of the joint, while inthe remaining cases (R1, R6) there is not the expected increase ‘This factcould be due to the difference between the two lanes (HL vs. CL), constructed in df= ferent days, temperature and humidity conditions. Moreover, the same hypothesis of homo- geneity of the HMA (Hot Mix Asphalt) could be too “strong” if compared to the expected range of variations. ‘As far as figures 20 to 26 are concerned (in which the circles refer to the measures carried out juston the joint, J), itis possible to observe that all the linar regressions PVs. G,., show first derivatives always positive (in the range 0.1 ~ 0.9), while the constants range from 0.1 up to 1.6. It is important to focus that when al the points are considered (se figure 20), the Resquare coefficient decreases from 0.3 ~ 0.8 mm to 0.3 (se as table 1). This fact could be ddue to a sort of section-specificity. If ths information is elated to the strong differences observed in terms of water content among the different transverse sections, it is possible to refer the above-mentioned specificity toa peculiar range of water content. ‘On the other sie, by referring tothe linear regressions in which the explanatory variable is always G,,._, while the response (dependent) variable is G, always in figures 20 to 26), the slope resis always positive (inthe range 0.4~ 1.9), while the intercept ranges from —1.9 up to 0.8. R-squate values range from 0.3 up to 1,0 and are in general higher than the ones obtained when the response variable is P. More importantly, the average R-square of the single seotions results 0.57 for PVs. 0.72 fOr Gig, (82 also table I, column “Average"). Now, if these values are compared with the R-square values obtained forall the sections (see figure 20 and table 1), itis possible to point out that for P-correlations there is a transition from (0.57 (average R-square) for transverse sections to 0.26 (all the sections), with a ratio of 0.5 (0.26057), while for Go, correlations there is a transition from 0.72 to 0.75, where the ratio is 1.0. This asymmetry (decrease for P vs stationarity for G,,.,,) could strengthen the above-mentioned hypothesis of section specificity of P measur Figures 27 to 33 summarize the results obtained for points having the same distance from the shoulder but placed in different transverse sections. In particular, these figures refer to P WS. Gy. ANd Cyoyuy VS Ga, COFFEAtONS. ‘Asa as the tesponse Variable Pis considered, the slope ranges from -0.1 up to 09, while the intercepts vary from 0.2 up to 2.2. R-square values are quite low and range from 0.0 up {0 08 with an average value of 0.3 (Se also table 2). When all the points are considered R- square is again 0.3 (Se figure 20) and consequently the ratio “average on all"is 0.30.3 2 0.98 (cfr. table ast column). As for Gy, 0FFlations, the slope ranges from 1.0 up to 2.2, while the intercepts vary from -2.5 up 100.1. R-square values range [rom 0.6 up to 09, with an average value of 0.72 (sae table 2) and a ratio of 1.04. Also these results agree withthe above- mentioned hypothesis of (transverse) section-specificity “Tables 1 and 2 offer a resumé of R-square values and correlation significance. Note that in tables 1 and 2 the adjusted R-square has been reported. Adjusted R'is a modification of 369aps eggegeeeg 1.85 8239 8 3 828338 HL @ cL HL 3) cl Distance (em) Distance (em) s Distance (Rt), Figure 3. Gy. Distance 2) 7 Ra 205 _4 tos Pee rss é 178 165 28 SA38 8 Sf & & $8 8 a” “Oe nm” “Orc Distance (em) Distance (em) Figured, Gy. 98 Distance 3) Figure 5. Gy, Distance() RS Re 205 205 vos 105 [4 frss fuss lor Pp 175 178 6s 1.68 "a WOa® HL” “Gy ot Distance (em) Distance (em) Figure 6. G,_, v8 Distance (RS) Figure 7 Gy. Distanee(6) 3702,05 Rt 2,05 R2 198 188 31.85 tS O75 sos t 188 Distance (cm) Distance (cm) Figure. Gg Disa Figure? Gay ¥ Disa (2) mB oo 208 205 198 Fries AN é 178 wee esgegegeeeg 1.85 SR 8 8.8.8 °-3s2eges i” “Of "ae Distance (cm) Distance (cm) a a 208 205 198 ros eA é 178 198 tes ~ Oro ~ fi” @Pet Distance (cm) Distance (cm) Figure Gay Disa (RS) Figur 1 Gg Distance (RO 371a 2.05 Re 205 rot ba ol 195 Fi RS ate5 01,85 175 4,75 185 165 7 AL @® ov "HL Oa Distance (em) Distance (cm) Figue Pa dance (Rt) Figure 18. Pa dance (2) ra ma sos 208 195 (4 1985 4 aias PN ates 175 175 165 1685 HL cL HL cL Distance (cm) Distance (cm) Figue 16. Pa itance(R3) Figure 17. Pa dance) ms Re 208 208 1985 1985 Th tas ates 175 175 165 165 °82288 8 ° 8232383 . a AL cu oistenc em) © Distance (em) Pv Distance) Figure 9. Pa dance RO. 3721.95 ALL y= 0.300% + 1.7908 RI y= 087x028 2 2 198 =O 195 P Fees - 18 219 fos = feos jos o 18 an t75 ays Y re ede azote] |* 5.7 ake = 1.65 + 18519198 no 2.08 18519195 22.05 Figure 20. P, Gag 98 Gyan (ALL) P.G sop YS Gaye (RI). Gx + 1085 S_y= 0t0ax + 08076 49s REOT pS 219 = Fras lo 18 lar 1.75 47 1.65 195191952 2.05 Figure 22. PGs, ws G(R). Figure 23. P.G yy 18 Gy (RD. Ra y= 0.9480 + 0.0875) ie EO 3 hs F ets sas a whee 185 19 195 2,05 185° 19 1,95 2205 Figure. PG gg Gy Figue 2 Oyu Gy (RS m6 aria 13510 1 os .is 3 85 jet ts ar 1,75, 7 188 Ve 19 1,95 2 ™°2.05| 373Be, Tai emp 95: 19 has: 18 hz. a7 has z 19519198 29205 18519195 2.05 Figure 27. PG oy Gy, (LD. Figure 28. PGi G,._(L2) Pom Tas emp «, Ta eS Em 1.95 * 19 sss fe 175 17 1.65 185 19195 28mm 205 185 19 1.95 2 2,05 Figure 29. PG aoa, ¥% Ga, LD) Figute30. PG ou Ga 4) Be. TS WaT ey re Tea omy Caan oars +0211 eet ea ho. say 195 19 19 hs 185 18. 7 18 hs vetrmoactabes| | 75 sua ve wa e w= asast hs. 199 18 191952205 185191982 Bos Figure 31. P.G.sguu 8 Gace (LS) Figute 32. PG gona Ga (L0) Pan LT IS em) 2 KT [OOS 1.95 a 19 185 18 175 vs afr 165 1a 184858 209 Figure 33. P, Gy 8 Gay, (LD) 374Resquare that adjusts for the number of explanatory terms (i.e. independent variables or regressors, r) and for the size of the sample (n) in a model. More importantly, Unlike 2°, the adjusted 2° increases only if the new term improves the model more than it would be expected by chance. Note that due to the structure of the algorithm, the adjusted ®® could result negative, but it will always be less than or equal to R®. The adjusted 2° is defined as: o Where ris the total number of regressors (but not counting the constant term) in the linear ‘model (in our case r= 1), and m is sample size. Note that R.,-square values result significantly lower than the corresponding R-square values, especially for some of the longitudinal sections (LL, L7). By referring to the level of significance of correlations (all the mixes, p-values), summarized in tables 1 and 2, it represents the probability of making the "wrong decision”, i.e. a decision to reject the null hypothesis (the two variables are not correlated) when the null hypothesis is actually true (Type I error, or “false positive determination”). Asa consequence, the smaller the p-value, the more significant the result is said to be. Traditionally either the 0.05 level or the 0.01 level ate used, although the choice of levels is quite subjective. It is confirmed that: a) the “Ps. G,.., single transverse section (Rj), while, for the longitudinal sections (Li are usually low significant; b) om the contrary, the "Gay, VS. Gy,” correlations are often significant (at a 5? significance) both for the transverse and the longitudinal sections. correlations are often significant (at a 5% level of significance) for the |, such correlations level of ‘Table 1. R-square values and correlation significance RI R2 RS R4 RS RG ALL Average Ratio BPG. 060 048 0.78 077 034 045 026 057 046 Rady PG 0.2 035 0.72 O71 021 035 024 ost po PG 0030 0.103 0,010 001104149 O.o81 0-001 RB Cooux-Guowe 030098092 060067 0.86 0.95 Rad) GrourGn O16 098 0.90 050 072088 0.74 PGranncGrns 0,187 0.000 0,001 0.050 0,015 0.001 0,000 Table, R-square values and correlation significance oo us ue se LP ALL, © PG, 008 024 007 OM O81 027 OAT 026 Realy PO 08 = 0.760.090.2604 POL 0749 0302 0,680 0.748 0.006 0.265 0,147 0.001 EF GasneGuue 010 0.60 O82 0.76 092 033 ODL O75 GnnGen” 0.60 049 0.76 0.68 0.90 016 089078 rnG" 0046 0082 OLA 0027 0.000 0.214 0.001 0.000 4 CONCLUSIONS In the light of the above Facts the following observations may be drawn « variations due to material and construction greatly affect the collected data base and a greater number of points and a more symmetric plan of experiments results necessary; 375«transverse variability reflects the presence of the longitudinal joint (in five cases on six), ‘while, on the contrary, longitudinal variability doesn’t present any recurrent gap: « the bias among the three different methodologies for the determination of densities is quite evident. The minimum value is usually given by the dimensional method (G,,), the maxi- mum by the vacuum sealing method (G,,..): « by referring to the reliability and suitability for standardization of non-nuclear portable densimeter, the analyses showed that, for P, it is very plausible an effect of section- specificity, probably due to the role that humidity plays in the measurements carried out by the portable non nuclear densimeter and to the different distance among transverse and longitudinal points; this occurrence has been analysed from many points of view and R-square values and correlation significance confirmed the assessment; on the other hand, several phenomena confirm that the hypothesis of homogeneity of HMA properties still remains a complex topi Future research will include the consideration of the clustered measures of P (5 measures for cach point) and a greater number of points for section, REFERENCES AA.WV,, 2004. 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