Abstract: The objective of this study was to improve the performance of flexible pavement through suitable aggregate gradation. Thus, initially, the dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures |E*| for different aggregate gradations were predicted, and suitable aggregate gradation was determined. Then the performance of three different pavement structures for two aggregate gradations (Mid and Suitable), using AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design 2.5. 5, were evaluated for local conditions of Izmir, Turkey. The analysis result revealed that using suitable values compared to middle values increased the |E*| and improved the rutting and fatigue resistance of all pavement structures for any traffic levels. The output of this study can be used as a guide for hot mixed asphalt mix design and pavement design based on Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide as well.

Abstract Pavement management systems are crucial because of monitoring the current pavement condition to supply safe, efficient, comfortable and durable riding surface for vehicles. Driving safety is the most important issue, which is closely related to pavement surface texture. The texture of the pavement surface and its ability to resist the polishing effect of heavy traffic is an important parameter in providing necessary skidding resistance during the service life. In this study, 4 different asphalt pavement sections located in Izmir/TURKEY which having different traffic characteristics were investigated every three months for two years aiming to evaluate the effect of traffic volume on the surface textural and frictional properties of the pavement. The textural properties were evaluated using sand patch test (SPT) and a 3D Laser Scanning System (LSS), while Dynamic Friction Tester (DFT) was employed to assess the frictional properties. As a result, lower Mean Texture Depth (MTD) and Mean Profile Depth (MPD) values were obtained for the increased traffic volumes. High correlation was derived between macro and micro textural properties of the asphalt pavement. Additionally, the textural and frictional properties were found highly related for the investigated asphalt pavement surfaces.

When comparing the aging characteristics of hot and warm mix asphalts from a technical point of view, it can intuitively be expected that a warm mix asphalt would be less subjected to aging-induced failures due to lower application temperatures. Since the side effects of warm asphalt technology should be investigated distinctly. This study addresses the aging investigation of properties of bituminous mixtures containing two (i.e., natural and synthetic zeolite) water based additives available on the market. Within the scope of this study, short- and long-term aging conditions were simulated on mixtures containing various contents of additives as well as on control specimens. The aging indices were determined based on the hardness ratio employing indirect tensile strength values in order to investigate the aging induced failures betide by time. Aging indices showed that the specimens with water containing additives demonstrate relatively better resistance against hardening than conventional hot mix asphalt specimens.