Performance of the SMA mixes made with the various binders

This paper compares the performance of the stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixes made with the various binders. Three types of binders namely: 20–30, 40–50 and 70–100 penetration grade were considered. The performance tests including, Marshall stability, tensile strength, tensile strength ratio, resistance to permanent deformation, flexural strength and resilient modulus were carried out on the SMA mixes. The safe pavement design criteria of the SMA mixes based on the anisotropic elasticity analysis through finite-element simulation were obtained and reported herein. In addition, an optimization table was prepared to select the type of SMA mixture for any field applications.