Performance Contrast of Asphalt Macadam Mixture Based on Different Molding Methods

In order to study the influence of different molding methods on asphalt macadam performance and the indexes on mixture tests, three molding methods were utilized, including the large scale Marshall molding method, the rolling molding method and the vibrating molding method. The Marshall indexes of the asphalt macadam mixture compacted by the three methods were compared and analyzed, and the volume indexes of asphalt macadam with different librations times were in comparison. Based on the principle of same molding work, the ranges of the four indexes were put forward for asphalt macadam with both the rolling molding method and the vibrating molding method. It is found that the values of different indexes on different methods are nearly same, only with a difference of 5 percent in the asphalt saturation degree. Finally, it is emphasized that enough molding time is required for the asphalt macadam performance when it is in construction and compaction.