Modeling of Bituminous concrete Job mix formula design using

Path Variate Analysis and Interval method

Ramu Penki [1*] and Kota Komal Kumar [2]
1*
Assistant Professor, GMR Institute of Technology

2
PG student GMR Institute of Technology,
*[email protected]

Abstract This paper represents the numerical methods for the aggregate blending process in the bituminous concrete job mix
design. Path variate analysis method and Interval methods were applied to four and five types of aggregate sizes for the
blending process. The aspects to be considered in the design of job mix design using traditional methods are, the mix design
should be economical, accurate, should consume less time, etc. To achieve these aspects, many numerical methods were
developed. It was proven here that the numerical methods specified above are providing a proper proportion of aggregates and
the results were also seems effective and perfectly within the objective function. The gradation area is computed using the
curve fitting approach. Gradation seeks to reduce void space, therefore increasing the mix's performance. Thus, while
comparing the gradation area of mix obtained by two numerical methods such as path variate analysis and interval method for
blending process, for five-no. of aggregates 64.163and 104.169 and for four no. of aggregates 74.687,87.905. Thus, path
analysis method blend results have shown less gradation area, hence lesser gradation yields high performance in mix.

Keywords: Job mix formula, aggregate blending, bituminous concrete, gradation area.

1.Introduction

To achieve the desired properties of workability, durability, stability, and flexibility, a bituminous concrete
design must find the most cost-effective proportion of aggregates and bitumen [1]. As a result of dry blend
configuration, it is necessary to determine the number of various aggregate sizes to produce a blend of maximum
thickness. It is important to acquire and analyze a wide range of aggregate sizes when selecting aggregates. When
compared to rounded pebbles, flaky and gravel particles give higher strength to the mix [2]. It is said to be coarse
aggregate is material retained on a 2.36mm, Fine aggregate is which aggregate particles pass through a 2.36mm
and are retained on 0.075mm size sieve. Fillers are materials that have gone through a 0.075 mm sieve [3]. The
overall gradation of aggregates for mix design is regarded as a critical phase in the design of an asphalt concrete
mixture. The desired gradation should be thick and homogeneous, and it should not change from one extreme
limit to another. The maximum aggregate size (start point of the gradation curve) and percent filler (end point of
the gradation curve) are, on the other hand, set for each kind of asphalt concrete mix [17].

Many methods for blending aggregates have been developed. There are three types of methods namely trial
methods, graphical methods, and optimization approaches. Trial and error, graphical approaches as well as
Triangular chart and Roch's technique, which are only suitable for two or three aggregates. Analytical approaches
are used to achieve a better mix of numerical methods by constructing a system of equations [4]. Bituminous
Concrete mix for the base, binder, and wearing courses consists of coarse, medium, and fine aggregates as well
as mineral fillers. For the final blend (job mix formula) to meet the grading standards for a given layer variety,
the different mineral constituents must be graded uniformly, sized, and combined in certain amounts. On each
sieve, the job mix formula should be continuously graded from the lower limit of the specification requirements
to the higher limit of the next sieve [5][10]. The gradation area has a significant impact on mix functionality. It is
fair to think that the optimum gradation creates the most density. This would include arranging particles so that
smaller particles are fill up between bigger particles, minimizing the empty area between particles. Bituminous
pavements become more stable as a result of increased particle-to-particle contact [6]. Significant improvements
in porosity and permeability result from increasing the void ratio of the aggregate structure in porous concrete
pavements. It is obvious that the void ratio of an aggregate gradation for a porous asphalt mixture may be improved
based on the performance criteria (permeability or strength) [11]. The parameters that characterise aggregate
 2

gradation and how they relate to fracture and failure strain in asphalt mixes were examined. Multiple linear
regression studies employ these variables. The findings revealed that the gradation characterisation elements have
a strong relationship with mixture characteristics and may be useful in guiding the selection of aggregate
gradations for enhanced pavement performance [12]. The rutting resistance of Stone Matrix Asphalt mixes was
improved by increasing the nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS). However, lowering NMAS improved
cracking and ravelling resistance. The air voids (AV) and break point sieve had the most impact on SMA
permeability rate, but it was also impacted by aggregate gradation to some amount, with lower NMAS equating
to lower permeability rate [13]. Bailey's aggregate blending method was founded on the belief that coarse
aggregates create an interlocking skeleton, while fine particles aid in the subsequent packing of aggregates in the
mix. comparing the effectiveness of bituminous concrete mixes made with Bailey's blend to regular mixes made
following MoRTH's midpoint blending guidelines Bailey's blended mixes with and without shredded plastics
outperformed the matching MoRTH's combinations with and without shredded plastics by a significant margin
[14]. Poor mixture proportioning and grading variations have been blamed for construction and durability issues
[15]. The ideal asphalt content and Marshall Properties are influenced by aggregate gradation and filler type [16].
When compared to other types of compactions, gyratory compaction produces specimens that are less vulnerable
to temperature changes during testing. It is advised that the manner of compaction be considered in order to
achieve the desired design attribute of a long-lasting asphalt concrete mixture [18]. The master curve was created
with the use of an Excel spreadsheet and the solver function, which is a tool for non-linear least squares regression
optimization. The experimental technique agreed the best with the Arrhenius shifting equation, with a correlation
coefficient R2 of 0.922, according to a study of over sixty mixes. Furthermore, because it has the greatest degrees
of freedom, experimental shifting was the most flexible, resulting in the best match among the shifting equations
evaluated [19].

There are many computational (or) analytical approaches that have been developed to solve this problem in the
transportation industry, two computational techniques were proposed in this paper are

1. Path Variate Analysis Method

2. Interval Method

1.1 Path Variate Analysis Method

The Path variate analysis method is used to compute the solution to a system of equations in which all variables
are observable. Path models, as opposed to models that contain latent variables, assume accurate measurement
of the observable variables and represent just the structural connections between the observed variables [7]. In
this method, linear equations will be considered for problem-solving.

1.2 Interval method

The interval approach is a kind of arithmetic method in which sets of real intervals are used instead of sets of
real integers. It provides a precise method for performing arithmetic operations on closed intervals (interval
numbers), also it is for resolving issues that lie inside a specific interval of a function. This approach will try to
find a solution at the absolute maximum or minimum points on the interval, which might be at the endpoints or
critical locations. For example, x be a real number with an unknown value and suppose a measurement provides
sufficient information about an acceptable range, x̲ ≤ x≤ x̅ within which the true value of x is judged to reside [8].
Condition: [x̲, x̅] = {x £R, x̲ ≤ x̅}

2.Methodology adopted

For performing proportion of aggregates, gradation values are taken from (Saad Sarasam 2015) paper shown
below table 2 and table 3. And This paper proposes the development of asphalt concrete mix design for base
 3

course B as per Specification Requirements for Asphalt Concrete SCRB (2004) Shown in table 1.

Table 1. Specifications for Asphalt Concrete SCRB (2004)

Percent finer by weight

Sieve size
Base course
(mm) Binder course Wearing course
A B C
37.5 90-100 100 100 100 100
25 77-95 87-100 100 100 100
19 90-98 80-95 92-100 88-100 100
12.5 55-83 70-90 82-95 65-87 75-95
9.5 47-75 65-85 75-92 55-80 65-88
4.75 33-65 50-75 60-82 37-64 50-75
2 20-50 33-65 42-70 23-45 32-55
1 --------- --------- --------- 17-34 24-42
0.6 --------- --------- --------- 27-13 35-18
0.425 10-30 17-40 20-45 ------- ------
0.25 -------- ---------- --------- 8-20 10-25
0.18 5-22 10-25 10-28 ------- -------
0.125 --------- ---------- --------- 6-15 8-20
0.075 3-10 3-10 3-10 5-10 6-12

Table 2. Gradation values for five no. of aggregate sizes

Aggregate Type
Sieve size (mm) 1 2 3 4 5
37.5 100 100 100 100 100
25 50.2 100 100 100 100
19 20.5 64 100 100 100
12.5 0.9 19.2 100 100 100
9.5 0 0.8 80.1 100 100
4.75 0 0 27.2 99 100
2 0 0 2.4 85 100
0.42 0 0 1 37 100
0.18 0 0 0.2 12.2 100
0.075 0 0 0.2 4.2 84.8

Table 3. Gradation values for four no. of aggregate sizes

Aggregate Type
Sieve size (mm)
1 2 3 4
37.5 100 100 100 100
25 50.2 100 100 100
 4

19 20.5 100 100 100

12.5 0.9 100 100 100
9.5 0 80.1 100 100
4.75 0 27.2 99 100
2 0 2.4 85 100
0.42 0 1 37 100
0.18 0 0.2 12.2 100
0.075 0 0.2 4.2 84.8

Both the above numerical methods were solved manually and also conjointly specifies one or additional
restrictions or needs that have got to be met so as for the answer to be valid. A set of equations were employed
to search out the solution, that takes under consideration the midpoints of the specified gradation still because of
the proportion of every form of mixture that passes. Let x1, x2, x3, x4, x5 be the different sizes of aggregates
and linear equations will be written in the form of ax1+b x2+c x3+d x4+e x5=z, where a, b, c, d, and e are sieve
sizes that the aggregates are passing through and z represents the limits as specified by SCRB (2004). Solving
the above system of equations is manually uncomplicated therefore, ways area unit needed to unravel this and
yields an honest resolution.

2.1 Path Variate Analysis Method

This procedure is the same for aggregate types of 3 or more. In this article, this method is described using four
types and five types of aggregates. The step-by-step procedure of the Path analysis method is given below.
a) Assign the Variables
x1= Coarse aggregate, x2= Medium aggregate, x3=Fine aggregate, x4= Sand and x5=Filler material.
b) Form the linear equations
Write the equations with the constraints, variables, and limit specifications in the above-mentioned form i.e.,
100X1+100X2+100X3+100X4+100X5=100, similar linear equations to be formed for each gradation value.
X1≥0, X2≥0, X3≥0, X4≥0, X5≥0

c) Write the objective functions:

100X1+100X2+100X3+100X4+100X5=100
d)Solving step-by-step:
solve the linear equations obtained in the above steps
1. Solve eq 1&2
2. Solve eq 3&4
3. Solve eq 5&6
4. Solve eq 7&8 etc.,
Up to x1, x2, x3, x4 values are derived
And then substitute these four values in the objective function for the x5 value
e) Final Step:
The results were expressed as percentage.
x1=%, x2=%, x3=%, x4=% and x5=%

2.2 Interval method:

In this method also a system of equations was written in the above-mentioned form, but in this method whole
process is done by taking upper and lower limit specifications and the Condition for interval method: condition:
(Xi ≥0), (𝑋 ≤ 𝑋̅)
Here 𝑋= result using lower limit specification, ̅
X= result using the upper limit specification.
a) Assign the Variables
5 Number of aggregate sizes: x1= coarse aggregate, x2= medium aggregate, x3=fine aggregate, x4= Sand,
x5=filler material.
 5

4 Number of aggregate sizes: x1= coarse aggregate, x2=fine aggregate, x3= Sand, x4=filler material.
b) Form the linear equations
Write the equations with the constraints, variables, and limit specifications in the above-mentioned form i.e.,
100X1+100X2+100X3+100X4+100X5=100
50.2X1+100X2+100X3+100X4+100X5=87, similar linear equations to be formed for each gradation value.
X1≥0, X2≥0, X3≥0, X4≥0, X5≥0
In the interval method leave the first equation and set it as an objective function
c) Write the objective function:
100X1+100X2+100X3+100X4+100X5=100
d) solving step-by-step:
solve these equations step by step
1. Solve eq 1&2
2. Solve eq 3&4
3. Solve eq 5&6
4. Solve eq 7&8 etc.,
Up to x1, x2, x3,….. values are derived
e) Check:
Check whether the condition of the method will be satisfied or not.
f) final step: Required results were obtained for both upper limits considerations and lower limit considerations.
Out of these, the method selected is near to the objective function.
For performing proportion of aggregates, gradation values are taken from (Saad Sarasam2013) paper. This paper
proposes the development of asphalt concrete mix design for base course B as per Specification Requirements
for Asphalt Concrete SCRB (2004)

3. Results and discussions

3.1 Path Variate Analysis Method

For 5- number of aggregate gradations, blending results obtained were

Agg 1- 13%, Agg 2- 12%, Agg3-23%, Agg 4- 43%, Agg-9%
For 4- type aggregates gradation, blending results obtained were:
Agg 1- 13%, Agg 2-372%, Agg3-42%, Agg 4- 8%

3.2 Interval method

For 5-type aggregates gradation, blending results obtained were

Agg 1- 4.7 %, Agg 2- 11%, Agg3-15.5%, Agg 4- 60.1%, Agg-8.7%
For 4- type aggregate gradation, blending results obtained were
Agg 1- 15%, Agg 2- 23%, Agg3-54%, Agg 4-8%

Table 4. JMF values by using different methods

%Passing JMF
Sieve Size
Path Variate analysis method Interval method
(mm)
5-Type Agg 4-Type Agg 5-Type Agg 4-Type Agg
37.5 100 100 100 100
25 93.526 93.526 97.6594 92.53
19 85.345 89.665 92.3035 88.075
12.5 77.421 87.117 86.4543 85.135
9.5 70.519 79.637 81.3035 80.423
4.75 57.826 59.644 72.415 67.716
2 46.102 44.588 60.157 54.452
 6

0.425 25.14 23.91 31.092 28.21

0.18 14.292 13.198 16.0632 14.634
0.075 9.484 8.622 9.9328 9.098

• Job Mix Formula (JMF) values were obtained from the above approach. These were plotted using the
graphical approach for the values, derived combined gradation, and the Required gradation range and
are shown in below Fig 1 and 2.

Gradation curve of 5 Aggregate Types

120

100 Upper
Lower
80 Mid
JMF Path analysis variate method
60 JMF Interval method

40

20

0
0.01 0.1 1 10 100

Fig. 1. Asphalt Gradation curve for five aggregate types

150 Gradation curve for 4 aggregate types

Upper
Lower
Mid
100
JMF Path analysis variate method
JMF Interval method

50

0
0.01 0.1 1 10 100

Fig. 2. Asphalt Gradation curve for four aggregate types

3.3 Calculation of Aggregate gradation area by using curve fitting method in excel

After plotting the graph between the (Job Mix Formula) JMF and (Maximum Density Line) MDL in excel, an
equation in form of y =mx ± c has been generated using the curve fitting method. Then integration is performed
for the JMF and MDL equations by applying the lower and upper limits. The gradation area is obtained by
subtracting the JMF area and MDL area.

It is said to be that the dense mix is obtained by using fullers equation p = 100* (d/D)^n Where p represents the
weight percentage of whole mixture passing in any respective sieve sized, D stands for the biggest sieve in that
mix, and n denotes that depend on the aggregate's shape.
UL UL
Gradation area. = ∫LL JMF EQ - ∫LL MDL EQ
 7

The linear equation for MDL is y = 19.574x shown in Fig1

Polynomial equations for five number of aggregates JMF shown in Fig3.
For path variate analysis method, JMF y = 0.0257x6 - 0.4003x5 + 1.9724x4 - 1.7779x3 - 13.614x2 + 57.166x -
7.713
For interval method, JMF y = 0.1677x6 - 2.7453x5 + 16.711x4 - 44.77x3 + 39.722x2 + 44.74x - 7.5621
Polynomial equations for four number of aggregates JMF shown in Fig4.
For path variate analysis method, JMF y = -0.0798x6 + 1.6084x5 - 11.998x4 + 41.612x3 - 72.646x2 + 89.205x -
14.3
For interval method JMF y = 0.0472x6 - 0.6644x5 + 3.3405x4 - 5.6451x3 - 10.6x2 + 66.186x - 11.363

Table 5. Output values for MDL and JMF

%Passing JMF
Sieve Size %Passing
Using Path variate analysis Using Interval method
(mm) MDL
5-Type Agg 4-Type Agg 5-Type Agg 4-Type Agg
37.5 100 100 100 100 100
25 66.666667 93.526 93.526 97.6594 92.53
19 50.666667 85.345 89.665 92.3035 88.075
12.5 33.333333 77.421 87.117 86.4543 85.135
9.5 25.333333 70.519 79.637 81.3035 80.423
4.75 12.666667 57.826 59.644 72.415 67.716
2 5.3333333 46.102 44.588 60.157 54.452
0.425 1.12 25.14 23.91 31.092 28.21
0.18 0.48 14.292 13.198 16.0632 14.634
0.075 0.2 9.484 8.622 9.9328 9.098

120
Sieve size raised to 0.45
100 JMF path analysis variate method
JMF Interval method
80

60

40

20

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
sieve size raised to 0.45

Fig 3. Gradation area graph between JMF and MDL for 5-type aggregate sizes
 8

120
sieve size raised to 0.45
100 JMF using path analyis variate
JMF using interval method
80

60

40

20

0
0 1 2sieve size raised
3 to 0.454 5 6

Fig. 4. Gradation area graph between JMF and MDL for 4-type aggregate sizes

Table 6. Final Gradation area values

UL UL
Gradation area = ∫LL JMF EQ - ∫LL MDL EQ

5-type aggregate sizes 4-type aggregate sizes

By using the path variate analysis
64.163 74.687
method
By using the interval method 104.169 87.905

4.Conclusion

Good packing and densities are due to aggregate blending and controlling the aggregate gradation area improves
mix performance such as rutting, fatigue, and bulging of bitumen resistance. By using the numerical methods, it
is easy to do the proportioning of aggregate and these methods are time-saving. These methods will be successfully
executed for blending more than 3 types of aggregate material gradation.
However, observing the above results obtained by using these numerical methods, which are satisfying the
objective function. Gradation area results of the path variate analysis method have shown a smaller area compared
with the area obtained using the interval method. Hence, it is concluded that the mix obtained by the path variate
analysis method blending model will give high performance. Traditional blending models do not give good results
for the above 3 number aggregate materials and also the mix design is not economical and time-consuming. Using
the numerical methods, we can obtain good results in their respective specification limits. For gradation using the
curve fitting and integration calculations, it will be easier to calculate the gradation area, it will save more time
and it is concluded that one that mix has a lower gradation area exhibits high performance. Nowadays no
construction industry followed the traditional methods for aggregate blending every contractor looks to numerical
and analytical methods which save a substantial amount of computation time, and the mix is economical in the
blend and it can handle a wider range of aggregate sizes.

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