A5EE-437

EVALUATION OF HYDRATED LIME EFFECTS ON ASPHALT MIXTURE DURABILITY

AGAINST MOISTURE: A CASE STUDY IN IRAN

1 2 3
Hamid Sabbagh Mollahosseini , Parham Hayati , Amir Kavussi
1
Member of Board of Pavement Engineering Association of Iran, K. N. Toosi University of Technology, Iran
2
Civil Engineering department, Iran University of Science and Technology,Iran
3
Associate Professor, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU), Iran

ABSTRACT

Aggregate stripping is a failure which mostly occurs in asphalt pavements in conditions with high degree of moisture
accompanied by hydrophilic aggregates. The use of lime is a recognized way to mitigate this problem and in this
research, we aimed to investigate the lime effect by performing laboratory tests on various aggregates and different
percent of Hydrated Lime additive to figure out the changes in some principal HMA design factors. Test results have
been use in one of the major road construction projects in Iran, with aggregates susceptible to premature stripping.
ASTM D3625 is used as a primary evaluation of aggregate tendency to striping and AASHTO T283 for examining the
indirect tensile strength of asphalt mixtures. Evaluation of asphalt mixture durability against moisture is done by TSR
ratio, MRR and fatigue index. Results in our tests in a real project show the capabilities of Hydrated Lime additives
against the stripping phenomena.

Keywords: Hydrated Lime additive, stripping, fatigue, MRR index

5th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, 13-15th June 2012, Istanbul

1. INTRODUCTION

Roads are the national assets of every country that provide connectivity between different regions. Management and
roads maintenance are useful for all over the country. Hence, researchers have done many studies to determine distress
reasons and treatment and maintenance methods. Stripping is one of the main distresses that occur in hot mix asphalt
pavements. It has been an important problem these years that very much fund has been spent on that [1]. Since stripping
is caused by water, it is important to analyze how the asphalt to aggregate interaction changes in the presence of water
[2]. Although cohesion (the bonds between asphalt molecules) plays a part in moisture damage, the emphasis is more on
the adhesion (the bonds between asphalt and aggregate) rather than cohesion. Active adhesion is the formation of bonds
between asphalt and aggregate in presence of water. In other words, for asphalt to have active adhesion, it should have a
higher affinity to the aggregate surface compared to water so that it can displace water from the aggregate surface [3].
The standard definition of stripping is the breaking of the bond between asphalt and aggregate by the action of water
[4]. Several definitions for stripping have been presented that the definition "the decreasing of adhesion between asphalt
cement and mineral aggregate caused by partition of asphalt coating from aggregate surface in the presence of water" is
the best that has been expressed by Hosla. Here, the effects of hydrated lime on the strength, quality and composition of
hot mix asphalt of Surface and Binder layers at severe humid weather conditions have been evaluated.

2. MATERIALS

2.1 Aggregates

Aggregates consist of inorganic polar compounds and differ widely in properties. Aggregates such as quartz, granite
and sandstone have a high percent of silicon dioxide (SiO2). The surfaces of these siliceous aggregates have silanol
(SiOH) groups, which are weakly acidic. Aggregates such as marble and limestone have a high percent of calcium
carbonate in them. Calcium carbonate is a base and this gives a weak basic character to its surface. Thus, the surface of
aggregates can be either acidic or basic depending on the composition of the aggregates [3]. Also, aggregates chemical
composition, mineralogy, surface texture, porosity and shape can be effective on the adhesion quality of aggregate to
asphalt thin film [5, 6]. Aggregates used in asphalt mixture layers should absorb asphalt binder as well as possible so
that aggregate particles hold each other and the mix become stable. Whatever the asphalt film adhere better to the
aggregate particles, the pavement structure will be more stable and its stability and durability increases, so mineral
aggregates play the main role in asphalt. In addition to the concern that dust weakens asphalt to aggregate bonds
(adhesion), there is also concern that clay promotes the inclusion of water within the mixture, leading to weakened
asphalt to asphalt bonds (cohesion). Plastic fines are another way to describe the clay present in an aggregate. The
amount of plastic fines or clay can be inferred from the plasticity index (PI) [3]. In this case study, the crashed siliceous
aggregates with the properties presented in tables 1 and 2, have been used. With respect to utilization of these aggregate
in Surface and Binder layers, their gradation are presented in table 3.

Table 1: The results of quality experiments on aggregates

Standard
Experiment Unit Binder Surface
ASTM
Abrasion by los angeles in 500 rpm C 131 % B/25 B/22
Materials weight decrease by sodium solfat (salt
C88 % 0.4 -1.7 0.3-0.9
cake)
Percent of fracture in one front D 5821 % 99 99
Percent of fracture in two fronts D 5821 % 97 98
Flakiness BS 812 % 13 18
Sand equivalent D2419 % 61 70
The maximum size D8 mm 25 19
Impact Value D 5784 % 6.9 7.1

Table 2: Aggregate properties value in project

Coarse Aggregate Fine Aggregate Filler

3
Apparent Specific gravity, kg/cm 2.559 2.575 2.716
ASTM C128
Water absorption, %
1.1 1.4 -
ASTM C127

5th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, 13-15th June 2012, Istanbul

 Table 3: Sieve test result

Seive size
(mm) 25 19 12.5 9.5 4.75 2.36 0.3 0.076
Type of layer
Passing Percent (Binder) 100 95 - 73 55 36 12 5

Passing Percent (Surface) 100 100 95 - 61 42 11 7.2

2.2 Bitumen

Bitumen is a mixture of many organic compounds which are mostly hydrocarbons varying widely in structure and
molecular weight [7]. It is oily nonpolar material in comparison to inorganic material such as aggregates. In addition to
hydrocarbons, bitumen also contains certain amounts of polar organic compounds. Adhesion between bitumen and
aggregate particles is a result of linkage between bitumen polar compounds and aggregates polar surface. Whereas
bitumen is affected by the environment conditions, only the bitumen polarity is not adequate for good adhesion in the
mixture [8]. Also, high level of water can infiltrate in to the bitumen film and mainly change the bitumen rheological
properties [9]. In this research project, the AC85-100 bitumen of Tabriz refinery is used and its properties are presented
in table 4.

Table 4: The properties of pure asphalt (Type of asphalt: 85-100 Tabriz petroleum)

Viscosity in 3 Temp.
Specific Softening (cst)
Loss of Penetration
Gravity point PI PVN
Weight @25ºC
@25ºC (R & B) ºC 120 ºC 135 ºC 160 ºC

ASTM ASTM
ASTM D5 ASTM D36 ASTM D2170 - -
D70 D1754
1.003 0.2 99 45.9 514 260 102 -0.5 -0.9

2.3 Filler

If it is inevitable to use aggregates susceptible to stripping, it is necessary to use antistripping agents in asphalt mixture
to reduce the risk of stripping. With respect to the severe humid weather conditions associated with this project (Tabriz-
Zanjan freeway), we had the two options: 1) treatment with liquid antistripping additive 2) treatment with active fillers
such as hydrated lime , cement to decrease the risk of stripping damage in this project. So laboratory tests were
necessary to indicate that the selected option will be beneficial for decreasing the risk of stripping. Liquid antistripping
additives and lime are used generally. If it is not necessary to use these additives or if they use mistakenly, it may have
negative effects on pavement performance. To obtain proper results, it's necessary to use actual bitumen and aggregate
samples during laboratory tests. One of the most prevalent antistrip additives is hydrated lime that effectively decreases
asphalt mixtures stripping susceptibility. Hydrated lime can improve aggregates surface chemical properties [2]. Lime
as a multi purpose additive in addition to reducing moisture susceptibility and its ability in controlling stripping, can
decrease rutting and cracking and increase durability and strength against oxidation and aging [2].

The mechanism of lime is not well known. However lime addition for minimizing moisture susceptibility in asphalt
mixtures is an accepted alternative. Lime is available in different forms which from hydrated lime (CaOH 2) and active
lime (CaO) are effective for avoiding stripping of asphalt mixtures; nevertheless the first one is more prevalent. With
respect to effectiveness and accessibility of hydrated lime, this material was used in Tabriz-Zanjan freeway project to
prevent stripping of aggregates. Hydrated lime content required for decreasing moisture susceptibility of hot mix
asphalt usually ranges between 1-2.5 weights percent of dry aggregates. Adding hydrated lime to hot mix asphalt
mixtures usually increases the optimum asphalt content by 0.1-0.3 percents. Addition of dry lime to asphalt binder

5th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, 13-15th June 2012, Istanbul

before mixing with aggregate is not examined [3]. In this project optimum lime content was determined as 1.0 percent
according to AASHTO test method.

3. EXPERIMENTAL TEST

In this research, Marshall Specimens were prepared according to ASTM D1559 test method. Mixing and compaction
temperatures for asphalt mixtures of Surface and Binder layers were determined using viscosity-temperature curves of
bitumen as presented in table 5.

Table 5: Compaction and mixing temperature

Type of Layer Mixing Range Compaction Compaction

Temperature RangeTemperature Effort in 7±1%Voids
Surface 143-149 132-137 37 blows

Binder 143-149 132-137 42 blows

Asphalt Institute
Recommends for 170 ± 20 centistokes 280 ± 30 centistokes -
viscosity

Tests for evaluating bituminous mixtures are classified in two groups: test on loose (uncompacted) mix and test on
compacted mix. Test on uncompacted asphalt mixtures are suitable for bitumen coated aggregates in presence of water.
The main advantages of this test are simplicity, inexpensiveness. In this project, the boiling water test according to
ASTM D3625 standard test method was used for evaluating the effects of hydrated lime on hot mix asphalt production
process. In this test, loose mix is placed in boiling water for 10 minutes. Then visual observation is made of retained
bitumen coating on the aggregate. The results of this test are presented in table 6.

Table 6: Texas boiling test (ASTM D3625)

Layer Type Result Standard

Surface Between 10 to 15 % ASTM D3625
Surface Modified Between 5 to 10 % ASTM D3625
Binder More than 20% ASTM D3625
Binder Modified Between 5 to 10 % ASTM D3625

Evaluating compacted asphalt mixtures strength against moisture damage according to AASHTO T283 standard test
method, is the most prevalent test method for determining hot mix asphalt moisture susceptibility. This test is a
combination of Lottman, Tunnicliff and Root test methods and is similar to Lottman test method. Modified Lottman test
procedure determines indirect tensile strength ratio, TSR. This is the ratio of the average tensile strength of the
conditioned samples divided by the average tensile strength of the unconditioned samples. AASHTO T 283 allows
specimens that are compacted using Marshall Apparatus, California Kneading Compactor, Superpave Gyratory
Compactor, or U.S. Corps of Engineers Gyratory Testing Machine. The minimum allowable tensile strength ratio is 0.7
[10]. Nevertheless, the proposed minimum ratio is considered as 0.8. The test results of Surface and Binder layers
asphalt mixture either containing or not containing the lime are presented in table 7.

Table 7: Test results of TSR value

Lottman AASHTO T283

Optimum
Layer Situation Specific
binder % Void Sat % ITS TSR
Weight
Dry 2213 7.3 408
Surface 6.0 70 67
Sat 2217 7.0 274
Surface Dry 2221 6.9 477
6.1 64 80
Modified Sat 2223 6.8 380
Dry 2139 7.2 424
Binder 5.4 77 47
Sat 2141 7.1 201
Modified Dry 2143 6.8 450
5.5 73 66
Binder Sat 2149 6.6 295

5th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, 13-15th June 2012, Istanbul

For further assessment and evaluation of hydrated lime effects, the Marshall Stability test was performed according to
ASTM D1075 (AASHTO T165) standard test method. Preparing and conditioning procedures for two set of specimens
are similar to immersed compression test, but the Marshall stability is determined instead of compressive strength in
this test [11]. The test results of Surface and Binder layers asphalt mixture either containing or not containing the lime
are presented in table 8.

Table 8: Test results of Marshall

Stability
Layer Situation Specific
Stability Sat/Dry Flow Q
Weight
Dry 2263 1128 12.0 3.69
Surface 73
Sat 2270 824 12.9 2.51
Surface Dry 2290 1071 10.5 4.0
89
Modified Sat 2289 958 11.3 3.33
Dry 2196 1196 12.4 3.78
Binder 76
Sat 2201 916 12.9 2.79
Modified Dry 2212 1104 12.9 3.36
92
Binder Sat 2212 1019 13.0 3.08

As it is obvious in table 8, specific gravity of modified specimens for Surface and Binder is increased and Marshall
Stability ratio is increased more than 20 percent compared to not modified mixtures. Also, with respect to the minimum
allowable Marshall Stability and acceptable flow ranges in Iranian regulation, the "Q" parameter should be greater than
2.68. According to the data presented in table 8, the "Q" parameter after adjustment has an ascending trend.

Table 9: Variation of TSR and Marshall Stability ratio value of Hydrated Lime percent in binder layer

Sample Number 1 2 3 4
Hydrated Lime % 0 33 50 67
Filler % 100 67 50 33
TSR Value % 47 60 61 66
Marshall Stability Ratio 76 80 81 92

Figure 1: Variation of TSR and Marshall Stability ratio value of Hydrated Lime percent in binder layer

According to the data presented in table 9, increasing hydrated lime content leads to increase in TSR index, but does not
satisfy the allowable minimum ratio. However we can say that the moisture susceptibility of hot mix asphalt materials is
decreased and the lime has been effective. This ascending trend is visible in modified specimens Marshall Stability ratio
as can be seen in figure 1. So increasing hydrated lime content in hot mix asphalt production results in decline of
moisture susceptibility and increase of strength.

5th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, 13-15th June 2012, Istanbul

To analyze accurately the effects of adding lime in order to improve performance properties of asphalt mixtures,
performance tests using UTM apparatus were performed [10]. Fatigue performance of asphalt mixtures was analyzed
via performing indirect tensile fatigue tests to predict asphalt mixtures strength against cracking. This test was
performed at three stress levels according to table 10.

Table 10: Fatigue test result

Number of Load Repeatation to Failure

Stress (Kpa) Binder
Surface Surface Modified Binder
Modified
75 59938 85623 21391 74850
100 28770 30123 11083 27708
150 11508 15165 4015 6568

Figure 2: fatigue test result

As it can be seen in figure 2, increasing the stress level, increases the damages of pavement by fatigue mechanism, but
the number of load repetition for fatigue destruction of asphalt pavements with hydrated lime is increased that lead to
increasing in pavement serviceability life.

In order to survey the effects of lime addition on asphalt mixtures resilient modulus, indirect tensile test according to
ASTM D4123 was performed on compacted specimens. This test was performed at 25 centigrade with aload amplitude
of 200 N per centimeters of specimen height at a frequency of 0.5 Hz. The loading width and pulse width were 100 ms
and 1000 ms, respectively. The results of this test are presented in table 11.

Table 11 : Resiliant Modolus ASTM D4123

Height Resilient Modulus Deformation

Layer Type
(mm) (Mpa) (µm)
Surface 68.6 835 14.58
Surface Modified 67.4 1153 10.65
Binder 71.9 1236 9.9
Binder Modified 72.3 1418 8.6

As it can be seen in table 11, the lime causes increase in resilient modulus and decrease in deformation of Surface and
Binder layers asphalt mixtures and it is evident that the effects on Surface layer asphalt mixture are more than the other.

Not only moisture damage is an independent distress, but also can lead to other early and premature distresses such as
thermal cracking, rutting, raveling, potholes and alligator cracking. Therefore, in order to assess the structural capacity
and performance of pavement at project site moisture conditions, beside the TSR ratio, MRR ratio was determined. This
index is the ratio of saturated resilient modulus to dry resilient modulus which is related to the samples prepared by

5th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, 13-15th June 2012, Istanbul

AASHTO 283 precedure. The minimum allowable resilient modulus ratio is 0.7 [2]. The laboratory test results of this
ratio are presented in table 12.

Table12 : Resiliant modulus ASTM D4123

Layer Type Height Resilient Modulus Deformation MRR

(mm) (Mpa) (µm)
Dry 74.8 1252 9.73
Binder 0.33
Sat 74.3 412 29.24
Dry 75.0 2034 5.99
Binder Modified 0.56
Sat 75.7 1133 10.76
Dry 74.6 1067 14.33 0.44
Surface
Sat 74.2 470 43.06
Dry 75.3 1656 7.42 0.76
Surface Modified
Sat 75.9 1262 13.32

4. CONCLUSIONS

Following results are obtained from the study of hydrated lime addition effects in Surface and Binder layers asphalt
mixture of Tabriz-Zanjan freeway project:

1- Aggregates have a main part in asphalt mixtures. So with respect to the use of siliceous aggregates in this
project and the plasticity of fine aggregates and workability of lime compared to the other options, utilization
of lime was considered.
2- With respect to the presence of lime close to the project site, using that resulted in costs reduction of displacing
the project materials with suitable aggregates.
3- In order to assess materials stripping, tests on compacted and uncompacted specimens were performed.
4- According to Texas Boiling Water test results, hydrated lime addition resulted in stripping reduction.
5- According to Modified Lottman test results, hydrated lime addition resulted in increasing of indirect tensile
strength (ITS) of lime modified mixtures. Also, TSR index was increased and its value for Surface layer
asphalt mixture became more than 80%.
6- For further assessment and evaluation of hydrated lime effects, the Marshall Stability test was performed
according to ASTM D1075 (AASHTO T165) standard test method. Marshall Stability ratio is increased more
than 20 percent compared to not modified mixtures and the "Q" parameter after lime treatment had an
ascending trend.
7- Increasing hydrated lime content in hot mix asphalt production resulted in decline of moisture susceptibility
and increase of strength.
8- To analyze accurately the effects of adding lime in order to improve performance properties of asphalt
mixtures, performance tests using UTM apparatus were performed. Increasing the stress level, increased the
damages of specimens by fatigue mechanism, but the number of load repetition for fatigue destruction of
asphalt specimens with hydrated lime was increased that lead to increasing in pavement serviceability life.
9- The lime causes increase in resilient modulus and decrease in deformation of Surface and Binder layers asphalt
mixtures and it is evident that the effects on Surface layer asphalt mixture are more than the other.
10- In order to assess the structural capacity and performance of pavements at project site moisture conditions,
beside the TSR ratio, MRR ratio was determined. The results show that lime treatment increases MRR index.
11- With regard to the following table 13, we can see the variations in results of Surface and Binder layers asphalt
mixture:

Table13: Variation in Rsults

Texas Marshall
Fatigue
Layer boiling TSR Stability Flow Q MRR
Resistance
test ratio
Binder ↑ %19↑ ↓ ↑ ↑
↑ ↑
Surface ↑ % 40↑ ↓ ↑ ↑

5th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, 13-15th June 2012, Istanbul

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Board. National Highway Research Council ,Washington,D.C.2000.
[2] The Benefitsof Hydrated Lime in Hot Mix Asphalt, Little, D.N. and Epps, J.A, Report for National Lime
Assosiation, The Versatile Chemical, 2001.
[3] MS-24, 2007
[4] Akzo –Nobel Company technical repport.
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[10] Hot Mix Asphalt Materials, Mixture Design,and Construction “2nd edition, Roberts,F.,P.Kandhal, E.Brown,D.Lee
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5th Eurasphalt & Eurobitume Congress, 13-15th June 2012, Istanbul