The Impact of Fines on AC Mixtures Passing Sieve #200 using Marshall Mix Design
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Authors
Hasan, Mohammad Mehedi
Issue Date
2025
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
Gradation , P200
Alternative Title
Abstract
Asphalt pavements are constantly subjected to the damaging effects of traffic and weather. Fine aggregates play a significant role in the overall performance and durability of asphalt concrete. This research investigates the impact of the percentage of fines passing sieve #200 using the Marshall Mix Design method and evaluates how the varying percentages fine aggregate passing sieve #200 influences the mechanical properties and overall performance of the mixture. The aggregates consisted of sampling from three different sources and two different mix types, each mixtures having a 2% added and reduced fine content to compare with the control mix. The mixture design were conformed to the “Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction” by Regional Transportation Commission (RTC). By adjusting the fines contents p#200 by +2% and -2% from the control mix fines, this study aims to assess its effect on key performance criteria, including cracking resistance, rutting susceptibility, and stiffness. Although some mixtures required binder adjustments to meet the air voids specification of 4±1.5%, most of the mixtures still performed within acceptable limits.The mixtures underwent performance testing including the Ideal Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT), Hamburg Wheel Tracking Test (HWTT), and Dynamic Modulus (E*) testing using the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT), under both short-term and mid-term aging conditions. The results revealed that increasing P200 content generally led to higher rutting susceptibility and reduced dynamic modulus, particularly in Type 3 mixtures, indicating decreased stiffness and structural performance. Mixtures with lower P200 showed a higher CTindex value due to increased binder film thickness because of less amount of fine contents in the mix. Findings emphasize that precise control of fines and binder content is essential to ensure performance, especially under changing field conditions. Overall, this research confirms that even small changes in fine aggregate content can significantly affect asphalt mix behavior and highlights the importance of performance-based mix design for long-term pavement reliability. The study supports the growing shift toward performance-based specifications by demonstrating how fine aggregate content influences key mechanical properties.