Experimental Study on The Marshall and Volumetric Characteristics of VG-40 Bituminous Concrete using Fuller’s Maximum Density Curves
Keywords:
Bituminous Concrete, VG-40 Bitumen, Fuller’s Maximum Density Curve, Marshall Stability, Volumetric Analysis, Pavement SustainabilityAbstract
The structural performance of flexible pavements is heavily influenced by the volumetric distribution and mechanical interlocking of the bituminous matrix. This research investigates the Marshall and volumetric characteristics of Bituminous Concrete (BC) using Viscosity Grade-40 (VG-40) bitumen, structured around an aggregate skeleton optimized via Fuller’s Maximum Density Curves ($n=0.45$). The primary objective was to evaluate whether the integration of a high-viscosity binder with a maximum density gradation could enhance load-bearing capacity while maintaining essential volumetric requirements for durability.
The experimental program involved the fabrication of Marshall specimens across a binder range of 4.5% to 6.5%. Results demonstrate that the VG-40 mix achieved a peak Marshall Stability of 1725 kg, representing a 43% improvement over standard regulatory minimums. The use of Fuller’s gradation successfully minimized the Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA), resulting in a dense-graded matrix with a target air void ($V_a$) of 4.0% achieved at an Optimum Bitumen Content (OBC) of 5.45%. At this OBC, the mix exhibited a high Marshall Quotient of 540 kg/mm, indicating superior stiffness and resistance to permanent deformation. However, the study also identified a narrow tolerance for binder variation due to the low VMA inherent in maximum density gradations. These findings suggest that while Fuller-graded VG-40 mixes offer exceptional structural stability for heavy-traffic corridors, high-precision plant control is required to prevent over-saturation. This study provides a validated framework for designing high-performance, rut-resistant pavements suitable for high-temperature tropical climates.
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