VALIDATION OF SOME SUPERPAVE DESIGN PARAMETERS BY WHEEL TESTING WITH THE
SCALE MODEL MOBILE LOAD SIMULATOR
van de Ven, M;Smit, A de F;Lorio, R;McGennis, R
Abstract
The validation of SUPERPAVE has become an important issue. The SUPERPAVE parameters selected for
validation were aggregate grading and Fine Aggregate Angularity. The Model Mobile Load Simulator (MMLS) and
a Simple Shear Tester (SST) were used for the validation. The results of these tests are compared with South African
specification tests. It was concluded that it is difficult to design a fine aggregate mix which satisfies the
SUPERPAVE level 1 requirements for low design traffic. Small variations in the nominal maximum aggregate size
of a mix may change the restricted zone of that mix. The result of this for a particular mix tested was that it passed
through the restricted zone but performed well nonetheless. Fine Aggregate Angularity had a significant effect on
the rutting susceptibility of a mix tested. This effect, while apparent under MMLS loading, was less apparent in the
results of dynamic creep and SST testing. The dynamic creep and SST tests were found to be performance
indicators. These tests, however, should be supported by actual performance tests, such as the MMLS test.