The Optimization of Mix Proportion of Hot Mix Asphalt for Sustainable Flexible Pavements: Experimental Study and Grey Taguchi Relational Analysis

Abstract

Most of the Indian black topped roads have been damaged due to adverse weather and heavy load distresses. Many researchers have focused on improving durability of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) pavements. The factors influencing durability of HMA are Binder content, Combined aggregate gradation, type of Filler and addition of Fiber. In order to optimize the combination of variables used in HMA mix design, Grey relational analysis by using Taguchi technique is used, where many parameters can be analyzed at a time with more accuracy. Multiple performance measurements like Stability, Flow, Bulk specific gravity of the mix (Gmb), Theoretical maximum specific gravity of the mix (Gmm), Voids in Mineral Aggregate (VMA), Air voids (Va) and Voids Filled with Bitumen (VFB) are considered. Bituminous Concrete (BC) mix was optimized using L9 Orthogonal array considering four parameters such as Fiber content, Filler combination, Binder content and Combined Aggregate Gradation, with three levels having seven performance measurements. The most significant parameter and percent contribution of each parameter of BC mix are analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Grey Taguchi technique. The analysis was done by considering two Gradation conditions (Coarse gradation and Fine gradation) based on voids in mix. From the analysis, it can be concluded that all parameters are significant except bitumen content for optimizing BC mix.

Keywords

• optimization
• hma
• fiber
• grey taguchi
• orthogonal array
• anova