Energy consumption during compaction with a Gyratory Intensive Compactor Tester. Estimation models

In this study, a test protocol is presented, which is used to obtain the compacting energy consumption of bituminous mixes on a laboratory scale. With the data obtained from a Gyratory Intensive Compactor Tester (ICT), two types of laboratory-measured parameters have been established: the first type is based on the mix’s volumetric characteristics and air voids, while the second type is based on mechanical principles: the shear stress and compaction energy required to compact a sample. These parameters have been used to quantify the workability and compactibility of the bituminous mixes and their future behavior in construction site work. This protocol has been proven in High Modulus Asphalt Mixes (HMAM), analyzing the influence on the energy consumption of the aggregate shapes and roughness, both rounded and crushed; and the bitumen, type B-13/22, B-60/70 and content. A statistical data analysis has been carried out in which bivariate correlations and simple linear regressions have been obtained in order to produce an energy consumption model that can be used to estimate the energy consumed during compaction of bituminous mixes from their volumetric characteristic.