Al-Qadisiya Journal For Engineering Sciences, Vol. 5, No.

4, 394-406, Year 2012

COMPARISON BETWEEN MARSHALL AND SUPERPAVE

MIXTURES DESIGN
Asst .lecturer Israa F. Jasim
Engineering Affairs
Baghdad University
[email protected]

ABSTRACT
Roads in Iraq are performing poorly with pavement life much shorter than the expected. The
high traffic intensity in terms of commercial vehicles, the serious overloading of trucks and
significant variation in daily and seasonal temperature of the pavement have been responsible for
early development of distress like rutting, fatigue and thermal cracking on bituminous surfacing.
One of the advantages of the Marshall Mix Design method is that the performance of the mixes can
be expected for local materials and environmental impact.
The Superpave mix design method differs from the Marshall Mix design methods by using
performance-based and performance-related criteria to design the proper asphalt mix. This allows a
direct relationship to be drawn between the lab and field performance of the asphalt mix.
This technology has a tremendous potential to be implemented in Iraq, which will pay itself
with higher performance and longer lasting roads. Hence, there is need to have a comprehensive
study comparing the design of bituminous mixes using both Superpave and the Marshall method of
Mix Design.
The main objective of the study is the comparison between traditional Marshall Design
method and the Superpave system design method in the wearing course mixes in flexible
pavements. This process will be carried out by evaluating the volumetric, mechanical properties and
moisture susceptibility.

394

Israa F. Jasim

KEY WORDS: Super pave Mixes, Marshall Mixes, Optimum Asphalt Content, Superpave
Gyratory Compactor, Marshall Test.
NOMENELATURE
B
= Optimum Content.
B1

= % of asphalt content at maximum specific gravity.

B2

= % of asphalt content at maximum stability.

B3
A.C
ASTM
V.F.A
V.M.A
A.V
ESAL
HMA
ISGC
OAC
SCRB
SHRP

=% of asphalt content at 4 % of air voids in total mix.

= Asphalt Content
= American Society for Testing and Materials.
= Voids Filled with Asphalt (%)
= Voids in the Mineral Aggregate (% of bulk volume)
= Air Voids in Total Mix.
=Equivalent Single Axle Load
= Hot Mix Asphalt
=Iraqi Superpave Gyratory Compactor
=Optimum Asphalt Content
=State Commission of Roads and Bridges.
= Strategic Highway Research Program.

INTRODUCTION
Virginia has used the Marshall method of asphalt mix design for many years. The method
subjects an asphalt-aggregate mixture to a specified comp active effort supplied by a dropping mass
and uses the void structure of the compacted specimen to determine the proper asphalt content. The
method has served users of asphalt hot mix well for several decades, but problems have developed
recently because of increased traffic loads. As traffic becomes heavier, the Marshall method may
not duplicate the kneading action of traffic, and achieving the ultimate purpose, the prediction of
mix voids after considerable traffic, becomes more difficult (Maupin,1998)..
The Superpave mix design method differs from the Marshall and Hveem mix design
methods by using performance-based and performance-related criteria to design the proper asphalt
mix. This allows a direct relationship to be drawn between the lab and field performance of the
asphalt mix [Asphalt Institute (1996)].
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COMPARISON BETWEEN MARSHALL AND SUPERPAVE MIXTURES DESIGN

Superpave technology as a new design methodology can be rigorously used under varying
traffic and environmental conditions. Although Superpave is recognized as a significant system in
the evaluation of asphalt concrete mixes, Iraqi agencies continue to use Marshall Method as a
unique mix design method in road projects. Accordingly, an investigation is needed to compare
analyze and investigate the performance and the properties of Superpave and Marshall Mix Design
methods. There is international concern and interest in implementing Superpave in roads and airport
projects to investigate its impact on economic and performance of these projects
Superpave mix design is based on (1) properties of the asphalt binder and
aggregate and (2) volumetric properties of hot mix asphalt (HMA). The characteristics of the
densification curve obtained during Gyratory compaction of (HMA) are believed to be related to the
strength of the aggregate skeleton [Anderson et al. (2002)]. The strength of the aggregate skeleton
can give an indication of asphalt mixture strength and, consequently, the expected pavement
performance. As such many asphalt technologists believe that Superpave Gyratory compactor data
can be used to evaluate asphalt mixture strength properties.
The Superpave technology was developed in the United States with proven success.
Superpave mixes have been widely used by developed countries over the last few years. Superpave
technology is replacing the Marshall method, which was used for asphalt concrete mixture design
for almost half a century. The Marshall method was based mostly on experience and statistical
analysis. The flexible pavement sections designed using the Marshall method have had mixed
success due to poor understanding of mechanism of failure. The partial success has been mainly due
to very thick and uneconomical sections. The roads in Iraq are in a highly distressed condition with
pavement life much shorter than the expected. A new design methodology, that is more thorough
and comprehensive, is required. Superpave technology can be rigorously tested under varying
traffic and environmental conditions.

MARSHALL MIX DESIGN METHOD

Bruce Marshall, formerly the Bituminous Engineer with the Mississippi State Highway
Department, developed the original concept of the Marshall Method of designing asphalt
pavements. The present form of Marshall Mix design method originated from an investigation
started by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers in 1943. The purpose of Marshall method is to
determine the optimum asphalt content for a particular blend of aggregates and traffic level .The
optimum asphalt content is determined by the ability of a mix to satisfy stability ,flow ,and
volumetric properties,(Vasavi K. , 2002).
Five separated smooth plots with percent of the binder content on x- axis and the
following on y-axis
Unit weight
Marshall Stability
Flow
VMA
Voids in total mix (Va)
Optimum asphalt content is selected as the average content for maximum specific
gravity, maximum stability, and 4% of air voids in the total mix as shown in Equation (1) [Garber
(1993)] .Thus,
B1 B2 B3
3
B=
(1)
where:B
= optimum content.

396

B1

= % of asphalt content at maximum specific gravity.

B2

= % of asphalt content at maximum stability.

B3

=% of asphalt content at 4 % of air voids in total mix.

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Israa F. Jasim

SUPERPAVE MIX DESIGN METHOD

To predict how well an asphalt mix will perform at a project site, mix designers need to
be able to simulate in the laboratory the effects of traffic, climate, and construction practice in the
field. To do this, the Superpave system uses a new, quiet, and easy-to-use method of laboratory
compaction the Superpave Gyratory Compactor, developed by the Strategic Highway Research
Program (SHRP).
Khaled and Jason [1998] stated that the optimum asphalt content was determined by
compacting and analyzing two specimens at each of the following four asphalt binder contents:
Estimated asphalt binder content (obtained previously from the trial blends),
Estimated asphalt binder content + 0.5%,
Estimated asphalt binder content - 0.5%, and
Estimated asphalt binder content + 1.0%
Compaction and volumetric properties are evaluated for the selected blend at the
different asphalt binder contents. From these values, graphs of air voids, VMA, and VFA are
plotted as a function of asphalt content. The design asphalt binder content is established at 4.0
percent air voids, and the other mixture properties are checked.
SUPERPAVE GYRATORY COMPACTOR
In order to use Superpave system in the comparison process in asphalt concrete mixture,
a Locally Superpave Gyratory Compactor has been manufactured to assist in the preparation of the
required Superpave specimens
The Gyratory Compactor is an integral part of the mix design and testing phases of
Superpave .The Gyratory Compactor compacts an asphalt specimen by applying a pressure of 600
KPa to the mix while gyration the mould at an angle 1.25o. The height of the specimen is
continually monitored, providing the information on density of the mix throughout the compaction
cycle. This information is recorded and can be sent to computer, printed, or plotted [Traxler
Electronic Laboratory Inc. (2001)]. Figure 1 Shows Iraqi Superpave Gyratory Compactor which
is manufactured by Abbas F. Jassim, M.Sc student/ Highway and Transportation Engineering in
2005[Abbas ((2005)].
MATERIALS USED IN THE STUDY
Materials used in this study are locally available .They are included aggregate, mineral filler,
and asphalt cement.
Asphalt Cement
One penetration grade (40-50) of asphalt cement is used from Daurah refinery .The physical
properties and tests of asphalt cement are presented in Table 1.
Aggregates
The (crushed) aggregate used in this work is brought from the hot mix plants of Ammanat
Baghdad at (AL-Tagi). The source of the two aggregates is from Al- Nibaee quarry.
To produce the identical and controlled gradation, aggregates are sieved and recombined in
the laboratory to prepare the selected gradation, as shown in Figure 2 Within the specifications
requirement of ASTM [D-3515] for (12.5mm) nominal size.
The mid of SCRB specifications is followed to select the suitable gradation of the original
mix. The gradation is presented in Table 2 and described as type III in SCRB (2004).In Iraq, this
gradation is well recommended by SCRB and Ammanat Baghdad to be used for the purpose of
wearing course HMA preparation. Compared with the Superpave classification, the gradation
represents ARZ which is used to prepare the original mix in this study.
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COMPARISON BETWEEN MARSHALL AND SUPERPAVE MIXTURES DESIGN

Mineral Filler
Ordinary Portland cement (from Badoush factory) has been used in this study. The chemical
composition and physical properties are shown in Table 3.
EXPERIMENTAL WORK
The main asphalt concrete mixture properties (Stability, unit weight, flow, volumetric
properties, stiffness, and permanent deformation) are obtained by performing the required
laboratory tests.
Marshall Specimen
Specimen Preparation and Compaction (Marshall Specimen)
The aggregate is first dried to constant weight at 110 C, separated into desired size and
recombined with mineral filler in order to meet the required gradation for each specimen .The
aggregates are heated to a temperature of 175 to 190 C [Kuwait Motorway specification (1998)],
the compaction moulds assembly and hammer are cleaned and kept pre-heating to a temperature of
100 to 145 C. The asphalt is heated to temperature of 121 to 138 C and the requirement amount of
first trail of asphalt is added to the heated aggregate and thoroughly mixed.
The mix is placed in a mould and compacted with standard number of blows (75) as
specified. The samples are taken out of the mould after few minutes using sample extractor.
Determining the Marshall Stability and Flow of Each Specimen (Marshall Specimen)
The Marshall Stability and flow test are performed on each specimen, which is tested
for bulk specific gravity, in accordance with procedure described by ASTM [D1559] for
"resistance to plastic flow of bituminous mixtures" using Marshall Apparatus.
In conducting the stability test, the specimen is immersed in bath water at temperature
60 1Cfor a period of 30 minuets .It is then placed in the Marshall Stability testing machine and
loaded at a constant deformation of 5 mm per minute until failure. The total maximum in KN (that
causes failure of specimen) is taken as Marshall Stability. The stability value so obtained is
corrected for volume .The total amount of deformation is units of 0.25 mm that occur at maximum
load recorded as Flow Value .The total time between removing the specimen from the bath and the
completion of the test should not exceed 30 seconds. In order to calculate the Marshall volumetric
properties, many procedures and Equations are used in determining these properties.
Superpave Specimen
Preparation of HMA Mixtures
Once the aggregate blend is selected and the initial trial asphalt binder content is
calculated, the HMA mixtures are prepared [FHWA (2004)]. This phase consists of the following
main steps:
Heating the aggregates and asphalt binder to the mixing temperature (159 3C).
Mixing both components and short-term age mixture for 4 hours at
135C.
Compaction of the mixture at a temperature of 145 3C.
Compaction
All specimens are compacted using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC).
In Superpave, as with other mixture design procedures, asphalt mixtures are designed
using a specific compactive effort. Compactive effort is a function of the design number of
gyrations, N des . N des is used to vary the compactive effort of the design mixture as a function of

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Israa F. Jasim

climate and traffic level. Two other compaction levels are of interest: the initial number of gyrations
(N ini ) and maximum number of gyrations (N max ) [FHWA (2004), and Yildirim et al. (2000)].
Log N ini = 0.45 Log N des
Log N max = 1.10 Log N des

(2)
(3)

Climate is represented by the average design for high air temperature. For Baghdad, Iraq,
it is >44 C. Selected traffic levels are 10-30 million ESALs for crushed gravel. For the selected
traffic levels, N ini , N des and N max are 9, 135, and 220 respectively. Specimens for the volumetric
analysis are compacted to N max .
OPTIMUM ASPHALT CONTENT CALCULATION
To calculate the optimum asphalt content, Marshall and Superpave mix designs are followed
as stated in the following articles.
Marshall Mix Design
The results of Marshall Tests show almost typical relationships between Marshall Properties
and asphalt content. Figure 3 Shows the above mentioned relationships for different mixtures. Five
different percentages (4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.0) % of Daurah (40-50) asphalt cement are used with
ordinary Portland cement (filler), and (12.5) mm nominal aggregate size is used for dense mix in
accordance with SCRB specification (R9), for wearing course [SCRB (2003)]..
The [SCRB (2003)] specification of mix design criteria for heavy traffic roads
recommends the following values for surface course, as shown in Table 4:
The Optimum Asphalt Content (O.A.C) of the various mixes is determined from the
following Marshall Curves; (Stability, Bulk density, and 4% of air voids) .As previously mentioned
in chapter three, the Optimum Asphalt Content of the origin mix is determined to be 4.7 %.
Superpave Mix Design
The aggregate and asphalt cement used for the Superpave level one mix design are the same
materials as those used in the Marshall Mix design. A (0.45) power gradation chart containing each
trial blend is displayed in Figure 2, which includes the Superpave mix design criteria. The criteria
are determined depending on a (12.5 mm) nominal aggregate size.
Climate is represented by the average design for high air temperature. For Baghdad, Iraq, it
is >44 C. Selected traffic levels are 10-30 million ESALs for crushed gravel. For the selected
traffic levels, N ini , N des and N max are 9, 135, and 220 respectively. Specimens for the volumetric
analysis are compacted to N max .
The estimated volumetric properties of the samples and the criteria used to select the
appropriate aggregate blend are also listed in Table 5. These criteria are also determined by
considering 10-30 million design ESALs.
The estimated volumetric properties found in Table 5 for the asphalt mix containing
aggregate blend A.R.Z at 4.0 percent air voids is used to estimate the optimum asphalt content.
This value is determined to be 4.3 percent. To determine the corrected optimum asphalt content,
four samples are made at the estimated optimum asphalt content, 3.8 percent, 4.8 percent, and
5.3 percent, asphalt contents. For the samples, the G mm and the average percent of G mm at N int .
and N max . are shown in Table 6. The volumetric properties of the compacted specimens used to
determine the optimum asphalt content are shown in Table 5-4. Plots showing the properties
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399

COMPARISON BETWEEN MARSHALL AND SUPERPAVE MIXTURES DESIGN

versus percent asphalt content, at an N des. of 135 gyrations, are shown in Figure 4. Based on the
volumetric analysis, the optimum asphalt content is established at 4.0 percent air voids and is
determined to be 4.6 percent. The other volumetric properties are checked to determine if the
Superpave criteria are met. The estimated properties of the asphalt mix at 4.6 percent asphalt
content and the criteria are shown in Table 6. As before, the criteria are based on a design in
which ESALs is 10-30 million. The optimum asphalt content of 4.6 percent passes all of the
criteria in the Superpave manual.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
1- The estimated asphalt content for the Superpave mix design is found to be lower than that if
Marshall Mix Design method is used .This indicates that the Superpave mix design is more
economical.
2-

Role of modified asphalt to improve the asphalt-concrete mixture against rutting by using a
trial field section.

REFERANCES
Anderson, R.M., Turner, P.A., Peterson, R.L., Mallick, R.B. (2002), "Relationship of Superpave
Gyratory Compaction Properties to HMA Rutting Behavior", National Cooperative Highway
Research Program Report 478, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC.
URL: http://gulliver.trb.org/publications/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_478.pdf
Asphalt Institute, (1996),"Mix Design Methods for Asphalt Concrete and other Hot Mix type,"
Manual Serial No.2, sixth Edition, Lexington, KY.
ASTM, (1989)," American Society for Testing and Materials Annual Book of ASTM Standards",
Section 4, Vol, (04-03).
FHWA (2004),"V-Superpave Mixture Design Guide"
URL: http://www.nhi.fhwa.dot.gov./download/material/131053/RM/RML05.pdf
Garba,R.,(2000),"Permanent deformation Properties of asphalt Mixture ," Norwegian university of
science and technology ,department of civil and transportation engineering,(NVF) conference .
Khaled, K.,and Jason ,S.,(1998),"A Prelemnary Evaluation of Superpave Level One Mix Design
Procedure ," Department of civil and architectural Engineering ,University of Wyoming .
Maupin, G.W. (1998) "Compression of Several Asphalt Design Methods ", Virginia Transportation
Research Council.
SCRB (State Commission of Roads and Bridges), (2003) Hot Mix Asphalt Concrete Pavements
Section R9, Revision of Standard Specifications for Roads and Bridges, Ministry of Housing and
Construction, Department of Planning and Studies.
Troxler Electronic Laboratory, Inc., (2001)" Specimen preparation in superpave mix design,"
URL: www.traxlerlab.com
Yildirim, Y., Solaimanian, M., McGennis, R. B.,and Kennedy,T.W.,(2000), Comparative Analysis
of Volumetric Properties for Superpave Gyratory Compactors. In Transportation Research Record
1712, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, DC.

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Israa F. Jasim

Table 1 Physical Properties of Asphalt Cement

Tests
Penetration (25C,100 gm,5 sec) ASTM D-5
Absolute viscosity at 60 C ASTM D-2171(*)
Kinematics viscosity at 60 C ASTM D-2170(*)
Ductility (25C ,5 cm /min )ASTM D-113
Softening point (ring and ball )ASTM D-36
Specific gravity at 25 C ASTM D-70)(*)
Flash point ASTM D-92 (Cleveland open cup)
After thin film test
Penetration (25C,100 gm,5 sec) ASTM D-5
Ductility (25C ,5 cm /min |)ASTM D-113
Loss in weight (163 C,5 hr )
(*)=The test was conducted in Daurah refinery

No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
* [SCRB 2004]

1/10 mm
Poise
cSt
cm
C
..
C

Penetration
grade (40-50)
49
2065
430
>100
48
1.034
330

1/10 mm
cm
%

25
>100
0.12

Units

Table 2 Aggregate Selection as Original Selection

Sieve
Selected
Specification
opening
gradation
Sieve size
range (%)*
(mm)
(%)
19
3/4
100
100
12.5
1/2
100-90
95
9.5
3/8
76-90
83
4.75
No.4
44-74
59
2.36
No.8
28-58
43
1.18
No.16
..
32
0.6
No.30
..
25
0.3
No.50
5-21
16
0.15
No.100
..
10
0.075
No.200
4-10
5

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COMPARISON BETWEEN MARSHALL AND SUPERPAVE MIXTURES DESIGN

Table 3 Chemical Composition and Physical Properties of Mineral Filler

Chemical composition
Lime (CaO)
Sulfuric anhydride (SO3)
Magnesia (MgO)
Ferric oxide (Fe2O3)
Alumina(AL2O3)
K2O
Na2O
Loss on ignition (L.O.I)
I.R
Ca(OH)2
SiO2
SiO3
TOTAL
Apparent specific gravity
%passing sieve no.200
*= These tests from the factories

Portland
cement *
62.2
1.5
3.7
5.3
4.4
0.58
0.3
0.48

21.54

100
3.13
95

Table 4 SCRB Specification of Mix Design

Properties
S.C.R.B specification Limits
Marshall stability, KN
8 minimum
Marshall flow, mm
24
Air voids, %
3- 5
Voids filled with Asphalt , %
65 85
Voids in mineral aggregate, %
14 minimum

Trail A.C %

Estimated A.C
%

% air voids

% VMA

% VFA

Gmm @N=9

Gmm
@N=220

Table 5 Estimated Volumetric Properties for the Asphalt Mix

Estimated mixtures
Estimated mixtures volumetric properties @N des
density properties

4.0

4.3

4.0

14.0

71.4

83.55

96.3

Criteria

402

4.0

14.0

65-75

Less than
89%

Less than
98%

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Israa F. Jasim

Table 6 G mm and Percent G mm for Trial Mixes at N int . , N des. , and N max . .
Percent G mm

Percent
AC

Max. Specific
Gravity (G mm )

N int .

N max .

3.8
4.3
4.8
5.3

2.49
2.472
2.454
2.436

83.0
84.6
85.0
84.5

96.1
97.5
97.7
98.9

Figure 1 Iraqi Superpave Gyratory Compactor.

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COMPARISON BETWEEN MARSHALL AND SUPERPAVE MIXTURES DESIGN

100.0

passing (%)

80.0

60.0

40.0

20.0

0.0
0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

Sieve size ,mm(raized to 0.45 power)

Figure 2 Gradation of Selected Aggregate

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Israa F. Jasim
14.0

100.0

13.5

13.0

VFA (%)

stabiolity (KN)

90.0

12.5

12.0

80.0

70.0

-A-

11.5
4.0

-B-

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

60.0
4.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

2.40

15.5

VMA (%)

G bulk (gm/cm )

15.0

14.5

14.0

2.36

2.32

13.5
-D-

-C-

13.0
4.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

2.28
4.0

6.0

5.0

4.5

5.0

5.5

6.0

3.60

4.0

Flow (%)

Air voids (%)

3.20

3.0

2.80
2.0

-F-

-E-

1.0
4.0

4.5

5.0
5.5
Asphalt content (%)

6.0

2.40
4.0

4.5

5.0
5.5
Asphalt content (%)

6.0

Figure 3 Marshall Mix Design Plots

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COMPARISON BETWEEN MARSHALL AND SUPERPAVE MIXTURES DESIGN

75

16.0

15.5

74

15.0

%VFA

% VMA

73
14.5

72
14.0

71

13.5

70

13.0

3.5

4.0
4.5
5.0
% Asphalt content

5.5

3.5

4.0
4.5
5.0
% Asphalt content

5.5

3.5

4.0
4.5
5.0
% Asphalt content

5.5

6.0

5.5

% Air voids

5.0

4.5

4.0

3.5

3.0

Figure 4 Volumetric Properties versus Asphalt Content for Superpave Level One Mix Design.

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