Inter-Laboratory Study for the Indirect Tensile Test at High Temperature and Rapid Rutting Test

About the project:

In 2020, the Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC) initiated a two-phase research project entitled “Feasibility of Using Monotonic Loading-based Tests to Evaluate Rutting Performance of Asphalt Mixtures” with an objective to explore the use of monotonic loading-based tests as screening tools for assessing the rutting potential of asphalt mixtures in Virginia. As a result of the findings from Phase I of the study, the implementation of the indirect tensile test at high temperature (IDT-HT) and the Ideal Rutting Test (IDEAL-RT) was recommended in the Balanced Mix Design process through a hierarchical approach. To that extent, the IDT-HT testis now included in VDOT’s 2023 Balanced Mix Design provisional specification for informational purposes only alongside the asphalt pavement analyzer (APA) rut test. The repeatability (single-operator precision) and reproducibility (multi-laboratory precision) of a test method are quantitative expressions of variability that represent the two extremes of test method precision and must be established if a test method is to be incorporated in quality assurance specifications. Thus, an inter-laboratory study (ILS) must be conducted to determine precision estimates of a test for proper quality measurement practices. The objective of this research is to determine and develop precision estimates and statements for the rutting indices calculated from the IDT-HT test and IDEAL-RT through performing an ILS.

Project Team

Principal Investigators

Co-Principal Investigators