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Dense Graded Bitumen Mixes For Pavements

There are four types of bitumen mixes classified based on gradation: dense graded, semi-dense graded, open graded, and gap graded. Dense graded bitumen mixes have a continuous gradation of aggregates that are tightly packed, gaining strength through inter-particle surface friction. They are commonly used in base and binder courses, with two main types being dense bitumen macadam and bituminous concrete. Bituminous concrete mixes specifically come in Grades 1 and 2, with Grade 1 having a nominal maximum aggregate size of 19mm used as a binder course, and Grade 2 having 13mm used as a wearing course.

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549 views4 pages

Dense Graded Bitumen Mixes For Pavements

There are four types of bitumen mixes classified based on gradation: dense graded, semi-dense graded, open graded, and gap graded. Dense graded bitumen mixes have a continuous gradation of aggregates that are tightly packed, gaining strength through inter-particle surface friction. They are commonly used in base and binder courses, with two main types being dense bitumen macadam and bituminous concrete. Bituminous concrete mixes specifically come in Grades 1 and 2, with Grade 1 having a nominal maximum aggregate size of 19mm used as a binder course, and Grade 2 having 13mm used as a wearing course.

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Pamir
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Based on the nature of gradation selected for the bitumen mixes, they can be classified

into:

o Dense Graded Bitumen Mixes


o Semi-Dense Graded Bitumen Mixes
o Open Graded Bitumen Mixes
o Gap Graded Bitumen Mixes

Dense Graded Bitumen Mixes for Pavements


These mixes possess continuous gradation of all primary aggregates. These
particles are packed together. Here inter-particle surface friction is the reason
behind their property of strength gain.

All most all possible flexible pavements constructed in the world employ
dense graded bitumen mixes.

There are two main types of dense graded mix used. They are:
· Dense Bitumen Macadam (DBM)
· Bituminous Concrete(BC)
Dense Bitumen Mixes:
This mix is mainly employed for base course and the binder course. This
itself consist of two gradations; Grading-1 and Grading-2. Grading-1 has
37.5mm as the nominal maximum aggregate size (NMAS). While Grading-2
have NMAS of 25mm.

The fine aggregate percentages in both the grading are same in a range of 28
to 42%. The main criteria that differ both the grading are that the grading 1
consist of large size particles i.e. 25mm to 45mm.

The grading-1 with NMAS of 37.5mm has many disadvantages like


segregation. This segregation will later result in honeycombing. At lower air-
void levels, these mixes become permeable compared to the grading 2, with
NMAS of 25mm.
The effect of the nominal maximum aggregate size on the permeability of the
flexible pavement is represented in the graph shown in figure-3.

The grade-1, have the advantage of rutting resistance compared to the


grading-2. During the rainy season, the pavement made of NMAS 37.5MM,
Grade 1 must be sealed or overlaid. This will avoid penetration of the water
into the pavement and reach the Wet mix macadam. This is the WMM
course also called as crushed stone base source.

Bituminous Concrete Mixes (BC)


The bituminous concrete mix is used in two forms: Grade-1 and Grade-2.
Grade-1 with NMAS of 19mm. The Grade-2 of 13mm as the NMAS.
From the above description about dense bitumen mixes, it was clear that
dense bitumen mix grade-2 have larger use as the base course due to its fewer
disadvantages compared to dense bitumen mix Grade-1. This hence was
necessary to determine a grade for the binder and the surface course.

The bituminous concrete grading-1 with nominal maximum aggregate size


19mm as the binder course binds the base course (dense bitumen mix Grade-
1) as well as the wearing course bituminous concrete grade-2 of nominal
maximum aggregate size 13mm, with NMAS 19 mm employed as a
transition. The bituminous concrete grading-2 is good to be used as a wearing
course.

To facilitate medium and low traffic, a bituminous concrete grade of nominal


maximum aggregate size 9.5 mm was necessary to considered for the
construction of smooth and impermeable pavement in urban areas.

To facilitate thin asphalt lifts, bituminous concrete grading-3 is more suitable


than grade-2. The bituminous concrete grade-2 of NMAS 9.5mm has been
efficiently used in the highway construction for the US. For higher traffic BC
grade-2 are recommended.

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