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Computational Techniques for Proportioning of Aggregates in Bituminous Mix Design

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Abstract

Aggregate blending is a complex process especially when more sizes of aggregates need to be blended. For rough usage or to offer an initial answer, the conventional approaches are adequate. However, to obtain a cost-effective blend that meets specification requirements, more aggregate sizes must be accommodated. Several methods were investigated by various authors to deal with this complex process. Most of the methods are confined to a blending of three or four sizes of aggregates only. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess various computational techniques for aggregate blending to optimize the aggregate gradation area. Aggregates grading requirements specified for Dense Bituminous Macadam Grade-2 in MORT&H 500-10 was chosen as a reference. For this grading specifications, various methods like trial-and-error, mid-point gradation, least-square optimization, Generalised Reduced Gradient (GRG) non-linear, GRG multi start, simplex linear programming, regression analysis, IRC SP:89-2010, quadratic programming, support vector machines-SMoreg, path variate analysis, interval method, R programming were employed, and optimal proportions for aggregate blending were obtained. Curve fitting along with integration was applied to determine the aggregate gradation area under the combined gradation curve and maximum density line. The existence of a gradation curve between upper and lower limits and close to the mid-point line is considered as the first check and the minimum aggregate gradation area is considered as a second check while evaluating different optimal proportions arrived. Least aggregate gradation area which implies the minimum percentage of air voids was obtained for simplex LP (UL and LL) and evolutionary algorithm (Genetic algorithm) methods, i.e., 6.885. But these two methods yielded a filler of zero percentage which is practically not possible, hence simplex LP (MID) satisfies all the criterion and is adopted as the best method for aggregate blending.

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Data availability

The datasets generated during or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Civil Engineering, GMR Institute of Technology, Rajam, Srikakulam, A.P, India

    Ramu Penki

  2. Department of Civil Engineering, ITER, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, India

    Ramu Penki & Aditya Kumar Das

  3. Civil Engineering Department, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, India

    Subrat Kumar Rout

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Penki, R., Rout, S.K. & Das, A.K. Computational Techniques for Proportioning of Aggregates in Bituminous Mix Design. Int. J. Pavement Res. Technol. 17, 694–706 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42947-022-00264-w

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