Optimizing the Use of Local Aggregate in Stone-Mastic Asphalt

Al-Qadi, Imad; García Mainieri, Javier; Lang, Hong; Diab, Lara; Renshaw, Greg

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132952 Copy

Description

Title

Optimizing the Use of Local Aggregate in Stone-Mastic Asphalt

Author(s)

• Al-Qadi, Imad
• García Mainieri, Javier
• Lang, Hong
• Diab, Lara
• Renshaw, Greg

Issue Date

2026-04

Keyword(s)

• Stone-Mastic Asphalt
• Local Aggregates
• Aggregate Gradation
• Mix Design
• Life Cycle Assessment
• Life Cycle Cost Analysis

Date of Ingest

2026-04-23T09:38:01-05:00

Abstract

This study investigated the potential pavement performance, resiliency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental efficiency of incorporating locally sourced Illinois aggregates into stone-mastic asphalt (SMA) through an integrated laboratory and full-scale assessment. SMAs were designed using local aggregates with different lithology and durability levels. The potential performance of SMAs with local aggregates was benchmarked against those using imported aggregates. Optimized SMA designs with local aggregates were developed, and aggregate degradation was quantified at successive stages of mixture production, construction, and loading. Full-scale pavement sections were built; six SMAs were placed on top of a 2 in hot-mix asphalt binder layer overlaying continuously reinforced concrete pavement. The sections were instrumented and tested using the Illinois Accelerated Pavement Tester. Varying loading configurations and temperatures were applied to measure the response of each section. Then, the pavement was loaded under constant tandem loads at approximately 80°F. Pavement performance was interpreted using SMA strains and surface rut depth. Peak transverse tensile strain proved effective for characterizing viscoelastic recovery and distinguishing mixture behavior under repeated loading. The strain-based recovery measurements were incorporated into a viscoelastic-based rutting progression framework and used to compare SMA performance. Aggregate breakage was measured and was primarily associated with compaction and laboratory loading processes, whereas accelerated traffic loading produced negligible additional degradation, indicating that aggregate stability was governed by mixture design and construction rather than in-service loading. Life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis suggested that using local aggregates is not only cost effective, but also reduces negative environmental impacts while maintaining SMA’s expected performance and resiliency. Through integrated laboratory mixture design and performance testing, full-scale pavement construction, accelerated pavement testing, instrument responses, and life cycle cost analysis and environmental assessment, this study demonstrated that SMA incorporating locally sourced Illinois aggregates could achieve performance comparable to conventional SMA while reducing costs and environmental impact. Hence, this study recommends designing and adopting 50 gyration SMA with local aggregates.

Publisher

Illinois Center for Transportation/Illinois Department of Transportation

Has Part

ISSN: 0197-9191

Series/Report Name or Number

FHWA-ICT-26-004

Type of Resource

text

Genre of Resource

technical report

Language

eng

DOI

https://doi.org/10.36501/0197-9191/26-004

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

IDOT-R27-216

Copyright and License Information

No restrictions. This document is available through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161.

Owning Collections