Appropriate Asphalt Mix Design for Nepal

Abstract

Pavement design can be done by analytical and empirical methods. Empirical methods are based on recipe approach whereas analytical method is used to obtain site specific design after proper analysis. Empirical methods are useful where prior experience has been gained otherwise analytical method becomes important. In analytical approach it is necessary to study the failure modes and to design the pavement to resist the cracking and rutting modes of failure up to the design life which requires design of proper mix which in turn requires proper selection of materials and analysis of structure so that critical levels of strain do not exceed in the design life. In Nepal, mix is designed in general by Marshall Mix Design Method in confirmation to Standard Specification for Road and Bridge Works published by Department of Road, for general requirement and far from being site specific.Asphalt Concrete pavement is going to be constructed in large volume in recent future as per the increasing trend of traffic volume. This research is intended to provide recommendations on average compositions of typical mixes applicable to Nepalese condition. The research will be beneficial to the departments, organizations, practicing Engineers and designers as they will be able to select appropriate mix design within a range for site specific conditions.