Procedures for evaluating the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures were compared by performing them on mixtures having a known history of susceptibility. Data included the retained ratios, visual stripping, mechanical values (tensile strength, stability, etc.), saturation, and swell. The most promising procedures appeared to be the NCHRP 246 and NCHRP 274.

This synthesis will be of interest to pavement designers, construction engineers, maintenance engineers, and others interested in avoiding or limiting moisture damage in asphalt concrete. Information is provided on physical and chemical explanations for moisture damage in asphalt concrete, along with a discussion of current practices and test methods for determining or reducing the susceptibility of various asphalt concrete components and mixtures to such damage. Moisture damage in asphalt concrete is a nationwide problem which often necessitates premature replacement of highway pavement surfaces. This report of the Transportation Research Board describes the underlying physical and chemical phenomena responsible for such damage. Current test methods used to determine the susceptibility of asphalt concretes, or their constituents, to moisture damage are described and evaluated. Additionally, current practices for minimizing the potential for moisture damage are examined.

Procedures for evaluating the moisture susceptibility of asphalt mixtures were compared by performing them on mixtures having a known history of susceptibility. Data included the retained ratios, visual stripping, mechanical values (tensile strength, stability, etc.), saturation, and swell. The most promising procedures appeared to be the NCHRP 246 and NCHRP 274.

The actual moisture susceptibility of 10 bituminous mixtures placed in the field was compared to the moisture susceptibility that was predicted during the laboratory evaluation of the same mix design. Laboratory mixtures were evaluated using the modified Lottman procedure and the Root-Tunnicliff procedure, in addition to routine moisture susceptibility testing which includes immersion compression testing. After two years, cores were taken from the field projects. The condition of the cores and their present susceptibility to moisture damage were determined by performing modified Lottman and Root-Tunnicliff testing. A feature of the evaluation process was the use of the ACMODAS program to predict the remaining service life of the plant mix cores.