EVALUATION OF THE LOADED WHEEL TESTER

This study was conducted to evaluate a new procedure to assess the rutting potential of asphalt mixes. The primary objectives were to: (1) Verify the correlation between the Loaded Wheel Tester (LWT) predicted performance and actual field performance of asphalt concrete mixtures used in Florida; (2) Compare LWT results with Marshall properties and with shear properties of mixtures measured using the Corps of Engineers' Gyratory Testing Machine (GTM); and (3) Evaluate the potential of the LWT test method to be used on a routine basis for improved assessment of rutting susceptibility during the mix design process. Since the LWT is prototypical, much of this study was also concerned with refining the device and the procedure, and evaluating some of the testing variables.