Programa interlaboratorial de agregados e misturas asfálticas da Rede Asfalto N/NE

Abstract

This thesis presents the interlaboratory program for aggregates and asphalt mixture characterizations within the Brazilian NORTH-NORTHEAST ASPHALT NETWORK, an arrangement of nine institutions leaded by Universidade Federal do Ceará (UFC). The main focus of this work is to contribute for the laboratories staff professional development and to improve the testing procedures accuracy. Asphalt binder and different aggregates samples were distributed for the nine institutions to perform the aggregates characterization tests and the asphalt mixture design following the Marshall procedure. The aggregates were characterized with respect to: (i) density, (ii) absorption, (iii) shape index, (iv) Los Angeles abrasion, and (v) sand equivalent. For the Marshall design, the results obtained for the aggregates characterization were used. Moreover, five samples of loose asphalt mixture were distributed for each laboratory, where they were reheated, compacted and weighed for air voids content determination. These samples were returned to UFC with the purpose of being reevaluated in terms of its volumetric parameters determination. The results were analyzed using different statistical methods such as: (i) ellipse of confidence, (ii) z-score and (iii) tests of Dixon and Cochran. It was observed that there was a variation between 4.5 to 8.0% in the optimum asphalt binder content determination when the same mixture was designed in different laboratories. The most frequent errors found in the various tests are related to: (i) calculations procedures, (ii) equipment calibration and/or (iii) lack of understanding of the technical standards. The program contributed to improve the tests reliability and credibility, and to promote a greater integration between the involved groups.