Evaluation Of Missouri Stone Matrix Asphalt And High-level Superpave Mixtures With Alternative Aggregates

Abstract

Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) and high-level Superpave (HLSP) mixtures have been widely used for primary roads due to their durability and high-performance characteristics. SMA relies on stone-on-stone contact among coarse aggregates for structural capacity and stability, while high-level Superpave mixtures are designed for heavy traffic volumes, making durable coarse aggregates essential. However, high-quality aggregates are often costly and not locally available, motivating the use of alternative local sources to conserve natural resources, reduce transportation-related environmental impacts, lower construction costs, and support sustainable infrastructure development. Despite increasing interest in using locally available aggregates in Missouri pavement applications, comprehensive performance-based evaluations linking candidate local aggregates to SMA and HLSP mixture remain limited. This study presents a systematic performance-based evaluation framework to assess the feasibility of using Missouri locally available, cost-effective crushed aggregates (chat, gravel, steel slag, limestone, and dolomite) in SMA and HLSP mixtures. Aggregate screening and durability tests were conducted to identify materials meeting specification requirements. Performance-based mix designs, following a previously developed approach, were conducted for each candidate, with optimizing performance including draindown, moisture susceptibility, rutting, and cracking resistance. Additional mixture performance evaluations included degradation and surface friction to ensure the mixtures' durability and surface safety. Results showed that SMA and Superpave mixtures with gravel met both volumetric and performance thresholds. Soft aggregates (limestone and dolomite) required blending with chat to meet volumetric criteria, with optimal chat contents of approximately 55–60% in SMA and 60–70% in HLSP mixtures, resulting in acceptable performance. For mixtures containing steel slag, binder contents determined from volumetric design had to be increased to meet cracking resistance requirements. The revised mixtures exhibited adequate resistance to cracking, rutting, moisture susceptibility, and surface friction. The findings provide Missouri-specific guidance for alternative aggregate selection and demonstrate the potential of locally available aggregates for sustainable and high-performance pavement applications.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Comments

Missouri Department of Transportation, Grant TR202205

Keywords and Phrases

Aggregate Characterization; Alternative Local Aggregate; High-level Superpave Mixtures; Mix Design; Mix Performance; Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA)

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0950-0618

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2026 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

12 Sep 2026

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