Climate- Responsive Asphalt Pavement Design: Comparative Performance of Superpave and Marshall Mix Methods
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.23918/eajse.v11i2p2Keywords:
Superpave, Marshall Mix Design, Rutting Resistance, Cracking Resistance, Asphalt Pavements, Climate ResponsiveAbstract
This work compares the performance of Marshall and Superpave asphalt mix designs over many climatic zones with an eye toward rutting resistance, moisture sensitivity, and fatigue life. Designed under the Strategic Highway Research Program, Superpave uses performance-graded binders and optimal compaction techniques to be ideal for high temperatures, heavy traffic, and extreme climates, including tropical heat, freeze-thaw cycles, and arid conditions. Often used in moderate temperatures with less traffic, the Marshall technique is simpler and less expensive. Superpave routinely beats Marshall by 5–14% in rutting and cracking resistance across all regions achieves 90–100% resistance in freezing areas (Kazakhstan, Canada, China), compared with 60–70% in temperate regions (Jordan, Iraq, Alabama), and up to 94% in tropical and arid zones. Both methods perform similarly in moderate temperatures; Superpave has a slight edge. The study also underlines how adding recycled materials and additives can increase the sustainability and durability of both designs, so validating Marshall's relevance for low-cost projects and Superpave's excellence in demanding environments. Climate-responsive and performance-based strategies of mix design ensure resilient infrastructure with sustainable development within the transport sector.
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