Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Lab-molded density of asphalt mixes is a critical factor for laboratory mix design, plant production, and field performance. Current mix design and production quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) are developed around a fixed lab-molded density of 96 percent. Yet various field test sections constructed in different areas of Texas have been designed with densities ranging from 96.5 to 98 percent and performed well in the field with no observed rutting problems. Thus, TTI researchers established an acceptable range of lab-molded densities for laboratory mix design and production QC/QA testing. The project reviewed the literature, conducted extensive laboratory performance tests, constructed test sections, and monitored their performance. Finally, researchers recommended an acceptable range of lab-molded density based on all the information and data collected.
For more information on research project 0-7104, check out the TxDOT Research Library project record here:
https://library.ctr.utexas.edu/Presto/content/Detail.aspx?ctID=M2UxNzg5YmEtYzMyZS00ZjBlLWIyODctYzljMzQ3ZmVmOWFl&rID=OTE5&qrs=RmFsc2U=&q=KHJwLlN0dWR5Tm86KDAtNzEwNCkp&qcf=M2UxNzg5YmEtYzMyZS00ZjBlLWIyODctYzljMzQ3ZmVmOWFl&ph=VHJ1ZQ==&bckToL=VHJ1ZQ==&rrtc=VHJ1ZQ==
For access to all TxDOT research, please visit the TxDOT Research Library at https://ctr.utexas.edu/library/
Lab-molded density of asphalt mixes is a critical factor for laboratory mix design, plant production, and field performance. Current mix design and production quality control and quality assurance (QC/QA) are developed around a fixed lab-molded density of 96 percent. Yet various field test sections constructed in different areas of Texas have been designed with densities ranging from 96.5 to 98 percent and performed well in the field with no observed rutting problems. Thus, TTI researchers established an acceptable range of lab-molded densities for laboratory mix design and production QC/QA testing. The project reviewed the literature, conducted extensive laboratory performance tests, constructed test sections, and monitored their performance. Finally, researchers recommended an acceptable range of lab-molded density based on all the information and data collected.
For more information on research project 0-7104, check out the TxDOT Research Library project record here:
https://library.ctr.utexas.edu/Presto/content/Detail.aspx?ctID=M2UxNzg5YmEtYzMyZS00ZjBlLWIyODctYzljMzQ3ZmVmOWFl&rID=OTE5&qrs=RmFsc2U=&q=KHJwLlN0dWR5Tm86KDAtNzEwNCkp&qcf=M2UxNzg5YmEtYzMyZS00ZjBlLWIyODctYzljMzQ3ZmVmOWFl&ph=VHJ1ZQ==&bckToL=VHJ1ZQ==&rrtc=VHJ1ZQ==
For access to all TxDOT research, please visit the TxDOT Research Library at https://ctr.utexas.edu/library/
