Pavement durability is a broad term. Water and frost resistance of asphalt mixtures have a disadvantageous effect on the mechanical performance of a course. Undoubtedly, the composition of a mixture—the type of aggregate, gradation of the mix, the type and quantity of binder, the presence of additives and the content of air voids—has an impact on this resistance. More information on this issue may be found in different publications (e. g., Kanitpong and Bahia [2003]; Santucci [2002])
The most common assessment methods for water and frost resistance of asphalt mixtures can be divided into the following two groups:
• Standardized methods
• Method AASHTO T 283
• Method EN 12697-12
• Non-standardized methods (devised in research centers for particular or local use)
A description of other methods for testing durability of asphalt mixtures and more details of this subject can be found in various papers (Chen et al., 2004; Hicks et al., 2003; Judycki and Jaskula, 1999; Martin et al., 2003; Ulmgren, 2004).
