Permanent deformation is one of the most common asphalt pavements patologies in Brazili and may be directly related with aggregates structure and asphalt binder used in the mixture. The objective of this paper is to study the rutting potential, based on laboratory tests, of a typical HMA used in the state of Goias, in the Central-West region of Brazil. The asphalt binder used was CAP 50/70, classified according to the penetration test, and the aggregates derive from micaxist rocks. Characterization tests were performed for the aggregates and asphalt binder according to Brazilian and ASTM specifications. The mixture was designed in accordance with the Superpave methodology. The mixture volumetric properties, as well the Static Indirect Tensile Strength and Resilient Modulus were determined. The Flow Number (FN) was obtained to analyze the permanent deformation and was correlated with parameters of aggregate gradation curve, as well the results of the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) test for the binder. Correlations with the compaction indexes were also investigated. In addition, the master curve of the HMA was determined to verify a possible relationship between the dynamic modulus and the permanent deformation. The mixture with micaxist presented a low value of FN, indicating possible problems of rutting that mainly can be associated with non-adequacy in any of the evaluated parameters from aggregate gradation curve. Thus, a correct analysis of aggregate size range for mix components impacts in the rutting behavior.

flow number, rutting, hot mix asphalt, gradation curve