Have recent designs of rut-resistant HMA mixtures impacted the potential for segregation?

Recent designs of rut-resistant Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) mixtures have had little impact on the potential for segregation. While these mixtures are engineered to improve performance characteristics, such as resistance to deformation and rutting, the fundamental issues that lead to segregation can still persist.

Segregation generally occurs when there is an uneven distribution of aggregate sizes or when there is a failure in the mixing or placement process. Factors such as temperature, material handling, and the gradation of the asphalt mix can contribute significantly to segregation. The design alterations focused on rut resistance do not inherently address these factors, thus allowing for the continuation of segregation risk during mix production and placement.

It is also important to acknowledge that while rut-resistant designs bring many benefits in terms of performance and durability, they alone do not resolve the complexities of material handling and application that lead to segregation. Therefore, it is accurate to say that these modern mixtures have had little impact on the underlying potential for segregation to occur.