Heritage Research Group Quality Control Director Bill Pine recently sat with Jim Warren on the Texas Asphalt Pavement Association’s (TXAPA) Everyday Asphalt Show to discuss the Bailey Method. The “Bailey Method” is a tool for developing and analyzing blend gradations in the lab and field. Known for his contributions to the asphalt industry, Bill discussed how the Bailey Method’s systematic approach can be used during mix design and quality control. Bill will teach a full course on the Bailey Method at the Asphalt Institute in Lexington, Kentucky, from Feb 12 to 16 this year, which he has done annually since 2003.
Developed in the early 1980s by Robert D. Bailey, a retired materials engineer from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Bailey Method evaluates aggregate packing characteristics. It analyzes individual aggregates and final blends by volume and weight. Beyond mix design, the Bailey Method is an operational support tool during asphalt production. It allows technicians to estimate volumetric changes from aggregate adjustments, providing insight into mix characteristics that directly influence pay factors.
The Bailey Method includes four basic principles. The first principle focuses on coarse aggregate volume, which dictates mix type and load distribution within an asphalt mix. The second principle, the coarse aggregates ratio, characterizes particle size distribution in the coarse fraction and how it affects aggregate packing and segregation susceptibility.
The 3rd and 4th principles, the fine aggregate coarse and fine aggregate fine ratios, characterize the fine fraction’s aggregate packing properties.
Each principle influences voids in the mineral aggregate (VMA), which impacts mixture durability. The Bailey method helps designers and QC personnel evaluate gradation adjustments to alter VMA and other characteristics influencing mixture behavior during placement and compaction.
Listen to the TXAPA Everyday Asphalt Episode with Bill Pine to learn more about the Bailey Method.
As the industry shifts towards balanced mix design (BMD) concepts, the Bailey Method emerges as a powerful compass. It aids in understanding aggregate packing for rutting and cracking resistance, aligning with the evolving landscape of mixed design specifications.
Explore the Bailey Method further here to delve into this innovative approach that saves time and is a cost-effective tool for asphalt mix designers.
Heritage Construction + Materials (HC+M) is part of The Heritage Group, a privately held, family-owned business headquartered in Indianapolis. HC+M has core capabilities in infrastructure building. Its collection of companies provides innovative road construction and materials services across the Midwest. HC+M companies, including Asphalt Materials, Inc., Evergreen Roadworks, Milestone Contractors and US Aggregates, proudly employ 3,000 people at 68 locations across seven states. Learn more at www.heritagebuilds.com.
About Heritage Research GroupHeritage Research Group (HRG) stands at the forefront of innovation. As the research and development laboratory of The Heritage Group portfolio of companies, HRG provides innovative products, processes and training that consistently meet the complex needs of customers by delivering sustainable solutions and addressing the challenges our industries face. Our good, smart, hardworking people make a real difference, turning big challenges into bigger opportunities to shape a brighter future for our customers, community and the world. Learn more at www.thgrp.com/heritage-research-group.
