Course Description

This course provides advanced technicians, designers, and engineers with a valuable method for understanding how the aggregate structure of an asphalt mixture affects volumetrics, field compatibility, and segregation potential. The course is taught by Bill Pine, Quality Control Director of Asphalt Technology at Heritage Construction & Materials, Inc. Bill begins with the basics of the Bailey Method and then quickly builds to give students an intensive look into the Bailey Method’s full potential. Bill, the renowned national expert in the use of the Bailey Method, will show students the factors that influence how aggregate particles pack together and how to define and evaluate mix types according to Bailey Method principles. Students will also learn how to incorporate and handle RAP and/or RAS into the process. Students will receive a full version of Bill’s latest edition of the Bailey Method analysis software and hands-on training by Bill on using this software. The instructors will use many examples and offer plenty of question/discussion time to maximize student comprehension. The class can accommodate up to 20 students, giving students plenty of access to our experienced instructors for Q&A at any time during the course.

A laptop is necessary for this course! Students should bring a laptop computer pre-loaded with a fully operational copy of Microsoft Word & Excel 2010 or newer and Adobe Reader. Students will not be downloading any software, simply receiving a USB device that holds the Word, Excel (with macros), and PDF files to be used during and after the course.

This course has been developed primarily to meet the needs of those actively involved in asphalt mixture design and field management of asphalt mixtures. However, the course will benefit anyone who would like to improve their understanding of how the aggregate structure of an asphalt mixture affects volumetrics, field compactibility, and segregation potential.

  • The registration fee for this in-person course is $900.
  • Registration fees must be received prior to the course date.
  • The fee includes an elaborate course workbook with extensive speaker notes for each PowerPoint slide, along with the latest Excel analysis spreadsheets developed by Bill Pine, the course instructor. These course materials (workbook and software) are available exclusively only to those taking this course.
  • This fee also includes refreshments and lunches.
  • Early registration is recommended as the classes are limited to 20 students per instructor.

5-day course, 30 PDHs

The Bailey method was originally developed by Robert D. Bailey of the Illinois Department of Transportation in the early 1980s.
t is a practical tool that has been successfully utilized for developing and analyzing hot asphalt mixes in the lab and field. The Bailey method provides a good starting point for mix design and an invaluable aid when making adjustments at the plant to improve air voids, VMA and the overall workability of the mix, whether you are using Marshall or Superpave. The paper describes the methodology in detail with some real-life examples to help mix designers and contractors better understand the mixes that are currently being used across Canada.

Essentially, the “Bailey Method of Gradation Selection” is a tool for developing and analyzing blend gradations in the lab and field. It gives designers and contractors a better appreciation of aggregate packing and its influence on mix volumetrics and compactibility. The method includes guidelines for evaluating aggregates and the aggregate blend by volume, as well as by weight, and makes provision for the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP).

The focus of the Bailey method is aggregate packing. To better understand aggregate packing, we need to determine what particles form the coarse aggregate structure and which ones fit into the voids created within that structure.
The Bailey Method applies to coarse-graded, fine-graded and SMA mixtures. The method can help explain why some Superpave mixes are difficult to compact. It also provides insight as to why small gradation changes, which often occur during production and are within allowable tolerances, can cause significant changes to mixture volumetric properties and/or field compactibility.

Monday, January 16, 2023, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

1:00 – 2:15 p.m. Introduction

2:15 – 3:00 p.m. Aggregate Packing 

3:15 – 5:00 p.m. Conducting Unit Weight Tests

Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Review Time

9:00 – 2:30 p.m. Mix Type

2:45 – 5:00 p.m Evaluating the Combined Blend

Wednesday, January 18, 2023, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Review Time

3:15 – 5:00 p.m. VBS – Evaluating Existing Mixes

2:00 – 3:00 p.m. VBS – Including Recycle

3:15 – 5:00 p.m. VBS – Evaluating Existing Mixes

Thursday, January 19, 2023, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Review Time

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Finding a Starting Point

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. Laboratory Blending

10:15 – 2:00 p.m. Estimating VMA and Voids

2:00 – 5:00 p.m. VMA and Voids Est Spreadsheets

Friday, January 20, 2023, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Review Time

8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Est Examples for Class Eval

11:30 – 11:55 a.m. Est Spreadsheets – Interpreting Values

11:55 – Noon Summary and Closing Thoughts

William J. Pine, P.E
Heritage Construction & Materials - Indianapolis, IN