Experimental dataset on the mix design and mechanical performance of thin and ultra-thin asphalt mixtures incorporating RAP, steel slag and ceramic waste

Dataset description This dataset contains experimental data obtained during the design and mechanical characterisation of thin (BBTM 11B) and ultra-thin (AUTL 11) asphalt mixtures incorporating high proportions of recovered materials for potential application in bike lanes. The mixtures were manufactured using reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) combined with either steel slag aggregates (SSA) or ceramic waste aggregates (CWA). Mixture identification and dosage nomenclature Each asphalt mixture is identified by its mixture type (AUTL 11 or BBTM 11B) and a dosage code indicating the proportions of recovered materials. The dosage code follows the format RxxSyy or RxxCyy, where R denotes reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), S denotes steel slag aggregates (SSA), and C denotes ceramic waste aggregates (CWA). The numbers indicate the corresponding percentages by mass of the aggregate blend. For example, R65S35 represents a mixture containing 65% RAP and 35% SSA, whereas R35C65 represents a mixture containing 35% RAP and 65% CWA. The percentages in each dosage code sum to 100% and do not represent the bitumen content, which is reported separately. The dataset is organised into two Microsoft Excel files: 1. Optimum_content_bitumen.xlsx This file contains the experimental data used to determine the optimum bitumen content for each asphalt mixture formulation. Individual specimen measurements are provided for each mixture type and aggregate composition, considering five bitumen contents per formulation. The recorded variables include: Maximum density (g/cm³), determined according to UNE-EN 12697-5. Bulk density (g/cm³), determined according to UNE-EN 12697-6. Air void content (%), determined according to UNE-EN 12697-8. Particle loss (%), determined according to UNE-EN 12697-17. These measurements provide the experimental basis for evaluating the volumetric characteristics and particle loss resistance of the investigated mixtures at different bitumen contents. 2. Tests_results.xlsx This file contains the mechanical characterisation results obtained for asphalt mixtures manufactured at their selected optimum bitumen contents. Unlike the first file, which includes measurements at five bitumen contents, all results in this workbook correspond exclusively to the optimum bitumen content selected for each formulation. The workbook comprises four worksheets: Water sensitivity: Results of the water sensitivity test conducted according to UNE-EN 12697-12, including indirect tensile strength measurements under dry and wet conditioning and the corresponding indirect tensile strength ratio (ITSR). Permanent deformation: Results of the wheel tracking test conducted according to UNE-EN 12697-22, including wheel tracking slope (WTS), proportional rut depth (PRD), and rut depth (RD). Stiffness: Results of the stiffness test conducted according to UNE-EN 12697-26, including stiffness modulus measurements. Cracking: Results of the Fénix test conducted according to NLT-383/25 at three temperatures (20, 5, and −5 °C), including tensile strength, ductility, fracture-related energy parameters, and approximate toughness. Each worksheet identifies the asphalt mixture type, aggregate composition, and bitumen content, allowing the experimental results to be associated with their corresponding formulations. Testing standards The experimental procedures followed the standards listed below: UNE-EN 12697-5:2020. Bituminous Mixtures — Test Methods — Part 5: Determination of the Maximum Density. UNE-EN 12697-6:2012. Bituminous Mixtures — Test Methods for Hot Mix Asphalt — Part 6: Determination of Bulk Density of Bituminous Specimens. UNE-EN 12697-8:2020. Bituminous Mixtures — Test Methods — Part 8: Determination of Void Characteristics of Bituminous Specimens. UNE-EN 12697-17:2018. Bituminous Mixtures — Test Methods — Part 17: Particle Loss of Porous Asphalt Specimens. UNE-EN 12697-12:2019. Bituminous Mixtures — Test Methods — Part 12: Determination of the Water Sensitivity of Bituminous Specimens. UNE-EN 12697-22:2022. Bituminous Mixtures — Test Methods — Part 22: Wheel Tracking. UNE-EN 12697-26:2019. Bituminous Mixtures — Test Methods — Part 26: Stiffness. NLT-383/25 (2025). Evaluación de la resistencia, tenacidad, ductilidad y energía de rotura de las mezclas bituminosas mediante el ensayo Fénix. The UNE-EN standards were published by the Spanish Association for Standardisation (AENOR), Madrid, Spain, and NLT-383/25 by the Centro de Estudios y Experimentación de Obras Públicas (CEDEX), Madrid, Spain. Data reuse The dataset enables the analysis and comparison of volumetric properties, particle loss, moisture susceptibility, resistance to permanent deformation, stiffness, and cracking-related behaviour across different asphalt mixture types and recovered aggregate combinations. It provides experimental evidence to support further research on the design and mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures incorporating recovered materials, particularly for cycling infrastructure applications.