Asphalt Emulsion Sprayability and Drain-Out Characteristics in Chip Seals: Evaluation with Viscosity at Variable Shear Rates

Streaking and drain-out are two common early chip seal failures related to the viscosity of the asphalt emulsion used. An emulsion with a high viscosity at spraying could result in streaking, while another with a low viscosity after spraying could drain off the road surface under gravity. Some emulsions also tend to show reduction in viscosity during handling; this reduction aggravates the potential for drain-out. The Saybolt Furol viscometer [SFV (ASTM D7496-09)] is currently used to characterize the viscosity of asphalt emulsions. However, the SFV cannot be operated under varying shear rate conditions as experienced by emulsions at different stages. A new test procedure is presented for evaluating sprayability, drain-out, and recovery kinetics of emulsions with a rotational viscometer. The test procedure allows for emulsions to be tested at a higher shear rate to evaluate sprayability and at a low shear rate to evaluate drain-out. Twelve emulsions of different grades and chemistries were tested. Results showed that the proposed test procedure was sensitive to emulsion chemistry, grade, and testing temperature. Sprayability, drain-out, and recovery kinetics were found to be significantly affected by emulsion chemistry and testing temperature. This protocol with variable shear-rate viscosity is recommended for use as a basis for replacing the SFV test as a better performance-related test method. Specification criteria can be easily developed and implemented because rotational viscometers are widely available in the industry, and there is a wealth of experience with various emulsions in the field.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.3141/2361-10
• Summary URL:
  • http://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?title=Asphalt+Emulsion+Sprayability+and+Drain-Out+Characteristics+in+Chip+Seals%3a+Evaluation+with+Viscosity+at+Variable+Shear+Rates&author=P.+Johannes&author=H.+Bahia&publication_year=2013
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/9780309286817
• Authors:
  • Johannes, Petrina T
  • Bahia, Hussain U
• Publication Date: 2013

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 80-87
• Monograph Title: Maintenance and Preservation 2013, Volume 2
• Serial:
  • Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board
  • Issue Number: 2361
  • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
  • ISSN: 0361-1981

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Chip seals; Drainage; Emulsions; Kinetics; Shear rate; Sprays (Materials); Test procedures; Viscosity
• Subject Areas: Highways; Maintenance and Preservation; Materials; Pavements; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials; I60: Maintenance;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01500882
• Record Type: Publication
• ISBN: 9780309286817
• Report/Paper Numbers: 13-2805
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Dec 6 2013 8:34AM