Development and Implementation of the Asphalt Embrittlement Analyzer

This project involved the development of an acoustic emission-based Asphalt Embrittlement Analyzer (AEA) device as an advanced diagnostic tool to assess the degree of aging, crack resistance, and resiliency of near-surface properties in asphalt pavements. A sophisticated computer code was developed to analyze acoustic emission (AE) signals, to identify microcrack presence and location, and to produce a diagnostic schematic illustrating embrittlement temperature versus location (depth from surface of pavement). The AEA test offers: simplicity and portability; the ability to characterize the continuous and rapid change in surface properties as a function of depth from the surface; suitability for characterization of both binders and mixtures; relative insensitivity to sample size and fracture size effect; relative insensitivity to sample geometry; and suitability for determining the optimum timing and method(s) for preventive maintenance and rehabilitation. In addition, as a design tool, the AEA can be used to assess the effectiveness and proper use of rejuvenators in achieving the goal of restoring the pavement surface to a crack-resistant state.

• Record URL:
  • http://www.trb.org/Main/Blurbs/173642.aspx
• Supplemental Notes:
  • This NCHRP-IDEA investigation was conducted by the University of Illinois at Urban-Champaign.
• Authors:
  • Buttlar, William G
  • Reis, Henrique
  • Behnia, Behzad
• Publication Date: 2015-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 35p
• Serial:
  • NCHRP-IDEA Program Project Final Report
  • Publisher: National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)
• Publication flags:

  Open Access (libre)

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Acoustic emission tests; Asphalt pavements; Cracking; Embrittlement; Implementation; Material aging; Material resilience; Product development; Testing equipment
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01598252
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: NCHRP IDEA Project 170
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Apr 29 2016 2:14PM