Improving the Performance-Graded Asphalt Binder Specification: Final Report

The Performance Grading (PG) specification is currently used as the primary purchase specification and binder classification system in the state of Texas and many other parts of the world. Since its inception, binder production has evolved to include new technologies and additives that can be used to improve binder performance. However, in some cases such binders may also prematurely fail in asphalt pavements while still meeting the existing specification requirements. In light of this shortcoming with the PG specification, this project reviewed various new methods that can be utilized as alternatives or in a complimentary manner to the current specification. A variety of field and laboratory modified binders were evaluated using a suite of tests along with mixtures that incorporated these binders in order to evaluate the most effective performance indicators for asphalt binder specification. Parameters from the Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) test showed a good correlation with rutting of asphalt mixtures and parameters from the poker chip test showed a good correlation with cracking of asphalt binders. A method to measure low-temperature properties of the binder using a 4-mm diameter geometry with the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) was evaluated and the analytical method used with the resulting data was further developed for use as a surrogate to traditional tests. Based on the results, this study recommends the implementation of the MSCR, the 4-mm plate geometry for low temperature DSR testing in certain scenarios, and the poker chip test as an indicator for cracking resistance.

• Record URL:
  • https://library.ctr.utexas.edu/ctr-publications/0-6925-1.pdf
• 
• Record URL:
  • https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/42401
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Texas, Austin

  Center for Transportation Research
  3925 W. Braker Lane, 4th Floor
  Austin, TX  United States  78759

  Texas Department of Transportation

  Research and Technology Implementation Office, P.O. Box 5080
  Austin, TX  United States  78763-5080

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Hajj, Ramez
  • 0000-0003-0579-5618
  • Filonzi, Angelo
  • Bhasin, Amit
• Publication Date: 2019-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Technical Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 147p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bituminous binders; Cracking; Rutting; Specifications
• Identifier Terms: Multiple Stress Creep Recovery
• Uncontrolled Terms: Dynamic shear rheometry; Performance grades
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01709885
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/TX-18/0-6925-1, Report No. 0-6925-1
• Contract Numbers: 0-6925
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jul 1 2019 5:15PM