RESEARCH PAYS OFF: ASPHALT CONTENT TEST OFFERS IMPROVEMENT OVER SOLVENTS

The National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) has developed a test method to determine the asphalt content of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures by ignition. The test method is based on research started in 1990 at NCAT and sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration, the Alabama Department of Transportation, the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), and the NAPA Research and Education Foundation. In the NCAT ignition method (finalized in 1994), about 1200 grams of HMA mixture is subjected to an elevated temperature of 538 deg C (1,000 deg F) in a furnace to ignite and burn the asphalt cement. NCAT's work has resulted in a test procedure and equipment that automatically measures the asphalt content in 30 to 40 minutes. The grading of the aggregate can then be determined using standard sieve analysis. Larger HMA samples (2400 grams) can also be tested. Use of the NCAT asphalt content test will provide health and environmental benefits, cost savings, shorter test times, and more accurate test results.

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  • Publication Date: 1995-9

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 40-41
  • Serial:
    • TR News
    • Issue Number: 180
    • Publisher: Transportation Research Board
    • ISSN: 0738-6826

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Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00713069
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Oct 25 1995 12:00AM