OPTIMUM COMPACTION TEMPERATURE FOR MODIFIED BINDERS

With increasing use of modified asphalt binders, the correct compaction temperature range for asphalt mixtures containing these binders must be determined. The current procedure uses asphalt binder viscosities to find the compaction temperature range. However, the current procedure often provides unacceptably high temperatures for modified binders. Past work showed that lower temperatures can be used and that the volumetric properties of Superpave gyratory-compacted specimens can be the same over a very wide range in compaction temperatures, even if the mixtures are short-term oven aged at the compaction temperature. However, that study did not examine the effect of temperature on the internal characteristics and mechanical properties of the mixtures. The present study addressed these issues for one of the mixtures used in the prior study. Shear properties of the mixture compacted at 4 temperatures were evaluated. These properties improved to some extent with an increase in temperature, except for strain-controlled fatigue damage, which did not change significantly with temperature. The effect of temperature on aggregate orientation and the effect of aggregate orientation on shear properties were also investigated. Based on these analyses, a narrower range of optimum compaction temperatures was found compared to the range based on volumetric properties alone. The changes in the shear stiffness of the asphalt binder, in the vertical air void distribution, and in the preferred orientation of the aggregates with compaction temperature were the responsible factors for the changes in mixture shear properties.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/8674831
• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Civil Engineers

  1801 Alexander Bell Drive
  Reston, VA  United States  20191-4400
• Authors:
  • Azari, H
  • McCuen, R H
  • Stuart, K D
• Publication Date: 2003-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 531-537
• Serial:
  • Journal of Transportation Engineering
  • Volume: 129
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: American Society of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0733-947X
  • Serial URL: https://ascelibrary.org/journal/jtepbs

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt mixtures; Asphalt pavements; Binders; Compaction; Pavement design; Road materials; Superpave; Viscosity
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; Pavements; I22: Design of Pavements, Railways and Guideways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00963153
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS, ATRI
• Created Date: Sep 4 2003 12:00AM