Effects of Hot Plant Fuel Characteristics and Combustion on Asphalt Concrete Quality (Final Report)

This report summarizes the results of an extensive and comprehensive study to evaluate the possibility of contaminating hot mix asphalt due to the use of alternate fuel types and through poor combustion of the fuel. Eleven different fuels were used, and the plant burner was adjusted to optimum, insufficient oxygen and excess oxygen conditions. Samples of aggregates and of hot mix produced under these combinations of fuel and combustion conditions were collected and tested using a variety of chemical ad physical tests. Gravimetric analysis of the heated aggregates did reveal the presence of minute traces of residue at less than 35 ppb by weight of aggregate. This residue was then analyzed using gas chromatography and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and was shown to be composed of partially decomposed tars and fuel residues. The dynamic shear rheometer, bending beam rheometer and direct tension tests were used to assess whether the residue caused any changes in binder properties; none were detected. Samples of the hot mix produced in the plant were evaluated using gyratory compaction parameters, Superpave shear tests, dynamic modulus, loaded wheel and moisture sensitivity tests. Again, no significant changes in mix properties were observed. Based on these findings, it was recommended that the South Dakota Department of Transportation expand the list of allowable fuels to include recycled fuel oils and fuels up to No. 6, allowing the use of economical alternates. No. 6 fuel should be evaluated in pilot field projects for possible inclusion in future specifications. Other specification changes and inspection techniques to ensure combustion adequacy and mix performance were recommended.

• Record URL:
  http://www.sddot.com/business/research/projects/docs/SD2001-13.Final_Report.pdf
• 
• Summary URL:
  http://www.sddot.com/business/research/projects/docs/sd2001-13.Executive_Summary.pdf
• Supplemental Notes:
  • A complete set of appendices is published separately as SD2001-13-A. An executive summary is published separately as SD2001-13-X.
• Corporate Authors:

  Purdue University

  School of Civil Engineering, 550 Stadium Mall Drive
  West Lafeyette, IN  United States  47907

  South Dakota Department of Transportation

  Office of Research, 700 East Broadway Avenue
  Pierre, SD  United States  57501-2586
• Authors:
  • McDaniel, Rebecca S
  • Haddock, John
• Publication Date: 2004-5

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 72p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aggregates; Asphalt plants; Binders; Burners; Combustion; Dynamic modulus of elasticity; Fourier analysis; Fourier transforms; Fuels by end use; Gas chromatography; Gravimetric analysis; Hot mix asphalt; Infrared spectroscopy; Physical properties; Recycled materials; Rheometers; Shear tests; Superpave; Tar; Waste products (Materials)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Direct tension tests; Gyratory compaction; Loaded wheel tests; Moisture sensitivity test
• Geographic Terms: South Dakota
• Subject Areas: Energy; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01001427
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: SD2001-13-F
• Contract Numbers: 310764
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Jun 26 2005 12:11PM