Field Validation Study of Low-Temperature Performance Grading Tests for Asphalt Binders

Abstract

Current performance-graded asphalt cement specification testing to predict low-temperature performance was examined for effectiveness and deficiencies. The ability of various binder properties to predict cracking in the field was assessed for 17 trial sections constructed in northern Ontario. The tests included the currently used bending beam rheometer and direct tension tests, as well as a more fundamental fracture mechanics-based method. The results indicated that the currently used grading procedure predicted the ranking for most sections within each site reasonably well but was poor at predicting the onset of cracking. The need for improvement was illustrated with two sections on Provincial Highway 631, which were constructed in 1991 with binders of the same grade but which showed a difference in transverse cracking severity of nearly a factor 20. Furthermore, two sections on Provincial Highway 118, constructed in 1994 with binders of almost identical grade, were cracked by a more modest difference of 40%. Finally, the PG 58-28 and both of the PG 58-34 sections, which were constructed in 1996 on TransCanada Highway 17—and were exposed to minimum surface temperatures of -26.8°C in their first winter and -27.2°C in 2003 and hence should not have cracked—were damaged by a significant 169, 52, and 65 transverse cracks/km, respectively. Physical aging and notch sensitivity of the binders were indicated as major contributing factors for this early distress.

Characterization of physical aging by time-resolved rheometry: fundamentals and application to bituminous binders

“…In particular, the effects of temperature, crystallinity and polymer modification are studied. The results of these analyses are of great importance especially to the asphalt paving industry as the physical aging of bituminous binders has a major impact on the durability of asphalt pavements (Iliuta et al 2004b, a;Soenen et al 2004;Yee et al 2006;Zhao and Hesp 2006;Hesp et al 2007Hesp et al , 2009aEvans et al 2011;Bahia et al 2012;Paul Togunde and Hesp 2012;Freeston et al 2015).…”

Binder and Mixture Testing to Assess Rutting Performance of Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA)

“…For the BBR m-value parameter, the original binder RTFO+PAV residue provided a good estimate of the recovered binder properties. This is encouraging, since the m-value specification requirement controls the low PG temperature for most binders (Iliuta et al, 2004). These data suggest that the rutting parameter and controlling low temperature thermal cracking parameter of binder recovered from plant-produced material are reasonably approximated by tests of RTFO residue.…”

Effect of Silicone Oil on Dispersion and Low-Temperature Fracture Performance of Crumb Rubber Asphalt

“…Furthermore, although the BBR test has been seen to be sound in investigating low-temperature performance of unmodified binders, it is not quite so for modified binders [5]. Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) researchers recognized that a full fracture mechanics-based evaluation at appropriate temperatures and rates of loading should be done to evaluate a binder for fracture performance [20]. When field results of asphalt mixtures, in particular BBR-SENB test results, were compared with fracture properties, researchers concluded that the BBR test should be complimented with fracture tests [21].…”