Synthesis of Information Related to Highway Problems. Topic 47-13. Relationship Between Chemical Makeup of Asphalt Binders and Engineering Performance

The engineering properties of asphalt binders are dictated by their chemical makeup. The chemical makeup of any particular asphalt binder and its concomitant properties are dependent on the crude source, the process parameters used during binder production, and the chemical, polymer or other additives used to process the asphalt binder to achieve target specification requirements. During the past few decades there has also been an increase in the use of post-production modifiers that further influence the properties and performance of the asphalt binder. Furthermore, the chemical makeup and concomitant engineering properties of the binder continually change with time for years after being placed in service. There are number of factors and variables that influence the chemical composition and ultimately the engineering properties of a binder used in pavement applications. It is important that the users most closely working with the binders have a strong working knowledge of the relationship between binder chemistry and engineering properties. This knowledge can help departments of transportation (DOTs) and practicing engineers make more informed choices with regards to selection of binders and post-production additives and modifiers and avoid potentially expensive mistakes. Also, researchers might develop more informed methods to design binder modifiers and additives that will result in low-cost and high performance binders for specific applications. An updated synthesis of information in this area will include a literature review and a survey of state departments of transportation and Canadian ministries of transportation. Late 1990's Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) research that investigated the relationship between binder chemistry and engineering properties will be documented and international agencies' experience will be reviewed as available. From the results of the survey, a minimum of 3 agencies will be selected and case examples of their practices will be shared. Lessons learned and gaps in information will also be covered.

• Record URL:
  http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=3964
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $45000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 20-05, Topic

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590

  American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 225
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Project Managers:

  Vlasak, Donna

• Start Date: 20150701
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• Source Data: RiP Project 39648

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Additives; Asphalt pavements; Bituminous binders; Chemical composition; Mix design; Properties of materials; State departments of transportation
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements; I30: Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01562857
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 20-05, Topic
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: May 13 2015 1:00AM