Investigation of Hot Mix Asphalt Aging Effect on Mechanical Properties of Mixes Based on Their Binder Performance Results – Phase II

This project is focused on developing a framework to estimate the fatigue behavior of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) by establishing correlations between the fatigue resistance of aged asphalt binders and mixtures. This research is an extension of the Cycle 1 project (or Phase I), which found a strong link between the fatigue cracking data of aged HMA and the fatigue parameters of binders recovered from oven-aged asphalt mixtures. The Cycle I study provided valuable insights into the impact of HMA aging on changes in binder performance, considering factors, such as RAP percentage, aggregate quality, rejuvenator dosage and type, and asphalt content. The data analysis revealed that asphalt binder parameters, including fatigue and Glover-Rowe, as well as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) characterization, can be linked to the mechanical performance of aged asphalt mixtures. Phase II, proposed for Cycle 2, will focus on investigating the potential correlation among aging protocols, including asphalt binder and mixture aging, and pressurized methods. This will involve accelerating the aging process of asphalt mixtures using Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) equipment and optimizing the aging process of asphalt binder and mixtures by adjusting pressure. Oven aging typically requires at least five days to produce practical results. Phase II will consider pressurized aging protocols to determine if a similar correlation of rheological and chemical results can be obtained in a shorter time, either through binder or asphalt mixture aging. Conventional and pressurized aging methods have been established in previous research. This research focuses on determining how accelerated aging methods can be leveraged to produce reliable results for implementation. To achieve the objectives of this research, the following tasks will be pursued: Task 1: Aging and characterization of asphalt binders - asphalt binder samples will undergo both short-term aging using the Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) and long-term aging using the PAV under standard and modified conditions (i.e., adjusted pressure). Similarly, asphalt mixtures will be aged using a pressurized aging device, and the binder will be extracted and recovered for further comparison and analysis. Subsequently, the aged binders will be subjected to frequency sweep tests using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) to determine the fatigue parameter, master curve, and Glover-Rowe parameter and evaluated using FTIR to obtain carbonyl and sulfoxide groups. Task 2: Data analysis and validation - the results will be compared to the fatigue resistance data of aged HMA and recovered aged binders obtained in Phase I to see if a similar correlation exists. The study aims to validate the observed relationship between HMA and binder fatigue behavior. Task 3: Provide recommendations for asphalt mixture and binder aging - the findings will contribute to optimizing or strengthening the findings and relationships identified for aging asphalt binders and mixtures in the laboratory in Phase I. Task 4: Prepare project deliverables - the research team will prepare final deliverables summarizing the research results, findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.sptc.org/cy2-utep-01

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $124,302.00
• Contract Numbers:

  CY2-UTEP-01

  69A3552348306

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  Southern Plains Transportation Center

  University of Oklahoma
  202 W Boyd St, Room 213A
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Project Managers:

  Dunn, Denise

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Texas El Paso

  El Paso, TX   
• Principal Investigators:

  Montoya, Miguel

  Abdallah, Imad

• Start Date: 20241001
• Expected Completion Date: 20250930
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: University Transportation Centers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aging (Materials); Asphalt mixtures; Binders; Fatigue (Mechanics); Flexible pavements; Hot mix asphalt; Mechanical properties; Performance
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01941689
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Southern Plains Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: CY2-UTEP-01, 69A3552348306
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jan 1 2025 5:04PM