Integrating MBA, PIRS, and DSR Testing Process for Rapid Assessment of Emulsified Asphalt Quality in the Field

Ensuring emulsified asphalt quality in the field is vital to the success of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation projects and the resulting enhancement of durability and service life. The current test methods for determining emulsified asphalt residue quality are time-consuming and do not address some important properties of residue, like the oxidation level. In the proposed project, the research team from the University of Oklahoma will work collaboratively with a nationally known industry expert to develop a rapid, field-ready testing of emulsified asphalt residue by integrating three different technologies into an innovative quality testing method. The first is a Moisture-Balance Analyzer (MBA), which is an automated laboratory instrument used to measure the moisture content of a sample, will be used for rapid characterization of residue. The second is a Portable Infrared Spectroscopy (PIRS), which is used to identify substances by unique absorption patterns when they interact with infrared light, particularly for assessment of asphalt oxidation. The third is a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), which is an instrument used to measure the rheological properties of asphalt binders, and to determine its high-temperature performance grade. These three integrated technologies will provide valuable data on emulsified asphalt residue, which is a pay factor for contractors and agencies, affecting payments based on quality standards. Residue not meeting agency specifications and pay deductions impact profitability and cause project delays. Among other factors, the use of MBA ensures fast, automated, and accurate residue testing. The “oxidation fingerprint” serves as an indicator of performance and durability. The integrated MBA-PIRS-DSR test process makes residue results available to contractors much faster than is currently possible, increases agency efficiency and productivity, and reduces project delays. The project will address three objectives. The first is to develop and validate the integrated test process. Although the MBA and PIRS have ASTM and AASHTO standards, respectively, they are not established tests in the asphalt industry. The DSR tests are established methods for hot-mix asphalt but not for emulsified asphalt. Their integration into a cohesive test process will require a phased approach involving cross-validation and educated trial and error. The second objective is to conduct off-line (lab-based) testing and explore at-line (field-based) testing with MBA and PIRS. The team will work closely with the state DOTs and contractors to collect and test residues of emulsified asphalt widely used in Oklahoma and other states in Region 6. Once integration for off-line (lab-level) testing is achieved and repeatability of results assured, the at-line (field-level) testing will begin. The final objective is to expand applicability by adapting the process for polymer-modified emulsified asphalt to broaden applicability across Region 6 states.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.sptc.org/cy3-ou-01

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $150,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348306 (CY3-OU-01)

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Southern Plains Transportation Center

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

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

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

  University of Oklahoma, Norman

  School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
  202 West Boyd Street, Room 334
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Project Managers:

  Ghasemi, Hamid

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Oklahoma, Norman

  School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
  202 West Boyd Street, Room 334
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Principal Investigators:

  Hobson, Kenneth

  Zaman, Musharraf

• Start Date: 20260101
• Expected Completion Date: 20270101
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: UTC

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Emulsified asphalt; Moisture content; Quality control; Rheometers; Spectroscopy; Test procedures
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01975693
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Southern Plains Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348306 (CY3-OU-01)
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Jan 5 2026 11:14PM