Implementation of Low Temperature Test for Asphalt Mixtures

Throughout the state of Utah premature pavement failures have been observed that can be directly linked to inadequate and intermediate and low temperature properties of the asphalt mixture. This proposal seeks to address this problem. For several years, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has been implementing the use of mechanical tests such as the Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device ((WTD) to screen asphalt mixtures that might not have adequate high-temperature performance due to either mixture instability (i.e, not able to carry its loads) or incompatibility between components. The implementation of the Hamburg WTD as a screening test has significantly benefited the high temperature performance of asphalt pavements; however, it has not addressed the low and intermediate temperature performance, reflected as thermal and fatigue cracking. This problem takes on an even greater priority with the addition of Recycled Asphalt Pavement (RAP), Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS), or other materials that can potentially harden the mixture. A test that addressed this problem is proposed. A significant effort was undertaken during past years to measure low temperature properties of asphalt mixtures by using the Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) to test small beams made out of asphalt concrete. The work clearly showed that the BBR is a viable tool that can be used to control mixtures performance at low temperatures such as the Indirect Tension Test (IDT), but with the advantage of having smaller samples and simpler equipment that is already available as part of the binder laboratory. While the work showed an example of how the device can successfully be used for quality control of mixtures, analysis of field samples is needed to develop the required specification limits and establish a balance between the high an low temperature properties of asphalt mixtures, thus ensuring longer lasting pavements. The work is ready to be implemented, protocols have already been established, and only field data is needed to set viable limits.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $44000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  12-9148

  UT11.105

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Utah Department of Transportation

  4501 South 2700 West
  Project Development
  Salt Lake City, UT  United States  84114-8380
• Project Managers:

  Nichol, Kevin

• Performing Organizations:

  University of Utah, Salt Lake City

  College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
  Salt Lake City, UT  United States  84112-0561
• Principal Investigators:

  Romero, Pedro

• Start Date: 20120101
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 20131228
• Source Data: RiP Project 33612

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt mixtures; Bearing capacity; Low temperature tests; Quality control; Recycled materials; Rheometers; Shingles; Tension tests
• Identifier Terms: Hamburg Wheel Tracking Device
• Subject Areas: Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01472096
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Utah Department of Transportation
• Contract Numbers: 12-9148, UT11.105
• Files: RIP, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Feb 13 2013 1:00AM