Implementation of Testing Equipment for Asphalt Materials
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2009-05-01
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Edition:Final report; 12/01/06-05/30/09.
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Abstract:Three new automated methods for related asphalt testing were evaluated under this study in an effort to save time and reduce variability in testing. The Therymolyne SSDetect, Instrotek CoreLok and Instrotek CoreDry devices were evaluated throughout the state in nine district laboratories plus the Louisiana Transportation Research Center (LTRC) asphalt laboratory. The test methods for each of these devices were evaluated against the standard methods described in AASHTO T-84 and AASHTO T 166 (DOTD TR 304-03). Each laboratory used the SSDetect device to evaluate the Gsb (bulk specific gravity) and absorption properties of fine aggregates. The CoreLok device was used to evaluate the Gmb of Superpave gyratory compacted (SGC) asphalt mixtures. The CoreDry device was used to evaluate the dry weights of SGC and roadway core samples of asphalt mixtures. Each of these devices is designed to reduce testing time considerably and to reduce operator error by automating the testing process. Results indicate that the SSDetect device shows better consistency in measuring the Gsb (dry) of the #11 limestone when compared to the conventional method, AASHTO T 84. The SSDetect method also shows better repeatability and reproducibility results than conventional methods for testing fine aggregates. Both AASHTO T 166 and CoreLok test methods are capable of measuring Gmb values for wearing course mixtures. The CoreLok device is more critical for determining voids in open graded mixtures because the conventional procedure to measure the saturated surface dry (SSD) weight is not applicable to open graded mixtures. The CoreLok procedure for computing the Gmb of asphalt mixtures is highly repeatable and reproducible. The CoreLok and CoreDry devices showed no significant difference of Gmb values of field cores compared to the conventional method of testing. The CoreDry method is a direct correlation to the conventional method. A cost analysis estimated a total annual savings to LADOTD of approximately $95,000.00. It is recommended that each of these devices be made available to each district for use to provide accurate and timely testing results for satisfying the quality assurance of asphalt materials and mixtures.
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