Effect of Asphalt Binder Source on Asphalt Mixture Performance

Details

• Creators:
  Mogawer, Walaa S. ; Rowe, Geoffrey ; Abdalfattah, Ibrahim M. ; Austerman, Alexander J.
• Corporate Creators:
  University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
• Contributors:
  Naras, Edmund
• Corporate Contributors:
  Massachusetts. Department of Transportation. Office of Transportation Planning ; United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Highway Administration
• Subject/TRT Terms:
  Asphalt Mixtures Binders Curves (Geometry) Deterioration By Environmental Action Dimensionless Parameters Glover-Rowe Parameter Intermediate-Temperature Cracking IDEAL-CT Master Curve Pavel Kriz Phase Angle Performance Phase Angle Point And Shape Rheological Parameters Points (Geometry) Rheological Properties Temperature Testing

  More +
• Publication/ Report Number:
  25-XXX
• Resource Type:
  Tech Report
• Geographical Coverage:
  United States
• Edition:
  Final Report [February 2023 – September 2025]
• Corporate Publisher:
  Massachusetts. Dept. of Transportation. Office of Transportation Planning
• Abstract:
  This study aims to identify point and shape rheological parameters that can effectively differentiate between high and low-quality asphalt binders, particularly in their resistance to intermediate-temperature cracking, regardless of binder source or formulation changes. Point parameters assess binder hardness, while shape parameters describe the binder’s overall viscoelastic behavior. A total of twenty asphalt binders were tested, comprising seventeen binders from various suppliers and three low-quality binders. Two of the low-quality binders were artificially manufactured, while one was obtained from a supplier. To validate the selected parameters, a Superpave 12.5 mm asphalt mixture was designed using seven of the binders, including the three lower quality ones. The mixtures’ susceptibility to intermediate-temperature cracking was evaluated using the Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT) as per ASTM D8225-19. Higher Cracking Tolerance Index (CTIndex) values indicate better resistance to cracking. The CTIndex results were compared with binder rankings based on the identified point and shape parameters to verify their effectiveness. Glover-Rowe (G-R) at 15°C and 10 rad/s and the phase angle at a specific modulus of 10 MPa (δ10MPa) were found to be effective in distinguishing poor-quality binders. A simplified, rapid test method using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) was developed to measure these parameters, showing a strong correlation with traditional master curve analysis. This approach offers a practical tool for routine quality control during production, ensuring consistent binder performance and improved resistance to intermediate-temperature cracking in asphalt mixtures.
• Format:
  PDF
• Funding:
  121136
• Collection(s):
  US Transportation Collection
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:8241e8c78e1336308f142b27e1e6ebf0f80c01f8f868ab5ddd144166e74c8e316c30c102387891359bf789acae0a809b2d7a28f86cd49f85419276518a5bc710
• Download URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/87978/dot_87978_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 2.93 MB ]