1. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems 1

2. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
ASPHALT PHYSICAL TESTS
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

3. Asphalt Cement Physical Tests
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Cement Physical Tests
Categories
Consistency tests
- Penetration
- Viscosity
- Softening point
Aging tests
- Thin Film Oven Test (TFOT)
- Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT)
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

4. Asphalt Cement Physical Tests (Cont.)
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Cement Physical Tests (Cont.)
Purity test
- Solubility
Safety test
- Flash point
Other tests
- Ductility
- Specific gravity
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

5. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Consistency Tests
Consistency describes the viscosity or degree of fluidity of asphalt at any particular temperature.
Asphalt is a thermoplastic material
Standard temperature for comparison
Grading based on consistency at a standard temperature
Measure of hardening (aging)
- Elevated temperatures
- In-service
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

6. Routine Tests for Consistency
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Routine Tests for Consistency
Viscosity at 275°F (135°C)
Near mixing and laydown temperature for HMA
Penetration at 77°F (25°C)
Near average service temperature
Viscosity at 140°F (60°C)
Near maximum surface temperature of the HMA pavement
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

7. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Viscosity at 140°F (60°C)
Definition: Resistance to flow of a fluid
Test (ASTM D2171)
Viscometers
- Cannon-Manning Vacuum Viscometer
- Asphalt Institute Vacuum Viscometer
Temperature control (water bath)
Operation: Under partial vacuum
Measurement: Timing marks
Unit: Poises (P) or Pascal second (Pa.s) (1 Pa.s = 10 poises)
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

8. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

9. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Water Bath
Vacuum Source
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

10. Kinematic Viscosity at 275°F (135°C)
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Kinematic Viscosity at 275°F (135°C)
Test (ASTM D2170)
Viscometer (Zeitfuchs Cross Arm viscometer)
Temperature control (oil bath)
Operation: Gravity flow
Measurement: Timing marks
Unit: Centistokes (cSt) or mm2/s
Kinematic: Gravitational forces induce flow
Absolute viscosity = Kinematic Viscosity x Specific Gravity
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

11. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Zeitfuchs Cross-Arm Viscometer
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

12. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

13. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Penetration Test
Definition: Empirical measure of consistency determined by measuring how far a needle penetrates
Test (ASTM D5)
Penetrometer with a specified needle
Asphalt sample in 3 oz. or 6 oz. metal/glass container
Water bath: 77°F (25°C), 39.2°F (4°C)
Test duration: 5 sec or 60 sec
Penetration measured in 0.1 mm multiples
Unit: 1 penetration unit = 0.1 mm 60 penetration units = 6 mm
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

14. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Penetration Test
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

15. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

16. Softening Point (Ring and Ball)
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Softening Point (Ring and Ball)
Definition: Temperature at which an asphalt specimen cannot support its own weight and starts flowing
Purpose
Evaluate temperature at which phase change occurs
Test (AASHTO T53)
Test conducted in distilled water or glycerin
Temperature rise rate 5°C/min
Brass ring filled with asphalt and steel ball placed
Temperature measured at the instant the softened asphalt reaches the bottom
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

17. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Softening Point Test
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

18. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Thin Film Oven Test
Purpose
To subject asphalt to hardening conditions approximating those that occur in normal HMA batch plant operations
Test (ASTM D1754)
Forced draft oven (325°F)
Rotating shelf (5-6 RPM)
1/8 inch film of asphalt heated in pans
Time: 5 hours
Weight loss determined (%)
Viscosity or penetration of TFOT residue measured
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

19. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

20. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

21. Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT)
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Rolling Thin Film Oven Test (RTFOT)
Purpose
To subject asphalt to hardening conditions approximating those that occur in normal HMA batch plant operations
Test (ASTM D2872)
Forced draft oven (325°F)
Moving thin film in glass bottle
Rack rotates at a prescribed rate
Air jet (air flow 4000 ml/min)
Time: 85 minutes
Weight loss measured
Viscosity of RTFOT residue measured
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

22. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

23. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

24. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Solubility Test
Purpose
To determine asphalt purity in terms of percentage soluble in trichloroethylene (TCE). Mineral matter is not dissolved in TCE.
Test (ASTM D2042)
Asphalt dissolved in TCE and allowed to sit for 15 minutes
Filtered through a glass fiber pad
Insoluble material retained on pad determined
Results expressed as % Purity
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

25. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Flash Point Test
Definition: Flash point is the temperature at which the asphalt gives off enough vapor which can flash (ignite) in the presence of a spark or open flame
Test (ASTM D92)
Cleveland Open-Cup (COC) method
Brass cup filled with asphalt heated at a prescribed rate
Small flame passed over the surface periodically
Temperature at an instantaneous flash noted
Results: F or C
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

26. Flash Point Test (Cont.)
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Flash Point Test (Cont.)
Uses
Safety during handling
Material quality/specification compliance
Comment
Well above temperatures used in HMA production
Below fire point (combustion temperature)
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

27. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

28. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Ductility Test
Definition: Ability of the asphalt to be stretched or drawn without breaking
Test (ASTM D113)
Empirical test
Test temperatures (77°F, 60°F, 39.2°F, etc.)
Water bath (salt/alcohol)
Special specimen mold (dog bone shape)
Extension rate (5 cm/min or 1 cm/min)
Test Results in cm
Uses
Measure of tensile properties
Evaluate compatibility of blends
Low temperature cracking potential
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

29. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

30. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

31. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Specific Gravity
Definition: Ratio of the mass of asphalt at a given temperature to the mass of an equal volume of water at the same temperature
Test (ASTM D70)
Pycnometer method
Temperature specified (77°F or 60°F)
Specific Gravity (60/60°F) means both asphalt and water are at 60°F
Uses
Specification compliance
Mix design analysis
Monetary compensation/transactions
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

32. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

33. HISTORY OF ASPHALT GRADING SYSTEMS
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
HISTORY OF ASPHALT GRADING SYSTEMS
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

34. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Grading By Chewing
Chewing - first mode of testing to determine asphalt hardness
Initially used for natural asphalts such as Trinidad Lake asphalt
Trinidad asphalt contains colloidal clay of volcanic origin
Solubility in carbon disulfide used to determine the purity
First sheet asphalt pavement using Trinidad asphalt - Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC (1876)
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

35. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Penetration Grading
Bowen of Barber Asphalt Co. invented penetration test in 1888
Many modifications of No. 2 sewing needle (tip truncated)
Specified load, time, and temperature
ASTM Committee D-4 adopted penetration test (1903)
Non-uniformity in application of penetration values by states
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

36. Penetration Grading (cont.)
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Penetration Grading (cont.)
1918 Bureau of Public Roads (now FHWA) developed penetration grades and recommended uses for northern and southern states
1931 AASHTO published specifications
1955 Thin film oven (TFO) test added
Current: Five penetration grades specified
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

37. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
ASTM D 946 Penetration Graded Asphalt Cements
Penetration Grade
40-50
60-70
85-100
Min
Max
Penetration at 77oF (25oC), 100g, 5s 40 50 60 70 85
100
120
150
200
300
Flash Point, oF
450
425
350
Solubility in trichloroethylene, % 99
Retained penetration after TFO, %
55+
52+
47+
42+
37+
Ductility at 77oF (25oC), cm after TFO 75
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

38. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Temperature Susceptibility of Asphalts
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

39. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Penetration Grading
Advantages
Consistency at average service temperature
Short testing time
Adaptable to field applications (contamination)
Relatively low equipment cost
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

40. Penetration Grading (Cont.)
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Penetration Grading (Cont.)
Disadvantages
Grade overlap ( grade = AC-5, AC-10, or AC-20)
Similitude at 77°F deceptive to performance at higher and lower service temperatures
Rates of test (shear rate) high and variable
No viscosity available near mixing and compaction temperatures
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

41. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Viscosity Grading
Developed due to construction and high temperature performance problems
Fundamental rather than empirical units
Approach similar to oils and liquid asphalts
FHWA/Asphalt Institute (1963)
Five grades established
AC AC - 20
AC - 5 AC - 40
AC - 10
Included viscosity at 275 F (135 C)
Two tables specified (Tables 1 and 2 of ASTM D3381)
AC-30 developed by southeastern states
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

42. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

43. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
ASTM D 3381 Viscosity Graded Asphalt Cements (Table 1)
Viscosity Grade
AC-2.5
AC-5
AC-10
AC-20
AC-40
Viscosity, 140oF (60oC), P
250±50
500±100
1000±200
2000±400
4000±800
Viscosity, 275oF (135oC), cSt 80
110
150
210
300
Penetration at 77oF (25oC), 100g, 5s
200
120 70 40 20
Tests on TFO Residue
1250
2500
5000
10000
20000
Ductility at 77oF (25oC), cm after TFO
100 50 10
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

44. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
ASTM D 3381 Viscosity Graded Asphalt Cements (Table 2)
Viscosity Grade
AC-2.5
AC-5
AC-10
AC-20
AC-30
AC-40
Viscosity, 140oF (60oC), P
250±50
500±100
1000±200
2000±400
3000±600
4000±800
Viscosity, 275oF (135oC), cSt
125
175
250
300
350
400
Penetration at 77oF (25oC), 100g, 5s
220
140 80 60 50 40
Tests on TFO Residue
1250
2500
5000
10000
15000
20000
Ductility at 77oF (25oC), cm after TFO
100 75 25
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

45. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Viscosity Grading
Advantages
Suitability to wide range of environments - Pavement temperature from 77°F (25°C) to 140°F (60°C)
Property fundamental - Independent of test system and sample size
Viscosity available near construction temperatures
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

46. Viscosity Grading (Cont.)
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Viscosity Grading (Cont.)
Disadvantages
Still some grade overlap (AC-20 = or penetration grade)
Grading at 140°F (60°C) deceptive to performance at average service temperatures
TFOT residue viscosity can vary considerably within the same grade
No safeguard against low temperature cracking
Not suitable for modified asphalt binders
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

47. Aged Residue (AR) Grading
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Aged Residue (AR) Grading
Developed in 1960s following viscosity grading
Aimed at setting problem (tender mix)
RTFO preferred over TFO
Lead by California Dept. Of Highways
Five grades established (Table 3 of ASTM D3391)
AR AR
AR AR AR
Minimum penetration at 77°F (25°C) and minimum viscosity at 275°F (135°C) for RTFO residue specified
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

48. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
ASTM D 3381 Viscosity Graded Asphalt Cements (Table 3 - Grading Based on RTFOT Residue)
Viscosity Grade
Tests on RTFOT Residue
AR-1000
AR-2000
AR-4000
AR-8000
AR-16000
Viscosity, 140oF (60oC), P
1000±250
2000±500
4000±1000
8000±2000
16000±4000
Viscosity, 275oF (135oC), cSt
140
200
275
400
550
Penetration at 77oF (25oC), 100g, 5s 65 40 25 20
% of original penetration, min 45 50 52
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

49. Asphalt Residue (AR) Viscosity Grading
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Residue (AR) Viscosity Grading
Advantages
Represents asphalt properties after mixing
Property fundamental - Independent of test system
Suitability to wide range of environments - Pavement temperature from 77°F (25°C) to 140°F (60°C)
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

50. Asphalt Residue (AR) Viscosity Grading (cont.)
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Residue (AR) Viscosity Grading (cont.)
Disadvantages
Highly regional
Requires more test temperatures
Longer testing time (no consistency test on original asphalt)
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

51. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

52. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
1985
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

53. Superpave Performance Graded (PG) Binder System
Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Superpave Performance Graded (PG) Binder System
Developed during the SHRP Research Program,
Aimed at addressing:
Climatic effects from complete range of pavement service temperatures
Construction
Aging during construction and in-service
Traffic speed
Traffic volume
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems

54. Russian Engineers Training March 2011
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems
Asphalt Physical Tests & History of Asphalt Grading Systems