Asphalt lab report

Abstract

This monthly report will highlight the many benefits of asphalt testing in terms of Engineering. The
main objective is to train candidates in the correct performance of the standard laboratory asphalt
tests
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Contents
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................ 2
2. Quality of the mixture ......................................................................................................................... 2
3. Making of asphalt briquettes .............................................................................................................. 3
3.1. Aim of making asphalt briquettes ................................................................................................ 3
4. Determination of Marshall Stability and flow ..................................................................................... 4
4.1. Aim of conducting Marshall Stability and flow of HMA ............................................................... 4
5. Maximum void- less density – Rice method ....................................................................................... 5
5.1 AIM OF RICE METHOD .................................................................................................................. 5
6. Binder extraction by centrifuge .......................................................................................................... 6
6.1 Aim of conducting (BRD) of HMA.................................................................................................. 6
7. Determination of the binder content of HMA using ignition oven .................................................... 7
8. Summary ............................................................................................................................................. 8
9. RESULTS SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................ 9

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1. Introduction
This report covers the asphalt tests including slurry analysis. This report will only discuss the
aim of the test; interpretation of the results; findings and the recommendations for each
test conducted.

The tests to be covered are as follows:

 Making of asphalt briquettes

 Bulk relative density (BRD)
 Determination of Marshall Stability and flow
 Determination of Marshall ITS
 Maximum void- less density – Rice method
 Binder extraction by centrifuge
 Determination of the binder content of HMA using ignition oven
 Grading
 Determination of the binder content of mixtures used in bituminous slurry seals

2. Quality of the mixture

The binder content in an asphalt mixture is one of the critical factors determining the quality
of the mixture. Using a mixture with too much binder can lead to pavement rutting and
bleeding, whereas having a mixture with too little binder can lead to pavement durability
problems, including ravelling and cracking.

The reporting here is based on two HMA mix designs of quartzite stone, the proportions are
as follows:

Aggregates Proportions
4.5% AE-2 BINDER 5.5% AE-2 BINDER
14mm aggregate 19% 19%
7mm aggregate 9% 9%
Crusher dust (-4.75mm) 60.5 % 60.5 %
Sand 8% 8%
Filler 3.5% 3.5%

Note: only the binder was altered in these designs, the aggregates were kept constant for
the purpose of comparing the binder effect in the mix (i.e. the binder was increased by 1%
from 4.5). This was done after finding out that the 4.5% binder content yields results of high
VIM’s, 6.2 to be exact (refer to premix analysis worksheet A).

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3. Making of asphalt briquettes

Refer to SANS 3001-AS1 for the test method

3.1. Aim of making asphalt briquettes

The briquettes were prepared for the following purposes): For the checking of Marshall
Stability, flow, air voids and bulk density and for monitoring the grading and/or binder
content of the mix.

For test control, four briquettes were prepared for each binder content.

RESULTS INTERPRETATION

No results for this test method. The only item that needs to be checked is that the
briquettes made are to the correct height of 63.5mm +1.25mm.

FINDINGS

All the briquettes were compacted at 140 ‘ c, during this compaction I have noticed that
some of the binder content is being taken up by the filter paper, thus reducing the weight of
the briquette and leaving the top and the bottom of the specimen with aggregates
uncoated. (See the picture below for clarity)

Figure 1

RECOMMENDATIONS

The mix should be prevented from adhering to the filter paper by brushing a drop of oil to
the filter paper.
.

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4. Determination of Marshall Stability and flow (SANS 3001-AS2)

4.1. Aim of conducting Marshall Stability and flow of HMA

Marshall Stability is related to the resistance of bituminous materials to distortion,
displacement, rutting and shearing stresses. The stability is derived mainly from internal
friction and cohesion. Cohesion is the binding force of binder material while internal friction
is the interlocking and frictional resistance of aggregates. As bituminous pavement is
subjected to severe traffic loads from time to time, it is necessary to adopt bituminous
material with good stability and flow.

According to COLTO good stability is between 10 and 14 KN, good flow ranges from 2 to
5mm.

Reporting of results

14

12
stability, flow & ITS

10

8
Stability (KN)
6
Flow (mm)
4 ITS(KN)
2

0
4.50% 5.00% 5.50%
Bitumen content

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5. Maximum void- less density – Rice method (SANS 3001-AS11)

5.1 AIM OF RICE METHOD

There is not a lot discuss about this method other than conducting the test correctly and
accordingly.

The Rice method (SANS 3001-AS11) is used for determining the theoretical maximum specific
gravity of asphalt paving mixtures, which is one of the main test parameters used for mix design and
construction quality control. This test also helps to determine the voids-in mix (VIM’s).

FINDINGS

The higher the rice the lower the voids

There is no specification for theoretical maximum specific gravity, but it is used to calculate
other specified parameters such as air voids. Typical values for theoretical maximum specific
gravity range from approximately 2.300 to 2.700 depending on the aggregate specific
gravity and asphalt binder content.

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6. Binder extraction by centrifuge(SANS 3001-AS20)

6.1 Aim of conducting (BRD) of HMA

The purpose of determining the binder content of a sample is to help ensure that the binder added
to the mixture is the same proportion as reported on the asphalt mix design. The design binder
content mixed with the design aggregate structure should result in mix volumetrics that meet
specifications. (See spec sheet on page 10)

Figure 2 centrifuge

Findings

For 4.5% binder content the extraction came to be 4.1, meaning not all of the added binder
was extracted, this could be due to human error (the sample not properly washed with
toluene) or the binder was absorbed by the aggregates.

Recommendations

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7. Determination of the binder content of HMA using ignition

oven(SANS 3001-AS21)

Figure 3 Troxler ignition oven

The ignition oven is one alternate to solvent extraction. This oven uses high temperature to
burn the asphalt off the aggregate, (in our case we were instructed to burn the sample at
475˚C). The procedure terminates when the weight of the sample stabilizes, indicating that
there is no more binder to ignite.

Results

Findings and discussions

The ignition use was problematic with our type of aggregates (quartzite). With these
aggregates, the mass loss continues after the binder is burned off the test does not
terminate at a stable mass. (I.e. we added 5.5% binder to the aggregates, but in the ignition
oven we losing 5.8%. which is 0.3% more than what we have added).

There is obvious something wrong with the oven or there are unconsidered factors that
affect this additional mass loss. I am talking of factors such as temperature and time,
because when the binder in the mixture ignites, the oven temperature increases and
exceeds the 475’c pre-set test temperature. These higher temperatures can result in
increased mass loss.

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Recommendations and conclusion for ignition

 A modified ignition oven procedure should be developed to control the
temperatures inside the oven (i.e. the temperature should be prevented from rising)
and limit the additional mass loss.
 Oven calibration should be done.
 Burning time should be controlled.
 Aggregates decomposition should be checked or tested; surely they decompose at
higher temperatures and somehow in the oven are considered as a mass loss that
might be the reason we having additional mass loss after ignition.

8. Summary

VIM's vs Bitument Graph

7

4
VIMs

0
4.50% 5.00% 5.50%
Bitumen content

According to COLTO the acceptable voids in mix should be between 4-6% (SPECIFICATION A). In the
above graph 4.5% binder produces a mix with high voids of about 6.2 which is out of spec

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9. RESULTS SUMMARY

4.5% BINDER CONTENT

The only value that is nonsensical here is VIM’s, they are too high (6.2) indicating shortage of binder
and filler.

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5.5% BINDER RESULTS

These results can be read and analysed with COLTO specification or SANS. I can say this was the
perfect mix design stability is okay, vims ok, actually everything is within the spec.

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