Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.

) 35 : 467 - 475 (2001)

Properties Comparison of Asphalt Cement and

Multigrade Asphalt in Asphalt Concrete.

Kosintra Jetiyanonta and Watcharin Witayakul

ABSTRACT

The engineering properties of multigrade asphalt compared with asphalt cement grade 60/70 were
investigated and the performance of asphalt concrete was mixed between both binding materials and
limestones. The results showed that the engineering properties of multigrade asphalt did not pass the
specifications of Department of Highways. Multigrade asphalt had more sensitivity of penetration index
than asphalt cement grade 60/70, and provided flexible performance after torsion, rheological behavior and
torsional recovery better than asphalt cement, but had less ductility than that of asphalt cement. Additionally,
the performance of asphalt concrete mixed with multigrade asphalt gave higher stability, flow and ratio of
stability and flow than those mixed with asphalt cement grade 60/70. After compaction test, the samples
mixed with multigrade asphalt gave higher tensile strength and modulus of elasticity than those mixed with
asphalt cement grade 60/70 but had lower poisson’s ratio. Asphalt concrete mixed with multigrade asphalt
also had greater strength index value and smaller rutting. Therefore, multigrade asphalt may be one of the
alternative binders used for asphalt concrete design in highway construction if it had been notified of such
use.
Key word : asphalt, multigrade asphalt, multigrade asphalt concrete

INTRODUCTION refinery processes to provide more structure to the

Currently, the road surface made from asphalt
concrete has been faced with the problem of having
more traffic each year due to the increase in loaded
trucks and passenger vehicles. These could deform
the road and causing the road’s cracking and slipping
off from the surface resulting in shorten of the road
capacity. The progress of technology and production,
leads to the development and improvement of several
binding materials such as polymer modified asphalt,
stone mastic asphalt, and multigade asphalt. These
binding materials have more resistant to deformation
and erosion causing from temperature and more
traffic. Multigade asphalt is produced by special
product and enhance the engineering performance,
without the addition of polymers. This
manufacturing modified the bitumen characteristics
in order that the final product presents an improved
stiffness modulus, visco-elastic and adhesive. It has
a quality as binding material similar to asphalt
cement.
Nicholls (1994) tested the road trials by
using hot mix constituting of multigrade asphalt
comparing with conventional binder and polymer
modified asphalt. He found that hot mix having
polymer-modified asphalt had deformation
resistance and durability better than multigrade
asphalt and conventional binder, respectively.

Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand.
468 Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 35 (4)
Australian Road Research Board (1999) investigated
multigrade and regulated the Australian road’s
standard for multigrade use as AS 2008 and AS2341.
The objectives of this research were to 1)
study the physical properties of multigrade
comparing with asphalt cement grade 60/70 and 2)
investigate the properties of asphalt concrete mixed
with either multigrade or asphalt cement grade 60/
70 compacted by Marshall method and gyratory
compactor by comparing the strength index, tensile
properties, and rutting. Results from this study may
indicate the possible asphalt concrete properties
used in the future.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Experiment 1 was to compare the physical
properties of multigrade asphalt and asphalt cement
grade 60/70. The experiment was conducted as
Asphalt Institute (1984), AASHTO (1992) and
ASTM (1981) involving penetration, softening
point; ring and ball, penetration index, ductility,
torsional recovery, flash point; cleveland open cup,
solubility in trichloroethylene, loss on heating,
absolute viscosity, kinematic viscosity, and density.
Experiment 2 was to study the properties of
asphalt concrete mixing with either multigrade
asphalt or asphalt cement grade 60/70 compacted
by Marshall method. Aggregates used in the
experiment were lime stone and were tested for
density, volume, flow, stability, strength index,
tensile properties by using indirect tensile method
(Anagnos and Kennedy, 1972) and rutting.
Experiment 3 was to study the properties of
asphalt concrete mixed with either multigrade
asphalt or asphalt cement grade 60/70 compacted
by gyratory compactor. Aggregates used in the
experiment were lime stone and were tested for
density, volume, flow, stability, and tensile
properties by using indirect tensile method.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Properties of multigrade asphalt and asphalt
cement grade 60/70
The results showed that the properties of
asphalt cement grade 60/70 passed the specifications
of Department of Highways. However, the
properties of multigrade asphalt did not pass the
specifications for asphalt concrete grade 60/70 and
polymer modified asphalt of the Department of
Highways. Penetration index and rheological
behavior of multigrade asphalt was 48 and +1.05,
meanwhile it was 63 and –1.40 in asphalt concrete
grade 60/70, respectively (Table 1). This indicated
that materials made from multigrade asphalt were
more rigid and sensitive to temperature change than
asphalt concrete grade 60/70. After testing ductility
of these two materials, multigrade asphalt yielded
61 centimeters, but asphalt cement grade 60/70
yielded 100 centimeters. This caused more fragility
in multigrade asphalt compared to asphalt cement
grade 60/70. Multigrade asphalt had 7% of torsional
recovery, but asphalt cement grade 60/70 had 2%.
However, multigrade asphalt had absolute viscosity
and kinematic viscosity greater than asphalt cement
grade 60/70. The test on residue from thin film oven
showed that multigrade asphalt had 29% retained
penetration value and 8% torsional recovery. For
asphalt cement grade 60/70, it was 62% and 3%,
respectively.
Asphalt concrete compaction by Marshall
method
An experiment of compaction conducted by
Marshall method showed that, at 4% air voids,
asphalt concrete mixed either with multigrade
asphalt or asphalt cement 60/70 used 5.2% binder
contain. However, the materials mixed with
multigrade asphalt had higher level of stability,
flow, and ratio of stability and flow than mixed with
asphalt cement grade 60/70 approximately 18.90%,
14.93% and 4.69%, respectively (Figures 1 and 2).
 Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 35 (4) 469

Table 1 Properties of multigrade asphalt and asphalt cement grade 60/70.

Item Properties Unit DOH specification AC 60/70 Multigrade

No. AC 60/70 PMA*

1 Penetration 0.1 mm 60 – 70 60 – 70 63 48
2 Softening point, °C – – 47 60.5
ring and ball
3 Penetration index – Min 3.0 – 1.40 + 1.05
4 Ductility cm Min 100 – > 100 61
5 Torsional recovery % – Min 70 2 7
6 Flash point, °C Min 232 Min 220 319 316
Cleveland open cup
7 Solubility in % Wt Min 99.0 Min 99.0 99.83 99.80
trichloroethylene
8 Loss on heating % Wt Max 0.8 – 0.046 0.019
9 Absolute viscosity Poise – – 1,923 > 12,800
10 Kinematic viscosity cSt – – 291 1,422
11 Density kg/m3 – 1.00 – 1.05 1.039 1.040
Test on residue from thin film oven
12 Retained penetration % Min 54 Min 70 62 29
13 Torsional recovery % – Min 60 3 8

PMA* = Polymer Modified Asphalt

2.410 15
2,200
2.400 14
Density (gm/ml)

Flow (1/100")

2,100
Stability (lbs)

2.390 13
2.380 2,000 12
2.370 11
1,900
2.360 10
2.350 1,800 9
4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50
% AC by Wt. of Agg. % AC by Wt. of Agg. % AC by Wt. of Agg.

7.0 17.00 95
6.0 16.50 90
85
% Air Voids

5.0 16.00
% VMA

% VFB

80
4.0 15.50
75
3.0 15.00
70
2.0 14.50 65
1.0 14.00 60
4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50
% AC by Wt. of Agg. % AC by Wt. of Agg. % AC by Wt. of Agg.

Figure 1 Relationship between asphalt concrete properties and asphalt cement grade 60/70 quantities
compacted by Marshall method.
470 Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 35 (4)

2.400 2,70 0 18
2,60 0 17
2.390

Stability (lbs)
Density (gm/ml)

16

Flow (1/100 ")

2,50 0
2.380 15
2,40 0
2.370 14
2,30 0 13
2.360 2,20 0 12
2.350 2,10 0 11

4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50
% Multigrade by Wt. of Agg. % Multigrade by Wt. of Agg. % Multigrade by Wt. of Agg.

7.0 17.00
90
6.0 16.50
85
% Air Voids

5.0 16.00
% VMA

80

% VFB
4.0 15.50 75
3.0 15.00 70
2.0 14.50 65
1.0 14.00 60
4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 6.50
% Multigrade by Wt. of Agg. % Multigrade by Wt. of Agg. % Multigrade by Wt. of Agg.

Figure 2 Relationship between asphalt concrete properties and multigrade asphalt quantities compacted
by Marshall method.

Asphalt concrete compaction by gyratory similar value as that mixed with asphalt cement
compactor grade 60/70 which was 81.1% and 83.9%,
Compaction conducted by gyratory respectively. Tensile strength, poisson’s ratio, and
compactor can be calculated using design number modulus of elasticity of both binding materials
of gyration (N design) at 4% percent air voids, tended to but less, while ultimate tensile strain
resulting in 68 gyration. The results showed that, at tended to be higher (Figures 5 and 6). Compaction
4% air voids, asphalt concrete mixed with either by gyratory compactor also provide the same results
with multigrade or asphalt cement 60/70 used 4.8% (Figures 7 and 8).
binder content. However, the materials mixed with At 4% air voids, the tensile strength and
multigrade asphalt had higher level of stability, modulus of elasticity of multigrade asphalt concrete
flow, and ratio of stability and flow than mixed with were 32.84% and 32.24% higher that of asphalt
asphalt cement grade 60/70 approximately 12.18%, cement concrete, by Marshall method, and were
6.41% and 6.20%, respectively (Figures 3 and 4). 28.67% and 25.25 higher by gyratory compactor.
In the experiment of rutting by wheel tracking
Properties of asphalt concrete test at 140,000 passes, asphalt concrete mixed with
After performing the asphalt concrete multigrade asphalt showed rutting 31.64% less than
compaction by Marshall method, the strength index mixed with asphalt cement grade 60/70 (Figure 9).
of asphalt concrete mixed with multigrade had
 Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 35 (4) 471

2.42 0 3,10 0 18

3,00 0 17
Density (gm/ml)

2.41 0

Flow (1/100")
Stability (lbs)
2,90 0 16
2.40 0 2,80 0
15
2,70 0
2.39 0 14
2,60 0
2.38 0 2,50 0 13
4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00

% AC by Wt. of Agg % AC by Wt. of Agg % AC by Wt. of Agg

5.0 16.0 0 100

4.0 15.5 0 90
% Air Voids

% VMA

% VFB
3.0 15.0 0 80

2.0 14.5 0 70
1.0 14.0 0 60
4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00
4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00
% AC by Wt. of Agg
% AC by Wt. of Agg % AC by Wt. of Agg

Figure 3 Relationship between asphalt concrete properties and asphalt cement grade 60/70 quantities
compacted by gyratory compactor.

2.42 0 3,50 0 19

3,40 0 18
Density (gm/ml)

2.41 0
Flow (1/100")
Stability (lbs)

3,30 0 17
2.40 0 3,20 0
16
3,10 0
2.39 0 15
3,00 0
2.38 0 2,90 0 14

4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00

% Multigrade by Wt. of Agg % Multigrade by Wt. of Agg % Multigrade by Wt. of Agg

16.0 0 90
5.0
15.5 0
4.0 80
% Air Voids

% VMA

% VFB

3.0 15.0 0
70
2.0 14.5 0

1.0 14.0 0 60
4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00 4.50 5.00 5.50 6.00
% Multigrade by Wt. of Agg % Multigrade by Wt. of Agg % Multigrade by Wt. of Agg

Figure 4 Relationship between asphalt concrete properties and multigrade asphalt quantities compacted
by gyratory compactor.
472 Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 35 (4)

19 0.500

Tensile Strength (psi)

18 0.400

Poisson’s ratio
17 0.300

16 0.200

15 0.100
4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5
% AC by Wt of Agg % AC by Wt of Agg

60,000 1.0E - 03
Modulus of Elasticity (psi)

55,000

Tensile Strain
9.5E - 04
50,000

45,000
9.0E - 04
40,000

35,000 8.5E - 04
4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5
% AC by Wt of Agg % AC by Wt of Agg

Figure 5 Tensile properties of asphalt concrete compacted by Marshall method mixed with asphalt cement
grade 60/70.

29 0.500
28
Tensile Strength (psi)

27
0.400
Poisson’s ratio

26
25
24 0.300
23
22 0.200
21
20 0.100
4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5
% Multigrade by Wt of Agg % Multigrade by Wt of Agg

80,000 1.0 E -0 3
Modulus of Elasticity (psi)

75,000 9.5 E -0 4
Tensile Strain

70,000 9.0 E -0 4

65,000 8.5 E -0 4
60,000
8.0 E -0 4
55,000
7.5 E -0 4
4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5
4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5
% Multigrade by Wt of Agg
% Multigrade by Wt of Agg

Figure 6 Tensile properties of asphalt concrete compacted by Marshall method mixed with multigrade
asphalt.
 Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 35 (4) 473

24 0.500

Tensile Strength (psi)

23

Poisson’s ratio
22 0.400
21
20 0.300
19
18 0.200
17
16 0.100
4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
% AC by Wt of Agg % AC by Wt of Agg

70,000 1.0E-0 3
Modulus of Elasticity (psi)

65,000

Tensile Strain
60,000 9.5E-0 4
55,000
50,000 9.0E-0 4
45,000
40,000 8.5E-0 4
4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
% AC by Wt of Agg % AC by Wt of Agg

Figure 7 Tensile properties of asphalt concrete compacted by gyratory compactor mixed with asphalt
cement grade 60/70.

31 0.500

30
Tensile Strength (psi)

0.400
Poisson’s ratio

29
0.300
28
0.200
27

26 0.100

4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0

% Multigrade by Wt of Agg % Multigrade by Wt of Agg

85,000 1.0E-03
Modulus of Elasticity (psi)

80,000
Tensile Strain

9.5E-04
75,000

9.0E-04
70,000

65,000 8.5E-04
4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
% Multigrade by Wt of Agg % Multigrade by Wt of Agg

Figure 8 Tensile properties of asphalt concrete compacted by gyratory compactor mixed with multigrade
asphalt.
474 Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 35 (4)

10

Average wheel rutting depth (mm) 8 AC

6
AC
Multigrade Multigrade
4

0
0 20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000 120,000 140,000 160,000

Number of tested wheel times (passes)

Figure 9 The relationship between means of tested wheel times and wheel rutting depth of asphalt concrete
mixed with asphalt cement grade 60/70 compared to mixed with multigrade asphalt at 140,000
times.

CONCLUSION lower poisson’s ratio than asphalt cement grade 60/

70; and 6) asphalt concrete mixed with multigrade
From the studies described above, it was asphalt had rutting of 32% less than mixed with
concluded that : 1) the penetration of multigrade asphalt cement grade 60/70.
asphalt was more rigid than asphalt cement grade
60/70, had more sensitivity to temperature change ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
(higher value of penetration index, rheological, and
torsional recovery) than asphalt cement grade 60/ The authors would like to thank Mr. Hem
70, but multigrade asphalt was more fragile than Ngowsiri, Department of Highways, for consultation
asphalt cement grade 60/70; 2) asphalt concrete during the experiments.
compacted by Marshall method and mixed with
multigrade asphalt had better stability, flow, and LITERATURE CITED
ratio of stability and flow than mixed with asphalt
cement grade 60/70 approximately 19%, 15%, and American Association of State Highway and
5%, respectively; 3) asphalt concrete compacted by Transportation Officials. 1992. Standard
gyratory compactor and mixed with multigrade Specification for Transportation Materials and
asphalt had better stability, flow, and ratio of stability Methods of Sampling and Testing, Part II.
and flow than mixed with asphalt cement grade 60/ Washington, D.C. 1182 p.
70 approximately 12%, 6%, and 6%, respectively; American Society for Testing and Material. 1981.
4) asphalt concrete mixed with multigrade asphalt Road, Paving, Bituminous Materials; Traveled
had strength index value of 3% less than mixed with Surface Characteristics, Part 15. Philadelphia.
asphalt cement grade 60/70; 5) asphalt concrete 1286 p.
mixed with multigrade asphalt had higher tensile Anagnos, J.N. and T.W. Kennedy. 1972. Practical
strength and modulus of elasticity value, but had Method of Conducting the Indirect Tensile
 Kasetsart J. (Nat. Sci.) 35 (4) 475

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