Performance Graded

Asphalt Binders
Bob Horan, P.E.
Consulting Engineer
Mechanicsville, VA

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

What is Asphalt?

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

The 3 As of Hot Mix Asphalt

Aggregates,

Asphalt,
and Air

HMA = Asphalt + Aggregates + Air

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

Asphalt Overview

Terminology
History
Uses
Background
Asphalt Behavior
Classification (Grading) of Asphalt
Asphalt Modification

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

What is Asphalt?
Called different things
Bitumen
Asphalt
Liquid Asphalt
Asphalt Cement
Asphalt Binder
Binder
But mean basically the same thing!
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

Background
Asphalt

Tar

Soluble in petroleum
products
Generally a byproduct of petroleum
distillation process
Can be naturally
occurring
October 30, 2003

Resistant to
petroleum products
Generally byproduct of coke
(from coal)
production

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

Asphalt - Definition:
A dark brown to black cementitious
material in which the predominating
constituents are bitumens which
occur in nature or are obtained in
petroleum processing.
(ASTM D8)

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

Asphalt Overview

Terminology
History
Uses
Background
Asphalt Behavior
Classification (Grading) of Asphalt
Asphalt Modification

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

Brief History
3200 - 540 B. C. Extensive use in Mesapotamia and
Indus Valley as cement for masonry and
street construction and as waterproofing
agent
300 B.C. Used for mummification in Egypt
1870
First asphalt pavement laid in Newark,
New Jersey
1876
First sheet asphalt pavement laid in
Washington, DC with imported lake
asphalt
1902
Approx. 20,000 tons of asphalt refined
from petroleum in United States
Over 30,000,000 tons produced in U.S.
Now
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

Asphalt Overview

Terminology
History
Uses
Background
Asphalt Behavior
Classification (Grading) of Asphalt
Asphalt Modification

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Asphalt Sources
Refining produces asphalt with
specific characteristics for
varied uses
Paving asphalt
Roofing asphalt
Other special uses
Waterproofing
Sealing
October 30, 2003

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Asphalt Overview

Terminology
History
Uses
Background
Asphalt Behavior
Classification (Grading) of Asphalt
Asphalt Modification

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Sources of Asphalt

Natural asphalt deposits

Petroleum asphalts

October 30, 2003

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Asphalt Types
Natural asphalt deposits
Natural evaporation of volatile
portions of petroleum leaving the
asphalt fractions
Lake asphalt
Trinidad
Bermudez

Rock asphalt
Natural asphalt deposits in porous rock
October 30, 2003

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Trinidad Lake Asphalt

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Background
Each lake asphalt source very
consistent
Used solubility test to determine source
Insolubles differed substantially between
sources

Demand for paved roads exceeded the

supply of lake asphalts in late 1800s
Led to use of petroleum asphalts
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Petroleum Asphalt

Asphalt is one of the products of the petroleum industry

October 30, 2003

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Petroleum-Based Asphalts
Asphalt is waste product from
refinery processing of crude oil
Sometimes called the bottom of the
barrel

Properties depend on:

Barrel of Crude Oil

Refinery operations
Composition crude which are
source-dependent

Gasoline
Kerosene
Lt. Gas Oil
Diesel
Motor Oils
Burner Fuel
Asphalt

October 30, 2003

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Refinery Operation
LIGHT DISTILLATE
PUMPING
STATION

FIELD STORAGE

MEDIUM DISTILLATE
HEAVY DISTILLATE

TOWER
DISTILLATION
REFINERY

RESIDUUM

STORAGE
GAS

TUBE
HEATER

OR

CONDENSERS
AND
COOLERS

ASPHALT
CEMENTS
AIR
BLOWN
ASPHALT

PETROLEUM
SAND AND WATER

PROCESS
UNIT

AIR

FOR PROCESSING INTO

EMULSIFIED AND
CUTBACK ASPHALTS

STILL

October 30, 2003

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Asphalt Overview

Terminology
History
Uses
Background
Asphalt Behavior
Classification (Grading) of Asphalt
Asphalt Modification

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Asphalt Binder Behavior

Temperature

Time of Loading

Aging is also
important

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Asphalt Binder Behavior

Consistency
Semi-Solid
Asphalt is a thermoplastic material
that softens as it is heated and
hardens when cooled.

Liquid
Temperature
October 30, 2003

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Asphalt Binder Behavior

Stiffness (Response to Load)
Asphalt has Viscoelastic Properties

elastic

?
elastic
solid

viscous
-30

October 30, 2003

viscous
fluid

25
60
Temperature, C

135

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Asphalt Binder Behavior

Time versus Temperature
60 C

1 hour

(MS-22, Fig. 2.03)

Flow

1 hour

10 hours

25 C

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Binder Behavior - Aging

Asphalt Reacts with Oxygen Long and Short
Term

oxidative or age hardening

During Construction - Short Term

hot mixing
placing/compaction

In Service - Long Term

hot climate worse than cool climate

summer worse than winter

Volatilization- Short Term

volatile components evaporate during construction
October 30, 2003

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Asphalt Overview

Terminology
History
Uses
Background
Asphalt Behavior
Classification (Grading) of Asphalt
Asphalt Modification

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Early Specifications
Lake Asphalts
Appearance
Solubility in carbon disulfide

Petroleum asphalts (early 1900s)

Consistency
Chewing
Penetration machine
Measure consistency
October 30, 2003

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Penetration Grading
Viscosity

0 sec
100 g

penetration

5 sec
100 g

Typical Pen Grades

85-100 120-150
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Viscosity Grading
Viscosity
vacuum

Typical Vis Grades

AC - 20 AC - 10
October 30, 2003

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Stiffness of three different asphalts

pen

Penetration Test

hard

A
B
soft

C
-15

October 30, 2003

25
60
135
Temperature, C
T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Stiffness of three different asphalts

pen
hard

vis

Penetration and
Viscosity Test

A
B
soft

vis
-15

25

60

C
135

Temperature, C
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Problems with Current System

Viscosity
viscous effects only at 60 C

Penetration
empirical consistency only at 25 C

No Low Temperature Properties

Measured

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Problems with Current System

Problems with Modified Asphalt
Characterization
Specification Proliferation
Long Term Aging not Considered

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Asphalt Overview

Terminology
History
Uses
Background
Asphalt Behavior
Classification (Grading) of Asphalt
Asphalt Modification

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Why Modify Asphalt?

Change effects of temperature and
loading on physical properties of asphalt
Provides a stiffer binder at high
temperatures (higher PG binder grade)
Reduce effects of aging/oxidation on
asphalt properties
Improve adhesion to aggregates

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Modified PG Binders
Many different types of modified binders
elastomers (Stylink, Citgoflex, others) -SBS,SBR
plastomers (Novophalt, Vestoplast, others)
gelled (Multigrade)
blown, oxidized

Little performance history with some

modifiers
Use of modified binder grades will increase
cost (materials cost $2 - $5/ton of mix)
Is it worth the extra cost?
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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When should a modified binder

be specified?
In extreme climatic conditions (very hot or
very cold)
In very heavy traffic conditions, especially
when loading is slow or stopped
In problem situations where rutting, shoving,
instability is occurring
Where improved elastic properties are
needed (i.e. resistance of reflective cracking)
To provide for thicker binder film thickness
in open graded and gap graded mixes
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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What is Asphalt?

Black, glue-like, waterproof material

A product of the petroleum refining operation
Used extensively in the paving, roofing industries
Is a thermoplastic material
Must be in liquid form for roadway applications
(heat, dilution in solvent, emulsification)
Can be used in pavements effectively in the full range
of climate and loading conditions
Can be polymer modified to improve properties for
better performance when necessary
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Performance Graded Binders

History
Testing
Specification
Grade Selection

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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HMA BindersPerformance Graded (PG) System

Product of Strategic Highway Research
Program (SHRP)
New tests and specification
Provides a temperature range through
which the asphalt must meet certain
physical properties to resist rutting and
cracking
Includes conditioning procedures to
simulate changes in asphalt properties
due to aging in the field
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Illustration of PG Binder Tests

Low Temp.
Cracking

- 20

Fatigue
Cracking

20

Rutting

Handling

60

135

Pavement Temperature, C
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Low Temperature Cracking

October 30, 2003

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Alligator Cracking
(Fatigue)

October 30, 2003

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Rutting in Subgrade or Base

October 30, 2003

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Rutting in Asphalt Surface Layer

October 30, 2003

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Rutting at a Roundabout

In what layer is rutting occurring?

October 30, 2003

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Superpave Asphalt Binder

Specification
Grading System Based on Climate

PG 58 - 22
Performance Average 7-day Min pavement
Grade
max pavement design temp
design temp
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Performance Graded Binder

Specifications
Superior to viscosity and penetration
grading systems
Have resulted in higher quality binders
Allow appropriate grade of binder for
specific location based upon:
air and pavement temperature
loading conditions
traffic speed
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Construction

Rutting

Low Temp
Cracking

Fatigue
Cracking

[DTT]
[RV]

[DSR]

Pavement Age
No aging
October 30, 2003

[BBR]

RTFO - aging
PAV - aging

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Rolling Thin Film Oven

controls

fan

163 C

air jet bottle carriage

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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air
pressure

Pressure Aging
Vessel
temperature
probe

asphalt
pressure vessel sample rack sample pan
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Rotational Viscometer
applied torque
from motor
spindle
asphalt sample
sample
chamber

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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DSR Test Equipment

Binder
Sample

Oscillating Plate
Fixed
Base Plate

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Deflection Transducer
Air Bearing
Control and
Data Acquisition

Load Cell

Fluid
Bath

Asphalt Beam

Temperature Probe
October 30, 2003

Loading
Frame
Supports
T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Direct Tension Tester

L
Le
Load
L
Failure

L+

change in length ( L)
failure strain (f) =
effective gauge length Le
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Performance Grades
CEC

Avg 7-day Max, oC

1-day Min, oC

PG 46

PG 52

PG 58

PG 64

PG 70

PG-76

PG 82

-34 -40 -46 -10 -16 -22 -28 -34 -40-46 -16 -22 -28 -34 -40 -10 -16 -22-28 -34 -40 -10 -16 -22 -28 -34 -40 -10 -16 -22 -28 -34 -10 -16 -22 -28-34

ORIGINAL
> 230 oC

(Flash Point)

< 3 Pa.s @ 135 oC

RV

(Rotational Viscosity)

> 1.00 kPa

46

(Dynamic Shear Rheometer)

DSR G*/sin

52

64

58

52

58

64

(PRESSURE AGING VESSEL)

20 Hours, 2.07 MPa

90

90

10 7

76

( Bending Beam Rheometer)

100 (110)

100 (110)

(Bending Beam Rheometer)

> 1.00 %

(Direct Tension)
-2 -30 -36 0

October 30, 2003

110 (110)

DSR G* sin
BBR S Stiffness
BBR

31 28 25 40 37 34 312
8

& m- value

-24 -30 -36 0 -6 12 -18 -24 30 -36 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0

Report Value

82

PAV

25 22 19 16 13 10 7 25 22 19 16 13 31 28 25 22 19 16 34 31 8 25 22 19 37 34

m > 0.300

82

Mass Loss < 1.00 %

70

100

(Dynamic Shear Rheometer)

< 5000 kPa

S < 300 MPa

100

76

DSR G*/sin

(Dynamic Shear Rheometer)

46

70

RTFO

(ROLLING THIN FILM OVEN)

> 2.20 kPa

FP

-6 -12 -18 -24 0 -6 -12 -18 -24

Physical Hardening

DT

-6 -12 -18 -24 -30 -36 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 -30 0 -6 -12 -18 -24 0 -6 -12 -18 -24

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Which PG grades should I use

at my facility???
Many factor to consider
Suggested grades from Superpave Weather
Database
Amount and type of traffic loadings
Desired reliability
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) usage
Current available grades
Capabilities of binder suppliers
Typical types of distress in pavements

Binder costs

October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Developed from Air

Temperatures A
> 20 years

SHR
-648 P
A

Superpave Weather Database

6500 stations in U.S. and Canada

Annual air temperatures

hottest seven-day temp (avg. and std dev)
coldest temp (avg. and std dev)

Calculated pavement temperatures

used in PG selection
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Effect of Loading Rate on

Binder Selection

90 kph

Dilemma
specified DSR loading rate is 10 rad/sec
what about longer loading times ?

Use binder with more stiffness at

higher temps
slow - - increase one high temp grade
stationary - - increase two high temp grades
no effect on low temp grade
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Effect of Loading Rate on

Binder Selection
Example with heavy loading
for toll road
PG 64-22
for toll booth
PG 70-22
for weigh stations
PG 76-22
October 30, 2003

90 kph
Slow

Stopping

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Effect of Traffic Amount

on Binder Selection
80 kN ESALs
10 - 30 x 106 ESAL
Consider increasing -- one high temp
grade

30 x 106 + ESAL
Recommend increasing -- two high temp
grades
> Equivalent Single Axle Loads
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Superpave Asphalt Binder

Specification
Grading System Based on Climate

PG 58 - 22
Performance Average 7-day Min pavement
Grade
max pavement design temp
design temp
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Which PG asphalt should

perform best in resisting
thermal cracking?
PG 64-22
PG 76-22
PG 64-28
PG 58-34
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Which PG asphalt should

perform best in resisting
thermal cracking?
PG 64-22
PG 76-22
PG 64-28
PG 58-34
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Which of the following PG

binders should perform best in
resisting rutting?
PG 82-22
PG 76-28
PG 70-28
PG 76-22
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Which of the following PG

binders should perform best in
resisting rutting?
PG 82-22
PG 76-28
PG 70-28
PG 76-22
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Superpave Binder Implementation

1999 Lead State Survey

2003
2004
Undetermined
October 30, 2003

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PG Binders in South Carolina

Adopted in 2000 for all work
Two grades selected:
PG 64-22
Low volume secondary, primary and
interstate pavements

PG 76-22
Heavy loaded interstate and specealty
locations (intersections)
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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Performance Graded Binder

Testing, Specification and
Grade Selection

Questions?
October 30, 2003

T3S - Superpave for Low Volume Roads - R. Horan

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