Asphalt Binder Testing: Content Test and Marshall Test
Asphalt Binders
Asphalt binders are a key component of hot mix asphalt (HMA), they play a major role in determining the performance and durability of asphalt mixtures. These binders are the glue that holds the aggregate particles together, a strong and flexible bond that can withstand various environmental and traffic conditions. Typically derived from petroleum based products, asphalt binders have unique rheological properties that can be influenced by temperature, pressure and aging.
The quality and consistency of asphalt binders are critical to the performance of HMA. To achieve this various tests are conducted to evaluate their properties and behavior. These tests are essential in the production and quality of HMA, involves specialized equipment and procedures to determine the binder’s viscosity, ductility and other key properties. By understanding and controlling these properties engineers can ensure the asphalt mixtures will perform well under different conditions, long lasting and reliable road surfaces.
Asphalt Content Test Binders
When it comes to content testing, Certified Material Testing Products is your one stop shop for everything you need. We offer a wide range of binders and equipment specifically designed for content testing. With our high quality products you can get accurate and reliable test results every time.
One of the key products in this category is the Furnace. This furnace is designed for binder ignition and determination. It has high temperature heating element that provides consistent and uniform heat distribution, ensures reliable and accurate results. The viscosity of asphalt binders is calculated based on the time taken for the binder to flow in viscosity tubes, which is critical for the Viscosity Grading system. We also offer extra trays, screens and lids for the furnace so you can easily replace any worn or damaged parts.
We also offer a wide range of accessories and replacement parts. Our binder ignition system replacement filters come in a pack of twelve and ensures your furnace operates efficiently. We also offer an exhaust vent kit to maintain a clean and safe testing environment. Forensic analysis plays a major role in evaluating hot mix asphalt (HMA) for quality control. And to keep you safe we provide heat resistant gloves that can withstand high temperatures. Certified Material Testing Products also stocks Gilson equipment such as NCAT Asphalt Content Furnace and Binder Ignition Furnace Oven Starter Kit. These products are known for their durability, accuracy and reliability. The gradation test is critical to ensure the right ratio of asphalt binder and aggregate material. We also offer various accessories for the Gilson NCAT Asphalt Furnace such as sample baskets, transport handles, cooling plates and cool-down safety cages.
To help you with your asphalt testing we offer the A&D GP-12K Industrial Balance. This precision balance has a capacity of 12000g and a readability of 0.1g, to ensure accurate measurement of asphalt samples. Determining asphalt content and aggregate gradation from HMA samples is critical for quality, and for more on equipment used in quality control, explore Asphalt Mixer Design Equipment.
With our wide range of binders and equipment Certified Material Testing Products is your one stop shop for all your content testing needs. We pride ourselves in delivering top quality products that meet industry standards. Trust us to provide you with the tools and equipment to get accurate and reliable content tests.
Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binders
Rheological properties of asphalt binders refer to their behavior under different conditions of stress, strain and temperature. These properties are critical to understand how the binder will perform in real world applications. Asphalt binders exhibit both viscous and elastic behavior which can be characterized using various tests such as dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR).
The viscous behavior of asphalt binders is typically evaluated using tests like absolute viscosity and rotational viscosity which provides insight to the binder’s flow properties. The behavior is often assessed using the DSR which measures the binder’s complex modulus and phase angle. Understanding these rheological properties is crucial to predict the performance of asphalt binders in various applications and environments so the final mixtures will be durable and effective.
Testing Equipment and Procedures
Various testing equipment and procedures are used to evaluate the properties and behavior of asphalt binders to meet the required standards for performance and durability. The rolling thin film oven (RTFO) is used to simulate the short term aging of asphalt binders, exposing them to heat and air to replicate the conditions during the mixing and placement process. For long term aging the pressure aging vessel (PAV) is used to simulate the effects of aging over several years.The dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) is a testing device that evaluates the rheological properties of asphalt binders under different temperature and stress conditions. Other important testing equipment includes the bending beam rheometer (BBR) and penetration test which evaluates the low temperature properties and consistency of asphalt binders. The selection of testing equipment and procedures depends on the project requirements and properties being tested so the asphalt binders will perform as expected in their intended applications.
Marshall Testing
Marshall testing are part of hot mix asphalt (HMA) quality control, involves testing the asphalt binder content, gradation and other properties of the mixture. The asphalt binder content is determined using solvent extraction or ignition oven methods to get accurate measurement of the binder in the mixture. Gradation is evaluated using sieving and washing procedures to ensure the aggregate particles are of the right size and distribution.
Marshall testing involves compacting and testing HMA samples to evaluate their stability, flow and density. This will determine the optimal mix design and ensure compliance to specifications and standards. Advanced testing equipment and procedures such as lab water baths for asphalt testing, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) can also be used to evaluate the rheological properties and performance of asphalt binders in HMA. By doing asphalt and Marshall testing engineers can ensure the final mixtures will be durable and reliable road surfaces.
