Abstract
The majority of the US Departments of Transportation (DOT) require as part of their quality assurance (QA) programs that the asphalt binder used during roadway construction meet the corresponding Superpave performance grade (PG) specifications. In Texas, QA testing is done immediately after binder production, regardless of the fact that the material undergoes several storage and transfer processes before it reaches the construction site or hot mix asphalt (HMA) plant. Storage at elevated temperatures for prolonged periods of time as well as other factors might have a negative impact on binder properties and performance. The objective of this research is to evaluate which factors have detrimental effects on binder properties by means of a laboratory simulation and testing program and subsequent statistical data analysis. Results, conclusions, and general recommendations are provided in order to improve the current QA practice in an effort to prevent premature pavement failures.
Arambula Mercado, Edith (2002). Factors affecting binder properties between production and construction and their impact on quality assurance programs. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2002 -THESIS -A68.