Field Testing of the Zero-Shear Viscosity Method

摘要

Perhaps the most encouraging finding of the study is that contractors on INDOT projects are currently using reasonable mixing and compaction temperatures even when non-Newtonian (modified) binders are being used. Extreme temperatures are being avoided. This phenomenon indicates that pavement engineers have recognized and corrected the problem. However, the use of these reasonable temperatures appears to be based on experience rather than having any basis in theory. While experience is always a good guide, the lack of a codified procedure for determining mixing and compaction temperatures for non-Newtonian (modified) binders could lead to misunderstandings and perhaps remedial actions in the field. The standardization of a method employing the ZSV method could alleviate these problems. Establishing mixing and compaction temperatures for modified binders using the ZSV method described in this paper seems a viable method. The data clearly shows that using these temperatures does not change the optimum binder contents for HMA mixtures containing modified binders. These temperatures should also allow adequate densities to be achieved in the field as well.