Development of Gel Permeation Chromatography, Infrared and Other Tests to Characterize Asphalt Cements and Correlate with Field Performances. Volume 1 and Volume 2. (Re-Announcement of PB91-105577)

摘要

Reliable analytical methods using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) were developed to identify the changes that occur in asphalt due to oxidation, aging and solvent hardening. This represents a major breakthrough since the methods appear to accurately reflect the changes in composition and should permit the development of an accurate laboratory aging procedure. These methods have also led to the discovery that existing ASIM procedures for extraction and recovery of asphalt fail in three ways. Highly improved methods have been developed. Numerous tank, hot-mix and roadway samples were collected and analyzed. The results demonstrate a dramatic increase in oxidation and aging with increased pavement voids. The results from the study clearly demonstrate that major progress has been made in correlating chemical and physical properties with performance. The analytical methods, extensive analytical results and numerous test sections established around the state will serve as an excellent platform for further work to relate properties to performance and to develop superior asphalts.