Systems and methods for assessing the presence of and/or the level of anti-stripping constituents in asphalt binders or asphalt mixtures

摘要

Methods, systems, and computer program products analyze asphalt samples for anti-stripping agents by: obtaining a sample comprising asphalt binder material; sensing a selected parameter associated with the sample (such as the acidity and/or alkalinity of the sample); and analyzing the sensed parameter to assess at least one of: (a) the presence of at least one anti-stripping agent in the sample; and (b) the level of at least one anti-stripping agent in the sample. The sample can be heated so that it emits exhaust gas and the exhaust gas (directly or indirectly) interrogated to determine its pH, or other constituents or properties, such as ammonia. Pre-defined mathematical relationships can be used to correlate the measured sensed data to the concentrations of the anti-stripping agent(s) in the sample undergoing analysis. The evaluation can be carried out in a generally automated rapid manner so that the test can be completed in about 10 minutes or less. Related devices and kits are also described.