ISSN: 0090-3973
Page Count: 7

Solvent-Free, Nuclear-Free Determination of Asphalt Content and Gradation of Hot-Mix Asphalt Concrete
Todres, HA
Senior principal engineer and research scientist, Comstruction Technology Laboratories, Inc., IL

Bhattacharja, S
Senior principal engineer and research scientist, Comstruction Technology Laboratories, Inc., IL

(Received 1 February 1994; accepted 13 May 1994)

Abstract

A new method of analyzing hot-mix asphalt concrete has been developed that involves the pyrolysis or burn-off of the asphalt cement in a furnace. The method is simple and rapid, providing both asphalt content and aggregate gradation within about 1 to 1½ h (substantial reductions in this time appear achievable). The method will permit elimination of solvent and nuclear techniques currently in use that have specific disadvantages and hazards. It can also be used, if desired, to supplement the nuclear gage, in which case burn-off will be used for gradation and the nuclear gage for asphalt content.

Methods of performing the test, taking and analyzing data, etc., are described. Results based on aggregates and an asphalt cement widely used in the Chicago area are presented in detail. Further research is under way, and the questions that remain to be answered for the method to be standardized for widespread use are listed.

Keywords:
asphalt, bitumea, bituminous paving mixtures, asphalt concrete, hot mix, asphalt content, bituminous content, quantitative extraction, solvent extraction, nuclear method, pyrolysis, sieve analysis, gradation

Paper ID: JTE11862J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11862J
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