Low temperature cracking analysis of asphalt binders and mixtures: Fid-Bau Portal

Low temperature cracking analysis of asphalt binders and mixtures

Liu, Jenny / Zhao, Sheng / Li, Lin / Li, Peng / Saboundjian, Steve

AbstractLow temperature cracking (LTC), or thermal cracking, is one of the most prevalent asphalt concrete (AC) pavement distresses in northern states and countries. Extensive efforts have been made on the characterization of LTC of AC pavements and specification development for pavement design. With the recent update of binder cracking temperature approach in AASHTO specification M 320, this study aimed at conducting a comprehensive LTC analysis of typical Alaskan asphalt materials including both laboratory tests and analytical assessment. The critical cracking temperatures for both binders and mixtures were correlated and compared. The pavement temperatures in winter time for typical Alaskan AC pavements were predicted using the TEMPS software and compared with the critical cracking temperatures of mixtures. Findings and recommendations were provided regarding adaptation of binders and mixtures to better address the LTC in Alaskan pavements.

Highlights•A comprehensive LTC analysis of typical Alaskan asphalt materials including both laboratory tests and analytical assessment was conducted.•The critical cracking temperatures for both binders and mixtures were correlated and compared.•The BBR and DTT data of binders were analyzed with TSAR software to calculate critical cracking temperatures for binders.•Thermal stress curves calculated with IDT creep compliance data were used in combination with IDT strength curves to calculate critical cracking temperatures for mixtures.•The pavement temperatures in winter time for typical Alaskan AC pavements were predicted using the TEMPS software and compared with the critical cracking temperatures of mixtures.