This series of tests will provide confirmation of Performance Grade for submittal to state agencies or for in-house quality checks. All of the included tests are performed at one temperature.
Included Tests/Practices
Flash Point
Rotational Viscosity
Original DSR
RTFO including Mass Loss
RTFO DSR
Pressure Aging Vessel
PAV DSR
BBR
PG Verification with MP1a Analysis
Same as PG verification with the addition of the Direct Tension test and the BBR at two temperatures. This combination of tests provides a more in-depth low temperature property analysis. Direct tension data is incorporated with that of the BBR to determine compliance with critical cracking requirements.
Included Tests/Practices
Flash Point
Rotational Viscosity
Original DSR
RTFO including Mass Loss
RTFO DSR
PAV
PAV DSR
BBR, 2 temperatures
DTT
PG Classification (AASHTO M320)
Same combination of tests as the PG Verification with additional test temperatures. A classification assigns the performance grade and gives precise determinations of failure points (critical temperatures).
Included Tests/Practices
Flash Point
Rotational Viscosity
Original DSR, 2 temperatures
RTFO including Mass Loss
RTFO DSR, 2 temperatures
PAV
PAV DSR, 2 temperatures
BBR, 2 temperatures
PG Classification with MP1a analysis
Same combination of tests as the PG verification with MP1a analysis with the addition of additional test temperatures. Direct Tension and BBR data is combined to assign a PG grade with critical cracking temperature.
Included Tests/Practices
Flash Point
Rotational Viscosity
Original DSR, 2 temperatures
RTFO including Mass Loss
RTFO DSR, 2 temperatures
Pressure Aging Vessel
PAV DSR, 2 temperatures
Bending Beam Rheometer, 2 temperatures
Direct Tension, 2 temperatures
Viscosity Grade Verification (AASHTO M226)
This system was used extensively prior to the development of Superpave. Does not address low temperature properties.
Included Tests/Practices
Absolute Viscosity
Kinematic Viscosity
Penetration
Flash Point
Solubility
Thin Film Oven Test
Absolute Viscosity (TFO Residue)
Ductility (TFO Residue)
Penetration Grade Verification (AASHTO M20)
While this system is not longer commonly used in the United States , the penetration test is still a valuable indicator of consistency of source or process.
Included Tests/Practices
Penetration
Flash Point
Ductility
Solubility
Thin Film Oven Test
Retained Penetration after TFOT
Ductility after TFOT
Emulsified Asphalt Analysis (AASHTO M140)
Emulsified Asphalts are typically used as surface treatments and tack coats. They fall into four categories: Quick setting, rapid setting, medium setting and slow setting. Emulsions can also be cationic and anionic. Depending on the type, several combinations of tests can be required to verify adherence to specification.
Testing May Include:
Saybolt Furol Viscosity 2 temperatures
Storage and Stability
Demulsibility
Coating Ability and Water Resistance
Cement Mixing Test
Sieve Test
Residue by Distillation
Oil distillate by Volume of Emulsion
Penetration of Residue from Distillation
Ductility of Residue from Distillation
Solubility
Float Test
Cutback Asphalt Analysis (AASHTO M81/82)
Cutback Asphalts are commonly used in cold mixes or as prime applications. The two types are Rapid-Curing and Medium-Curing.
