Quantify Antitrip Additives in Asphalt Binders and Mixes

Abstract

In this study, litmus and colorimetric tests were developed to quantify the contents of amine-based antistrip additives in asphalt binders and mixes. In addition, the effect of prolonged heating on antistrip additive content was evaluated for both asphalt binders and mixes. Results of this study indicate that both litmus and colorimetric tests are capable of detecting and quantifying amine-based antistrip additives in asphalt binders and mixes. Also, both test methods were able to validate the antistrip additive contents in field samples with known additive contents. When subjected to prolonged heating periods, the antistrip additive content decreased substantially for both asphalt binders and mixes. For asphalt binders, no antistrip additive content was detectable after 24 to 48 hours of extended heating; for mixes, the measured antistrip additive content approached non-detectable level after 6 to 12 hours of extended heating. Tensile Strength Ratio test was conducted in this research to evaluate the effect of prolonged heating on the asphalt-aggregate bond strength of hot mix asphalt (HMA) containing liquid antistrip additives. Improvement of moisture sensitivity by use of amine-based antistrip additive was observed to be lost to a great extent after prolonged heating. It shows that the remaining part of antistrip additive after prolonged heating has reduced effect on adhesion between asphalt and aggregate. The volatilization and⁄or chemical change that occur during the heating process of amine-based antistrip additive affect the improvement of asphalt-aggregate adhesion and ultimately the moisture susceptibility of mixes.

Description

Keywords

litmus test, colorimetric test, prolonged heating, moisture sensitivity, antistrip additive

Citation

Degree

PhD

Discipline

Civil Engineering

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