Full Description

1.1This method of test is used to determine the thermal viscoelastic and thermal volumetric properties of field-cored or laboratory-compacted asphalt mixture specimens by measuring the thermally induced stress and strain while being cooled at a constant rate from an initial equilibrium temperature. The thermal stress and strain shall be measured using the uniaxial thermal stress and strain tester (UTSST).

1.2This standard test method covers procedures for preparing and testing asphalt mixtures to measure thermal stress and strain and directly calculate: (1) the coefficient of axial thermal contraction, and (2) the modulus of asphalt mixture over a range of temperatures.

1.3The procedure described in this standard provides required information for estimation of thermal cracking susceptibility of asphalt mixtures. The procedure applies to test specimens having a maximum aggregate size of 19mm or less.

1.4This standard can be used for conventional and nonconventional asphalt mixtures including but not limited to: hot asphalt mixtures, asphalt mixture with recycled materials, cold asphalt mixtures, warm asphalt mixtures, and neat or modified asphalt mixtures (for example, polymer or rubber-modified).

1.5This standard can be used to determine the following:

1.5.1Thermal stress buildup in asphalt mixture during a single cooling event.

1.5.2Thermal strain in asphalt mixtures as a function of temperature.

1.5.3Coefficient of axial thermal contraction.

1.5.4Modulus of asphalt mixture as a function of temperature.

1.5.5Thermal viscoelastic properties of asphalt mixture: viscous softening, viscous-glassy transition, glassy hardening, crack initiation, fracture temperature, and fracture stress.

1.5.6UTSST cracking resistance index (CRI).

1.5.7UTSST CRI adjusted for environmental condition (CRI_Env).

1.6Units-The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.7The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.8This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.9This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.