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Description / Abstract:
This standard practice covers the determination of
low-temperature properties of asphalt binders using data from the
bending beam rheometer (T 313) and the direct tension tester (T
314). This standard practice can be used on data from unaged
material or from material aged using T 240 (RTFOT), R 28 (PAV), or
T 240 (RTFOT) and R 28 (PAV). This standard practice can be used on
data generated within the temperature range from +6 to –36°C.
This standard practice is only valid for data on materials that
fall within the scope of suitability for both test methods T 313
and T 314.
This standard practice can be used to determine the
following:
PG Grade Determination of an Asphalt Binder—The
determination of a low-temperature grade or grades that are
satisfied by an asphalt binder. The determination of the
temperature corresponds to the specification parameter, Tcr, the
critical cracking temperature.
Prequalification of an Asphalt Binder—The procedure
required to qualify an asphalt binder for supply.
Verification of an Asphalt Binder Grade—The testing
required to certify that a binder complies with an existing
prequalified binder.
While this standard practice determines the critical cracking
temperature for typical hot mix asphalt (HMA), the intent of this
standard practice is grading of asphalt binder according to M 320,
not performance prediction for asphalt pavement. This standard
practice should not be used in lieu of T 322.
This standard practice may involve hazardous materials,
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is
the responsibility of the user of this procedure to establish
appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Note 1—The algorithms contained in this
standard require implementation by a person trained in the subject
of numerical methods and viscoelasticity. However, due to the
complexity of the calculations they must, of necessity, be
performed on a computer. Software to perform the calculations may
be written or purchased as a spreadsheet or as a stand-alone
program.2