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Introduction
This TechBrief announces the completion of a Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) study that is fully documented in a separate
report, LTPP Seasonal Asphalt Concrete Pavement Temperature Models
(Publication No. FHWA-RD-97-103). (See report-ordering information on
the last page of this summary.)
Research Products
This study produced the following research products:
Product Benefits
SUPERPAVE binders are selected based on the lowest and highest pave-
ment temperatures expected at a site. The original binder specifications
Research and Development used the lowest air temperature as a surrogate for the lowest pavement
Turner-Fairbank Highway
temperature. LTPP data prove that the pavement temperature is never
Research Center
6300 Georgetown Pike as low as the lowest air temperature. Hence, SUPERPAVE binder grades
McLean, VA 22101-2296 were more restrictive than may have been needed.
The results of this research pro- different locations (approximately ables. Variables considered were
vide pavement engineers with a 25 mm below the top, at mid- air temperature, latitude, elevation,
new set of tools for selecting layer, and 25 mm over the bottom pavement temperature, and depth
asphalt binders. The benefits of of the layer) within the surface into the AC layer. Results from this
these new tools include: layer for cold months (November analysis indicated that air tempera-
through March) in addition to lati- ture, latitude, and depth into the
Ability to select binder grades tude, longitude, and elevation for AC layer were key independent
that are less restrictive, more 411 data points. Table 1 shows the variables. These were then
cost-effective, and meet SUPER- ranges of data in the new data- graphed against the pavement
PAVE performance-grade con- base. temperature (i.e., the dependent
cepts. variable) to determine the type of
Ability to select binder grades LTPP Low Pavement Temperature relationship (linear versus non-lin-
based on reliability and statisti- Model Development ear) between the models depen-
cal data. A correlation analysis was per- dent and independent variables.
Ability to refine temperature formed on the monthly low pave- Finally, a stepwise regression
models for regional or local ment temperature database to method was used to select the
conditions. identify potential independent vari- strongest variables for the model.
Data and Model Comparisons Low Pavement Temperature at 25 mm Depth vs. Air Temperature
Data and model comparisons
were performed to validate the
Researcher: This study was performed by Pavement Systems (PavSys), P.O. Box 2131, Rockville, MD 20847-2131.
Contract No. DTFH61-95-Z-00086.
Distribution: This TechBrief is being distributed according to a standard distribution. Direct distribution is being
made to the Regions and Divisions.
Availability: The publication will be available in June 1998. Please reference report number FHWA-RD-97-103.
Copies will be available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA
22161. A limited number of copies will be available from the R&T Report Center, HRD-11, FHWA, 9701 Philadelphia
Court, Unit Q, Lanham, MD 20706, Telephone: (301) 577-0818, Fax: (301) 577-1421.
Key Words: SUPERPAVE, LTPP SMP, asphalt binder grade, performance grades, SHRP, pavement temperature.
Notice: This TechBrief is disseminated under the sponsorship of the Department of Transportation in the interest of
information exchange. The TechBrief provides a synopsis of the studys final publication. The TechBrief does not
establish policies or regulations, nor does it imply FHWA endorsement of the conclusions or recommendations. The
U.S. Government assumes no liability for the contents or their use.