•
for a given nominal maximum aggregate size, viscosity range of 0.17 ± 0.02 Pa-s. This method
a fine aggregate gradation will require more
binder than a coarse aggregate gradation;
• if higher VMA is anticipated due to hard,
angular aggregates, more binder will be
required;
• mixes with a higher P200 tend to require more
binder than those with a lower P200; and
• ask the manufacturer for guidance when
proprietary additives are used.
In the end, the designer should never extrapolate
a higher or lower design binder content from
outside the range of trial points.
4.2.1  Mixing and compaction temperatures
For years, asphalt mix design procedures have
used equiviscous temperature ranges for selecting
laboratory mixing and compaction temperatures.
The purpose of using equiviscous mixing and
compaction temperatures in laboratory mix design
procedures is to normalize the effect of asphalt
binder stiffness on mixture volumetric properties.
By using this procedure, a particular asphalt
mixture of the same aggregate structure will exhibit
very similar volumetric properties regardless of
whether a hard or soft asphalt binder is used.
In the equiviscous method, the viscosity of
the asphalt binder is determined at two test
temperatures, establishing a relationship between
temperature and viscosity as shown in Figure 4.1.
Compaction temperatures are determined
where the viscosity-temperature line crosses the
compaction viscosity range of 0.28 ± 0.03 Pa-s.
Mixing temperatures are determined where the
viscosity-temperature line crosses the mixing
FIGURE 4.1  Mixing and compaction temperature chart
still works well for unmodified asphalt binders.
However, the increased usage of highly
modified asphalt binders frequently resulted
in unusually high equiviscous mixing and
compaction temperatures, often over 350°F
(177°C). At these excessively high mixing
temperatures, there are potential problems
with binder degradation and increased binder
stiffening (aging) during the mixing process.
Additionally, high compaction temperatures
lead to potential problems in obtaining accurate
density data due to low mix stiffness, excess
absorption of asphalt binder into some types of
aggregates and drain-down of asphalt binder in
some coarse mixes.
Recent research outlined in NCHRP Report
648, “Mixing and Compaction Temperatures of
Asphalt Binders in Hot-Mix Asphalt,” suggests that
modified asphalt binders should be tested following
one of two procedures: the DSR Phase Angle
Procedure or the DSR Steady Shear Flow Procedure.
The DSR Phase Angle Procedure is performed
by conducting a shear frequency sweep from 0.1
to 100 radians per second (rad/s) at a minimum of
three temperatures, developing a master curve at
176°F (80°C), and determining the frequency where
the phase angle equals 86 degrees. This frequency is
then input into an equation to calculate mixing and
compaction temperatures.
The DSR Steady Shear Flow Procedure uses
a shear stress sweep from 50 to 1000 Pa at a
minimum of three test temperatures to determine
the steady state viscosity. This viscosity is then
plotted as a function of temperature, from which
the mixing and compaction temperatures are
derived.
Note that the recommended procedures for
determining laboratory mixing and compaction
temperatures do not apply to asphalt binders
that have been modified with Ground Tire
Rubber (GTR). Users should refer to other
existing practices or supplier recommendations
to determine appropriate mixing and compaction
temperatures for GTR-modified asphalt binders.
Laboratory mixing and compaction temperatures
are intended for determining design volumetric
properties of the asphalt mixture and are not
intended to represent field mixing and compaction
temperatures at the project level. The laboratory
  Chapter 4  Laboratory Mixture Testing  35