Standard Method of Test For Resistance of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures To Moisture-Induced Damage

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The document describes a standard test method for evaluating the resistance of compacted asphalt mixtures to moisture-induced damage.

This test method evaluates the effects of saturation and accelerated water conditioning, with a freeze–thaw cycle, of compacted asphalt mixtures.

The test method involves preparing specimens, subjecting some to moisture conditioning and others remaining dry, measuring their tensile strengths, and calculating a tensile strength ratio.

9/15/2017 Standard Method of Test for Resistance of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures to Moisture-Induced Damage

Standard Method of Test for Resistance of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures


to Moisture-Induced Damage
AASHTO Designation: T 283-14

Technical Section: 2d, Proportioning of Asphalt–Aggregate


Mixtures

1. SCOPE
1.1. This method covers preparation of specimens and the measurement of the change of diametral tensile
strength resulting from the effects of water saturation and accelerated water conditioning, with a freeze–
thaw cycle, of compacted asphalt mixtures. The results may be used to predict long-term stripping
susceptibility of the asphalt mixture and evaluate liquid antistripping additives that are added to the asphalt
binder or pulverulent solids, such as hydrated lime or portland cement, which are added to the mineral
aggregate.

1.2. The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.3. This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1. AASHTO Standards:
R 47, Reducing Samples of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) to Testing Size
G
T 166, Bulk Specific Gravity ( mb) of Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Using Saturated Surface-Dry Specimens
T 167, Compressive Strength of Hot Mix Asphalt
T 168, Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures
G
T 209, Theoretical Maximum Specific Gravity ( mm) and Density of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA)
T 245, Resistance to Plastic Flow of Asphalt Mixtures Using Marshall Apparatus
T 247, Preparation of Test Specimens of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) by Means of California Kneading
Compactor
T 269, Percent Air Voids in Compacted Dense and Open Asphalt Mixtures
T 312, Preparing and Determining the Density of Asphalt Mixture Specimens by Means of the Superpave
Gyratory Compactor

2.2. ASTM Standards:


D3387, Standard Test Method for Compaction and Shear Properties of Bituminous Mixtures by Means of
the U.S. Corps of Engineers Gyratory Testing Machine (GTM)
D3549/D3549M, Standard Test Method for Thickness or Height of Compacted Bituminous Paving Mixture
Specimens

3. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE


3.1. As noted in the scope, this method is intended to evaluate the effects of saturation and accelerated water
conditioning, with a freeze–thaw cycle, of compacted asphalt mixtures. This method can be used to test:
(a) asphalt mixtures in conjunction with mixture design testing (lab-mixed, lab-compacted); (b) asphalt

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mixtures produced at mixing plants (field-mixed, lab-compacted); and (c) asphalt mixture cores obtained
from completed pavements of any age (field-mixed, field-compacted).

3.2. Numerical indices of retained indirect-tensile properties are obtained by comparing the properties of
laboratory specimens subjected to moisture and freeze–thaw conditioning with the similar properties of dry
specimens.

4. SUMMARY OF METHOD
4.1. Test specimens for each set of mix conditions, such as those prepared with untreated asphalt binder,
asphalt binder treated with antistripping agent, or aggregate treated with lime, are prepared. Each set of
specimens is divided into subsets. One subset is tested in dry condition for indirect-tensile strength. The
other subset is subjected to vacuum saturation and a freeze cycle, followed by a warm-water soaking
cycle, before being tested for indirect-tensile strength. Numerical indices of retained indirect-tensile
strength properties are calculated from the test data obtained by the two subsets: dry and conditioned.

5. APPARATUS
5.1. Equipment for preparing and compacting specimens from one of the following: T 167, T 245, T 247, T 312,
or ASTM D3387.

5.2. Equipment for determining the theoretical maximum specific gravity ( Gmm) of the asphalt mixture from T
209.

5.3. Balance and water bath from T 166.

5.4. Water bath capable of maintaining a temperature of 60 ± 1°C (140 ± 2°F).

5.5. Freezer maintained at –18 ± 3°C (0 ± 5°F).

5.6. A supply of plastic film for wrapping specimens; heavy-duty, leakproof plastic bags to enclose the saturated
specimens; and masking tape.

5.7. 10-mL graduated cylinder.

5.8. Pans having a surface area of 48 400 to 129 000 mm2 (75 to 200 in.2) in the bottom and a depth of
approximately 25 mm (1 in.).

5.9. Forced-draft oven, thermostatically controlled, capable of maintaining any desired temperature setting from
room temperature to 176°C (350°F) within ±3°C (±5°F).

5.10. Loading jack and ring dynamometer from T 245, or a mechanical or hydraulic testing machine from T 167,
to provide a range of accurately controllable rates of vertical deformation, including 50 mm/min (2
in./min).

5.11. Steel loading strips with a concave surface having a radius of curvature equal to the nominal radius of the
test specimen. For specimens 100 mm (4 in.) in diameter, the loading strips shall be 12.7 mm (0.5 in.)
wide, and for specimens 150 mm (6 in.) in diameter, the loading strips shall be 19.05 mm (0.75 in.) wide.
The length of the loading strips shall exceed the thickness of the specimens. The edges of the loading
strips shall be rounded to the appropriate radius of curvature by grinding.

6. PREPARATION OF LABORATORY-MIXED, LABORATORY-COMPACTED


SPECIMENS
6.1. Make at least six specimens for each test, half to be tested dry and the other half to be tested after partial
saturation and moisture conditioning with a freeze–thaw cycle (Note 1).

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Note 1—It is recommended that two additional specimens for the set be prepared. These specimens can
then be used to establish compaction procedures as given in Section 6.5 or 7.4 and the vacuum saturation
technique as given in Section 10.3.

6.2. Specimens 100 mm (4 in.) in diameter by 63.5 ± 2.5 mm (2.5 ± 0.1 in.) thick, or 150 mm (6 in.) in
diameter by 95 ± 5 mm (3.75 ± 0.20 in.) thick are used. Specimens 150 mm (6 in.) in diameter by 95 ± 5
mm (3.75 ± 0.20 in.) thick should be used if aggregate larger than 25 mm (1 in.) is present in the mixture.

6.3. Prepare mixtures in batches large enough to make at least three specimens or, alternatively, prepare a
batch large enough to just make one specimen at a time. If preparing a multispecimen batch, split the
batch into single-specimen quantities before placing in the oven.

6.4. After mixing, the mixture shall be placed in a pan having a surface area of 48 400 to 129 000 mm2 (75 to
200 in.2) in the bottom and a depth of approximately 25 mm (1 in.) and cooled at room temperature for 2
± 0.5 h. Then the mixture shall be placed in a 60 ± 3°C (140 ± 5°F) oven for 16 ± 1 h for curing. The
pans should be placed on spacers to allow air circulation under the pan if the shelves are not perforated.

6.5. After curing, place the mixture in an oven for 2 h ± 10 min at the compaction temperature ±3°C (5°F)
prior to compaction. Compact the specimens according to one of the following methods: T 167, T 245, T
247, T 312, or ASTM D3387. The mixture shall be compacted to 7.0 ± 0.5 percent air voids. This level of
voids can be obtained by adjusting the number of blows in T 245; adjusting foot pressure, number of
tamps, leveling load, or some combination in T 247; or adjusting the number of revolutions in T 312 or
ASTM D3387. The exact procedure must be determined experimentally for each mixture before compacting
the specimens for each set (Note 2).

Note 2—Due to the elevated void content and potential instability of the specimens, ensure that each
specimen is adequately cool and stable prior to removal from the mold.

6.6. After removal from the molds, the specimens shall be stored for 24 ± 3 h at room temperature.

7. PREPARATION OF FIELD-MIXED, LABORATORY-COMPACTED SPECIMENS


7.1. Make at least six specimens for each test, half to be tested dry and the other half to be tested after partial
saturation and moisture conditioning with a freeze–thaw cycle (Note 1).

7.2. Specimens 100 mm (4 in.) in diameter by 63.5 ± 2.5 mm (2.5 ± 0.1 in.) thick, or 150 mm (6 in.) in
diameter by 95 ± 5 mm (3.75 ± 0.20 in.) thick are used. Specimens 150 mm (6 in.) in diameter by 95 ± 5
mm (3.75 ± 0.20 in.) thick should be used if aggregate larger than 25 mm (1 in.) is present in the mixture.

7.3. Field-mixed asphalt mixtures shall be sampled in accordance with T 168.

7.4. No loose-mix curing as described in Section 6.4 shall be performed on the field-mixed samples. After
sampling, divide the sample to obtain the desired size in accordance with R 47. Next, place the mixture in
an oven until it reaches the compaction temperature ±3°C (5°F). Then compact the specimen according to
one of the following methods: T 167, T 245, T 247, T 312, or ASTM D3387. The mixture shall be
compacted to 7.0 ± 0.5 percent air voids. This level of voids can be obtained by adjusting the number of
blows in T 245; adjusting foot pressure, number of tamps, leveling load, or some combination in T 247; or
adjusting the number of revolutions in T 312 or ASTM D3387. The exact procedure must be determined
experimentally for each mixture before compacting the specimens for each set (Note 2).

7.5. After removal from the molds, the specimens shall be stored for 24 ± 3 h at room temperature.

8. PREPARATION OF FIELD-MIXED, FIELD-COMPACTED SPECIMENS (CORES)


8.1. Select locations on the completed pavement to be sampled, and obtain cores. When testing pavement
layers with a thickness less than or equal to 63.5 mm (2.5 in.), use 100-mm (4-in.) diameter cores.
Otherwise, use either 100-mm (4-in.) or 150-mm (6-in.) diameter cores. The number of cores shall be at
least six for each set of mix conditions.

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8.2. Separate the core layers as necessary by sawing them or by other suitable means, and store the layers to
be tested at room temperature until they are dry.

8.3. No loose-mix curing (Section 6.4) or compacted-mix curing (Section 6.6) shall be performed on the field-
mixed, field-compacted specimens (cores).

9. EVALUATION AND GROUPING OF SPECIMENS


9.1. After curing, heating, or drying mixture samples or cores for the theoretical maximum specific gravity
G
( mm) test as described in Sections 6.4 and 6.5, Section 7.4, or Section 8.2 as appropriate, determine the
Gmm of those samples by T 209.
9.2. t
Determine each specimen thickness ( ) in accordance with ASTM D3549/D3549M.

9.3. D
Record each specimen diameter ( ) as defined in Section 6.2, 7.2, or 8.1, as appropriate.

9.4. G
Determine each bulk specific gravity ( mb) by Method A of T 166. Express the volume ( ) of the E
specimens, or the saturated, surface-dry mass minus the mass in water, in cubic centimeters.

9.5. P
Calculate the percentage of air voids ( a) in accordance with T 269.

9.6. Separate the specimens into two subsets, of at least three specimens each, so that the average air voids of
the two subsets are approximately equal.

9.7. For those specimens to be subjected to vacuum saturation, a freeze cycle, and a warm-water soaking
V
cycle, calculate the volume of air voids ( a) in cubic centimeters using the following equation:

(1)

where:

Va = volume of air voids, cm3;

Pa = air voids, percent; and

E = volume of the specimen, cm3.

Note 3—A data sheet that is convenient for use with this test method is shown as Table 1.

10. PRECONDITIONING OF TEST SPECIMENS


10.1. One subset will be tested dry, and the other will be partially vacuum saturated, subjected to freezing, and
soaked in warm water before testing.

10.2. The dry subset will be stored at room temperature as described in Section 6.6 or Section 7.5, as
appropriate. At the end of the curing period from Section 6.6 or 7.5, as appropriate, the specimens shall be
wrapped with plastic or placed in a heavy-duty, leakproof plastic bag. The specimens shall then be placed
in a 25 ± 0.5°C (77 ± 1°F) water bath for 2 h ± 10 min with a minimum 25 mm (1 in.) of water above
their surface. Then test the specimens as described in Section 11.

10.3. The other subset shall be conditioned as follows:


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10.3.1. Place the specimen in the vacuum container supported a minimum of 25 mm (1 in.) above the container
bottom by a perforated spacer. Fill the container with potable water at room temperature so that the
specimens have at least 25 mm (1 in.) of water above their surface. Apply a vacuum of 13 to 67 kPa
absolute pressure (10 to 26 in.Hg partial pressure) for a short time (approximately 5 to 10 min). Remove
the vacuum and leave the specimen submerged in water for a short time (approximately 5 to 10 min).

Note 4—The time required for some specimens to achieve the correct degree of saturation (between 70
and 80 percent) may be less than 5 min. In addition, some specimens may require the use of an absolute
pressure of greater than 67 kPa (26 in.Hg partial pressure) or less than 13 kPa (10 in.Hg partial pressure).

10.3.2. Determine the mass of the saturated, surface-dry specimen after partial vacuum saturation ( ʹ) by Method B
A of T 166.

10.3.3. J
Calculate the volume of absorbed water ( ʹ) in cubic centimeters by use of the following equation:

(2)
where:

Jʹ = volume of absorbed water, cm3;

Bʹ = mass of the saturated, surface-dry specimen after partial vacuum saturation, g; and

A = mass of the dry specimen in air, g (Section 9.4).

10.3.4. S
Determine the degree of saturation ( ʹ) by comparing the volume of absorbed water ( ʹ) with the volume J
V
of air voids ( a) from Section 9.6 using the following equation:

(3)

where:

Sʹ = degree of saturation, percent.

10.3.5. If the degree of saturation is between 70 and 80 percent, proceed to Section 10.3.7.

10.3.6. If the degree of saturation is less than 70 percent, repeat the procedure beginning with Section 10.3.1
using more vacuum and/or time. If the degree of saturation is more than 80 percent, the specimen has
been damaged and must be discarded. In this case, repeat the procedure on the next specimen beginning
with Section 10.3.1 using less vacuum and/or time.

10.3.7. Cover each of the vacuum-saturated specimens tightly with a plastic film (Saran Wrap® brand or
equivalent). Place each wrapped specimen in a plastic bag containing 10 ± 0. 5 mL of water and seal the
bag. Place the plastic bags containing the specimens in a freezer at a temperature of –18 ± 3°C (0 ± 5°F)
for a minimum of 16 h. Remove the specimens from the freezer.

10.3.8. Place the specimens in a bath containing potable water at 60 ± 1°C (140 ± 2°F) for 24 ± 1 h. The
specimens should have a minimum of 25 mm (1 in.) of water above their surface. As soon as possible after
placement in the water bath, remove the plastic bag and film from each specimen.

10.3.9. After 24 ± 1 h in the 60 ± 1°C (140 ± 2°F) water bath, remove the specimens and place them in a water
bath at 25 ± 0.5°C (77 ± 1°F) for 2 h ± 10 min. The specimens should have a minimum of 25 mm (1 in.)
of water above their surface. It may be necessary to add ice to the water bath to prevent the water

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temperature from rising above 25°C (77°F). Not more than 15 min should be required for the water bath
to reach 25 ± 0.5°C (77 ± 1°F). Remove the specimens from the water bath, and test them as described
in Section 11.

11. TESTING
11.1. Determine the indirect-tensile strength of dry and conditioned specimens at 25 ± 0.5°C (77 ± 1°F).

11.1.1. Remove the specimen from 25 ± 0.5°C (77 ± 1°F) water bath, and determine the thickness ( ʹ) by ASTM t
D3549/D3549M. Place it between the steel loading strips and then place the specimen and loading strips
between the two bearing plates in the testing machine. Care must be taken so that the load will be applied
along the diameter of the specimen. Apply the load to the specimen, by means of the constant rate of
movement of the testing machine head, at 50 mm/min (2 in./min).

11.1.2. Record the maximum compressive strength noted on the testing machine, and continue loading until a
vertical crack appears. Remove the specimen from the machine, and pull it apart at the crack. Inspect the
interior surface for evidence of cracked or broken aggregate; visually estimate the approximate degree of
moisture damage on a scale from “0” to “5” (with “5” being the most stripped), and record the
observations in Table 1.

Table 1—Moisture Damage Laboratory Data Sheet (Nonmandatory Information)

12. CALCULATIONS
12.1. Calculate the tensile strength as follows:
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SI units:

(4)

where:

St = tensile strength, kPa;

P = maximum load, N;

t = specimen thickness, mm; and

D = specimen diameter, mm.

U.S. Customary units:

(5)

where:

St = tensile strength, psi;

P = maximum load, lbf;

t = specimen thickness, in.; and

D = specimen diameter, in.

12.2. Express the numerical index of resistance of asphalt mixtures to the detrimental effect of water as the ratio
of the original strength that is retained after the moisture and freeze–thaw conditioning. Calculate the
tensile strength ratio to two decimal places as follows:

(6)

where:

S 1 = average tensile strength of the dry subset, kPa (psi); and

S 2 = average tensile strength of the conditioned subset, kPa (psi).

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13. REPORT
13.1. Report the following information:
13.1.1. Number of specimens in each subset;

13.1.2. Average air voids of each subset;

13.1.3. Tensile strength of each specimen in each subset;

13.1.4. Tensile strength ratio;

13.1.5. Results of visually estimated moisture damage observed when the specimen fractures; and

13.1.6. Results of observations of cracked or broken aggregate.

14. KEYWORDS
14.1. Accelerated water conditioning; diametral tensile strength; freeze–thaw cycle; liquid antistripping additives;
long-term stripping; portland cement; pulverulent solids; water saturation.

15. REFERENCE
15.1. ASTM. D979/D979M, Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Paving Mixtures.

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