Field Study of Modified PG Binders (MnROAD Study)

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General Information
Solicitation Number: 1060
Former Study Number:
Status: Solicitation withdrawn
Date Posted: Jan 11, 2006
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2006
Solicitation Expires: Sep 30, 2006
Partners: MN
Lead Organization: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Financial Summary
Suggested Contribution:
Commitment Start Year: 2007
Commitment End Year: 2012
100% SP&R Approval: Pending Approval
Commitments Required: $425,000.00
Commitments Received: $100,000.00
Estimated Duration Month: 60
Waiver Requested: No
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Lisa Jansen
lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Organization Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2007 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2008 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2009 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2010 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2011 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us

Background

For many years it has been recognized that asphalt binders with similar performance grades (PG) can in fact perform differently. For instance, the current high temperature binder specification (G*/sin(delta) equals 2.2 kPa) can be reached either by having a relatively stiff binder and a phase angle close to 90 degrees or by having a softer binder and a phase angle closer to 60 degrees. Even though both binders reach the specification criteria, they reach it through different means. A wide variety of crude sources and modification techniques can be used to produce asphalt binders with similar PG grades. It becomes important to develop additional experimental methods and analyses that can be collected on these materials that will help better discriminate between good and bad performers. In a previous research project, a comprehensive database of various asphalt binder properties was developed. The database contains substantial information over a wide range of test temperatures and loading conditions in addition to the typical PG testing. This approach can be extended to other asphalt binders that contain various polymers and other modifiers, such as phosphoric acid. Due to the fact that mixture performance is significantly affected by the asphalt-aggregate interaction, it is important to combine the binder study with a study investigating this interaction. This can also offer critical insight into the moisture sensitivity of asphalt materials that is directly related to environmental distresses. It will be beneficial if this work will be continued with a second phase looking at the aggregate asphalt interaction. A separate proposed pooled fund study, Investigation of Low Temperature Cracking in Asphalt Pavements - Phase II (MnROAD Study), is aimed at validating the results from the Phase I pooled fund study by way of laboratory fracture testing and computer modeling. The mixtures containing modified binders from this proposed study would likely be tested for their low temperature fracture characteristics. Related studies include: . Mn/DOT Study: Inventory of Properties of Minnesota Certified Asphalt Binders (Mn/DOT Report 2004-35, 2004 - University of Minnesota) . NCHRP 9-10: Superpave Protocols for Modified Asphalt Binders (NCHRP Report 459, 2001 . Hussain Bahia) . NCHRP 9-36: Improved Procedure for Laboratory Aging of Asphalt Binders in Pavements (Dr. David Anderson) . NCHRP 9-39: Procedure for Determining Mixing and Compaction Temperatures of Asphalt Binders in Hot Mix Asphalt (NCAT) . TRB Study: Field Validation of WI Modified Binder Selection Guidelines (University of Wisconsin) . TRB Study: Polymer Modified Asphalt Performance (South Dakota Department of Transportation) . TPF-5(080): Investigation of Low Temperature Cracking in Asphalt Pavements (University of Minnesota) Many of the current and former research projects concerning modified binders are based on laboratory material characterization. The research proposed in this pooled fund study seeks to validate many of the previous findings with field performance data. This work should lead to the development of new specifications related to modified binders for mitigating thermal cracking or further implement the usage of existing specifications.

Objectives

The main objective of this study is to extend a previous laboratory study on modified binders to test sections in the field. In recent years asphalt binders modified with SBS polymer have shown good pavement performance, especially in the area of low temperature cracking. Binders with other modifications, such as oxidized or polyphosphoric acid, have not been thoroughly studied to assess their performance. Evaluating the performance of modified binders will be accomplished by constructing and monitoring three test sections at the Minnesota Road Research Facility (MnROAD). The sections will likely contain identical structural designs and hot mix asphalt mix designs, with the only variable being the binder used in each of the sections. This study will investigate the performance of three asphalt binders having the same PG grade but different modification types. The final scope and work plan for the study will be developed by the participating states. This pooled fund study is strictly to perform the modified binder research on newly built test sections at MnROAD, and its funding will come from Mn/DOT and other participating states. The funding for the construction of new test sections will be obtained separately from Mn/DOT and other partners.

Scope of Work

This project may consist of the following activities: . Work Plan: The work plan for this pooled fund study will ultimately be developed by the participating organizations. This will include selecting materials and mix designs for the reconstruction of three cells at MnROAD. The asphalt binder for the three cells is likely to have the same PG grade (PG 58-34) but contain different modifications: o Polyphosphoric Acid Modified o Oxidized o SBS Polymer Modified . Instrumentation Design: Thermocouples, strain gages, etc. . General Testing & Monitoring: Monitor the pavement performance over time on each test section. Monitoring activities will include FWD tests, rutting measurements, distress surveys, ride measurements, and analysis of pavement sensor data. . Special Testing & Monitoring: Obtain samples for laboratory testing on asphalt binders and mixtures. These tests will help to fully characterize the pavement materials and predict the field performance. . Design Guide Modeling & Validation: The material properties for HMA layers containing modified binders will be modeled in the new mechanistic-empirical design procedure. . Pooled Fund Travel: Money for each state to travel to discuss the progress of the study. . Data Analysis & Reports: Work done under a research contract will develop interim and final reports that document the findings of this study.

Comments

Mn/DOT along with other participating states are asked to contribute $20,000 per year for 5 years to fund the research proposed in this pooled fund study. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (as the lead agency) along with other partners will provide approximately $300,000 in initial construction funding outside of this pooled fund study to construct the pavement test sections containing modified binders.

Documents Attached
Title File/Link Document Category Document Type Privacy Document Date Download
Field Study of Modified PG Binders (MnROAD Study) http://www.mnroad.dot.state.mn.us/research/Construction/2007mnroad/Mnroad2005.pdf TPF Study Documentation Solicitation Public 2011-09-25

Field Study of Modified PG Binders (MnROAD Study)

General Information
Solicitation Number: 1060
Status: Solicitation withdrawn
Date Posted: Jan 11, 2006
Last Updated: Jul 24, 2006
Solicitation Expires: Sep 30, 2006
Partners: MN
Lead Organization: Minnesota Department of Transportation
Financial Summary
Suggested Contribution:
Commitment Start Year: 2007
Commitment End Year: 2012
100% SP&R Approval: Pending Approval
Commitments Required: $425,000.00
Commitments Received: $100,000.00
Contact Information
Lead Study Contact(s): Lisa Jansen
lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Commitments by Organizations
Agency Year Commitments Technical Contact Name Funding Contact Name Contact Number Email Address
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2007 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2008 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2009 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2010 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us
Minnesota Department of Transportation 2011 $20,000.00 Roger Olson Lisa Jansen 651-366-3779 lisa.jansen@state.mn.us

Background

For many years it has been recognized that asphalt binders with similar performance grades (PG) can in fact perform differently. For instance, the current high temperature binder specification (G*/sin(delta) equals 2.2 kPa) can be reached either by having a relatively stiff binder and a phase angle close to 90 degrees or by having a softer binder and a phase angle closer to 60 degrees. Even though both binders reach the specification criteria, they reach it through different means. A wide variety of crude sources and modification techniques can be used to produce asphalt binders with similar PG grades. It becomes important to develop additional experimental methods and analyses that can be collected on these materials that will help better discriminate between good and bad performers. In a previous research project, a comprehensive database of various asphalt binder properties was developed. The database contains substantial information over a wide range of test temperatures and loading conditions in addition to the typical PG testing. This approach can be extended to other asphalt binders that contain various polymers and other modifiers, such as phosphoric acid. Due to the fact that mixture performance is significantly affected by the asphalt-aggregate interaction, it is important to combine the binder study with a study investigating this interaction. This can also offer critical insight into the moisture sensitivity of asphalt materials that is directly related to environmental distresses. It will be beneficial if this work will be continued with a second phase looking at the aggregate asphalt interaction. A separate proposed pooled fund study, Investigation of Low Temperature Cracking in Asphalt Pavements - Phase II (MnROAD Study), is aimed at validating the results from the Phase I pooled fund study by way of laboratory fracture testing and computer modeling. The mixtures containing modified binders from this proposed study would likely be tested for their low temperature fracture characteristics. Related studies include: . Mn/DOT Study: Inventory of Properties of Minnesota Certified Asphalt Binders (Mn/DOT Report 2004-35, 2004 - University of Minnesota) . NCHRP 9-10: Superpave Protocols for Modified Asphalt Binders (NCHRP Report 459, 2001 . Hussain Bahia) . NCHRP 9-36: Improved Procedure for Laboratory Aging of Asphalt Binders in Pavements (Dr. David Anderson) . NCHRP 9-39: Procedure for Determining Mixing and Compaction Temperatures of Asphalt Binders in Hot Mix Asphalt (NCAT) . TRB Study: Field Validation of WI Modified Binder Selection Guidelines (University of Wisconsin) . TRB Study: Polymer Modified Asphalt Performance (South Dakota Department of Transportation) . TPF-5(080): Investigation of Low Temperature Cracking in Asphalt Pavements (University of Minnesota) Many of the current and former research projects concerning modified binders are based on laboratory material characterization. The research proposed in this pooled fund study seeks to validate many of the previous findings with field performance data. This work should lead to the development of new specifications related to modified binders for mitigating thermal cracking or further implement the usage of existing specifications.

Objectives

The main objective of this study is to extend a previous laboratory study on modified binders to test sections in the field. In recent years asphalt binders modified with SBS polymer have shown good pavement performance, especially in the area of low temperature cracking. Binders with other modifications, such as oxidized or polyphosphoric acid, have not been thoroughly studied to assess their performance. Evaluating the performance of modified binders will be accomplished by constructing and monitoring three test sections at the Minnesota Road Research Facility (MnROAD). The sections will likely contain identical structural designs and hot mix asphalt mix designs, with the only variable being the binder used in each of the sections. This study will investigate the performance of three asphalt binders having the same PG grade but different modification types. The final scope and work plan for the study will be developed by the participating states. This pooled fund study is strictly to perform the modified binder research on newly built test sections at MnROAD, and its funding will come from Mn/DOT and other participating states. The funding for the construction of new test sections will be obtained separately from Mn/DOT and other partners.

Scope of Work

This project may consist of the following activities: . Work Plan: The work plan for this pooled fund study will ultimately be developed by the participating organizations. This will include selecting materials and mix designs for the reconstruction of three cells at MnROAD. The asphalt binder for the three cells is likely to have the same PG grade (PG 58-34) but contain different modifications: o Polyphosphoric Acid Modified o Oxidized o SBS Polymer Modified . Instrumentation Design: Thermocouples, strain gages, etc. . General Testing & Monitoring: Monitor the pavement performance over time on each test section. Monitoring activities will include FWD tests, rutting measurements, distress surveys, ride measurements, and analysis of pavement sensor data. . Special Testing & Monitoring: Obtain samples for laboratory testing on asphalt binders and mixtures. These tests will help to fully characterize the pavement materials and predict the field performance. . Design Guide Modeling & Validation: The material properties for HMA layers containing modified binders will be modeled in the new mechanistic-empirical design procedure. . Pooled Fund Travel: Money for each state to travel to discuss the progress of the study. . Data Analysis & Reports: Work done under a research contract will develop interim and final reports that document the findings of this study.

Comments

Mn/DOT along with other participating states are asked to contribute $20,000 per year for 5 years to fund the research proposed in this pooled fund study. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (as the lead agency) along with other partners will provide approximately $300,000 in initial construction funding outside of this pooled fund study to construct the pavement test sections containing modified binders.

Title Type Private
Field Study of Modified PG Binders (MnROAD Study) TPF Study Documentation N

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