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APPENDIX F
SPT Test Methods
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Proposed Standard Test Method for
Determining the Dynamic Modulus and Flow
Number for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Using the
Simple Performance Test System
NCHRP 9-29: PT 01
1. SCOPE
1.1 This standard describes test methods for measuring the dynamic modulus and flow
number for hot-mix asphalt mixtures using the Simple Performance Test System.
This practice is intended for dense- and gap- graded mixtures with nominal maximum
aggregate sizes to 37.5 mm.
1.2 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment, This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems 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 its use.
2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
2.1 AASHTO Standards
· NCHRP 9-29 PP 01, Preparation of Cylindrical Performance Test Specimens
Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor
· NCHRP 9-29 PP 02, Developing Dynamic Modulus Master Curves for Hot-Mix
Asphalt Concrete Using the Simple Performance Test System
2.2 Other Publications
· Equipment Specification for the Simple Performance Test System, Version 3.0,
Prepared for National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP),
October 16, 2007.
3. TERMINOLOGY
3.1 Dynamic Modulus |E*|, the absolute value of the complex modulus calculated by
dividing the peak-to-peak stress by the peak-to-peak strain for a material subjected to
a sinusoidal loading.
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3.2 Phase Angle , the angle in degrees between a sinusoidally applied stress and the
resulting strain in a controlled-stress test.
3.3 Permanent Deformation Non-recovered deformation in a repeated load test.
3.4 Confining Pressure - Stress applied to all surfaces in a confined test.
3.5 Deviator Stress - Difference between the total axial stress and the confining pressure
in a confined test.
3.6 Flow Number. The number of load cycles corresponding to the minimum rate of
change of permanent axial strain during a repeated load test.
4. SUMMARY OF THE TEST METHODS
4.1 This test method describes procedures for measuring the dynamic modulus and flow
number for HMA.
4.2 In the dynamic modulus procedure an HMA specimen at a specific test temperature is
subjected to controlled sinusoidal (haversine) compressive stress of various
frequencies. The applied stresses and resulting axial strains are measured as a
function of time and used to calculate the dynamic modulus and phase angle.
4.3 In the flow number procedure an HMA specimen at a specific test temperature is
subjected to a repeated haversine axial compressive load pulse of 0.1 sec every
1.0 sec. The test may be conducted with or without confining pressure. The resulting
permanent axial strains are measured as a function of the load cycles and numerically
differentiated to calculate the flow number. The flow number is defined as the
number of load cycles corresponding to the minimum rate of change of permanent
axial strain.
5. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The dynamic modulus is a performance related property that can be used for mixture
evaluation and for characterizing the stiffness of HMA for mechanistic-empirical
pavement design.
5.2 The flow number is a property related to the resistance of HMA mixtures to
permanent deformation. It can be used to evaluate mixtures and to design mixtures
with specific resistance to permanent deformation.
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6. APPARATUS
6.1 Specimen Fabrication Equipment - Equipment for fabricating dynamic modulus test
specimens as described in NCHRP 9-29 PP 01, Preparation of Cylindrical
Performance Test Specimens Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor.
6.2 Dynamic Modulus Test System - A dynamic test system meeting the requirements of
Equipment Specification for the Simple Performance Test System, Version 3.0.
6.3 Conditioning Chamber - An environmental chamber for conditioning the test
specimens to the desired testing temperature. The environmental chamber shall be
capable of controlling the temperature of the specimen over a temperature range from
4 to 60 °C (39 to 140 °F ) to an accuracy of ± 0.5 °C (1 °F). The chamber shall be
large enough to accommodate the number of specimens to be tested plus a dummy
specimen with a temperature sensor mounted in the center for temperature
verification.
6.4 Teflon Sheet - 0.25 mm (0.01 in) thick to be used as friction reducer between the
specimen and the loading platens in the dynamic modulus test.
6.5 Latex Membranes 100 mm (4 in) diameter by 0.3 mm (0.012 in) thick for use in
confined tests and for manufacturing "greased double latex" friction reducers to be
used between the specimen and the loading platens in the dynamic modulus and flow
number tests.
6.6 Silicone Grease Dow Corning Stopcock Grease or equivalent for manufacturing
"greased double latex" friction reducers.
6.7 Balance Balance capable of weighing to the nearest 0.01 g. The balance is used to
weigh silicone grease during fabrication of "greased double latex" friction reducers.
7. HAZARDS
7.1 This practice and associated standards involve handling of hot asphalt binder,
aggregates and asphalt mixtures. It also includes the use of sawing and coring
machinery and servo-hydraulic testing equipment. Use standard safety precautions,
equipment, and clothing when handling hot materials and operating machinery.
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8. STANDARDIZATION
8.1 Items associated with this practice that require calibration are included in the
documents referenced in Section 2.2 Refer to the pertinent section of the referenced
documents for information concerning calibration.
9. PROCEDURE A - DYNAMIC MODULUS TEST
9.1 Test Specimen Fabrication
9.1.1 Testing shall be performed on 100 mm (4 in) diameter by 150 mm (6 in) high test
specimens fabricated in accordance with NCHRP 9-29 PP 01, Preparation of
Cylindrical Performance Test Specimens Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor.
9.1.2 Prepare at least two test specimens to the target air void content and aging condition
in accordance with NCHRP 9-29 PP 01, Preparation of Cylindrical Performance Test
Specimens Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor.
Note 1 A reasonable air void tolerance for test specimen fabrication is ± 0.5 %.
Note 2 The coefficient of variation for properly conducted dynamic modulus tests
is approximately 13 %. The coefficient of variation of the mean dynamic modulus
for tests on multiple specimens is given by Table 1.
Table 1. Coefficient of Variation for the Mean of Dynamic Modulus Test on
Replicate Specimens.
Specimens Coefficient of Variation
For the Mean, %
2 9.2
3 7.5
4 6.5
5 5.8
6 5.3
7 4.9
8 4.6
9 4.3
10 4.1
Use Table 1 to select an appropriate number of specimens based on the uncertainty
that can be tolerated in the analysis.
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9.2 Test Specimen Instrumentation (Standard Glued Gauge Point System)
9.2.1 Attach the gauge points to the specimen in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions.
9.2.2 Confirm that the gauge length is 70 mm (2.76 in) ± 1 mm (0.04 in) measured center
to center of the gage points.
9.3 Loading Platens and End Friction Reducers
9.3.1 For the dynamic modulus test, the top platen shall be free to rotate.
9.3.2 Either "greased double latex" or Teflon end friction reducers can be used in the
dynamic modulus test.
9.3.2.1 Teflon end friction reducers are made from 0.25 mm (0.01 in) thick Teflon sheet cut
to slightly larger than the loading platen.
9.3.2.2 "Greased double latex" friction reducers are fabricated from 0.3 mm (0.012 in) thick
latex membranes as described in Appendix A.
9.4 Procedure
9.4.1 Unconfined Tests
9.4.1.1 Place the specimens to be tested in the environmental chamber with the dummy
specimen, and monitor the temperature of the dummy specimen to determine when
testing can begin.
9.4.1.2 Place platens and friction reducers inside the testing chamber. Turn on the Simple
Performance Test System, set the temperature control to the desired testing
temperature and allow the testing chamber to equilibrate at the testing temperature for
at least one hour.
9.4.1.3 When the dummy specimen and the testing chamber reach the target temperature,
open the testing chamber, remove a test specimen from the conditioning chamber, and
quickly place it in the testing chamber.
9.4.1.4 Assemble the specimen to be tested with platens in the following order from bottom
to top. Bottom loading platen, bottom friction reducer, specimen, top friction
reducer, and top loading platen.
9.4.1.5 Install the specimen mounted deformation measuring system on the gauge points per
the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the deformation measuring system is
within its calibrated range. Make sure that the top loading platen is free to rotate
during loading.
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9.4.1.6 Close the testing chamber and allow the chamber temperature to return to testing
temperature.
9.4.1.7 Steps 9.4.1.3 through 9.4.1.6 including return of the test chamber to the target
temperature shall be completed in 5 minutes.
9.4.1.8 Enter the required identification and control information into the Dynamic Modulus
Software.
9.4.1.9 Follow the software prompts to begin the test. The Simple Performance Test System
will automatically unload when the test is complete and display test data and data
quality indicators.
9.4.1.10 Review the data quality indicators as discussed in Section 9.5 of this test procedure.
Retest specimens with data quality indicators above the values specified in Section
9.5.
9.4.1.11 Once acceptable data have been collected, open the test chamber, and remove the
tested specimen.
9.4.1.12 Repeat steps 9.4.1.3 through 9.4.1.11 for the remaining test specimens.
9.4.2 Confined Tests
9.4.2.1 Assemble each specimen to be tested with platens and membrane as follows. Place
the bottom friction reducer and the specimen on the bottom platen. Stretch the
membrane over the specimen and bottom loading platen. Install the lower o-ring seal.
Place the top friction reducer and top platen on top of the specimen, and stretch the
membrane over the top platen. Install the upper o-ring seal.
9.4.2.2 Encase the dummy specimen in a membrane.
9.4.2.3 Place the specimen and platen assembly in the environmental chamber with the
dummy specimen, and monitor the temperature of the dummy specimen to determine
when testing can begin.
9.4.2.4 Turn on the Simple Performance Test System, set the temperature control to the
desired testing temperature and allow the testing chamber to equilibrate at the testing
temperature for at least one hour.
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9.4.2.5 When the dummy specimen and the testing chamber reach the target temperature,
open the testing chamber, remove a test specimen and platen assembly, and quickly
place it in the testing chamber.
9.4.2.6 Install the specimen mounted deformation measuring system outside the membrane
on the gauge points per the manufacturer's instructions. Ensure that the deformation
measuring system is within its calibrated range. Make sure that the top loading platen
is free to rotate during loading.
9.4.2.7 Close the testing chamber and allow the chamber temperature to return to testing
temperature.
9.4.2.8 Steps 9.4.2.5 through 9.4.2.7 including return of the test chamber to the target
temperature shall be completed in 5 minutes.
9.4.2.9 Enter the required identification and control information into the Dynamic Modulus
Software.
9.4.2.10 Follow the software prompts to begin the test. The Simple Performance Test System
will automatically unload when the test is complete and display test data and data
quality indicators.
9.4.2.11 Review the data quality indicators as discussed in Section 9.5 of this test procedure.
Retest specimens with data quality indicators above the values specified in
Section 9.5.
9.4.2.12 Once acceptable data have been collected, open the test chamber, and remove the
tested specimen.
9.4.2.13 Repeat steps 9.4.2.3 through 9.4.2.12 for the remaining test specimens.
9.5 Computations and Data Quality
9.5.1 The calculation of dynamic modulus, phase angle, and the data quality indicators is
performed automatically by the Simple Performance Test System software.
9.5.2 Accept only test data meeting the data quality statistics given in Table 2. Table 3
summarizes actions that can be taken to improve the data quality statistic. Repeat
tests as necessary to obtain test data meeting the data quality statistics requirements.
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Table 2. Data Quality Statistics Requirements.
Data Quality Statistic Limit
Deformation Drift In direction of applied load
Peak to Peak Strain 75 to 125 strain unconfined tests
85 to 115 strain confined tests
Load standard error 10 %
Deformation standard error 10 %
Deformation uniformity 30 %
Phase uniformity 3 degrees
Note 3 The data quality statistics in Table 2 are reported by the Simple
Performance Test System software. If a dynamic modulus test system other than the
Simple Performance Test System is used, refer to Equipment Specification for the
Simple Performance Test System, Version 3.0 for algorithms for computation of
dynamic modulus, phase angle, and data quality statistics.
Table 3. Troubleshooting Guide for Data Quality Statistics.
Item Cause Possible Solutions
Deformation Drift not in Gage points are moving apart. Reduce LVDT spring force.
direction of applied load. Add compensation springs.
Reduce test temperature.
Peak to Peak Strain too high. Load level too high. Reduce load level.
Peak to Peak Strain too low. Load level too low. Increase load level.
Load Standard Error > 10 %. Applied load not sinusoidal. Adjust tuning of hydraulics.
1. Deformation not sinusoidal 1. Adjust tuning of hydraulics.
Deformation Standard Error 2. Loose gage point. 2. Check gage points. Reinstall if loose.
> 10 %. 3. Excessive noise on deformation 3. Check wiring of deformation sensors.
signals.
4. Damaged LVDT. 4. Replace LVDT.
1. Eccentric loading. 1. Ensure specimen is properly aligned.
Deformation Uniformity 2. Loose gage point. 2. Check gage points. Reinstall if loose.
> 30 %. 3. Sample ends not parallel. 3. Check parallelism of sample ends.
Mill ends if out of tolerance.
4. Poor gage point placement. 4. Check for specimen non-uniformity
(segregation, air voids). Move gage
points.
5. Non-uniform air void 5. Ensure test specimens are cored from
distribution. the middle of the gyratory specimen.
Phase Uniformity > 3 degrees. 1. Eccentric loading. 1. Ensure specimen is properly aligned.
2. Loose gage point. 2. Check gage points. Reinstall if loose.
3. Poor gage point placement. 3. Check for specimen non-uniformity
(segregation, air voids). Move gage
points.
4. Damaged LVDT. 4. Replace LVDT.
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9.6 Reporting
9.6.1 For each specimen tested, report the following:
9.6.1.1 Test temperature.
9.6.1.2 Test frequency.
9.6.1.3 Confining stress level.
9.6.1.4 Dynamic modulus.
9.6.1.5 Phase angle.
9.6.1.6 Data quality statistics.
9.6.2 Attach Simple Performance Test System dynamic modulus test summary report for
each specimen tested.
10. PROCEDURE B FLOW NUMBER TEST
10.1 Test Specimen Fabrication
10.1.1 Testing shall be performed on 100 mm (4 in) diameter by 150 mm (6 in) high test
specimens fabricated in accordance with NCHRP 9-29 PP 01, Preparation of
Cylindrical Performance Test Specimens Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor.
10.1.2 Prepare at least three test specimens to the target air void content and aging condition
in accordance with NCHRP 9-29 PP 01, Preparation of Cylindrical Performance Test
Specimens Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor.
Note 4 A reasonable air void tolerance for test specimen fabrication is ± 0.5 %.
Note 5 The coefficient of variation for the permanent deformation before flow in
the flow number test is approximately 15 %. The coefficient of variation for the flow
number is approximately 20 %. The coefficient of variation of the mean for tests on
multiple specimens is given by Table 4.
10.2 Loading Platens and End Friction Reducers
10.2.1 For the flow number test, the top platen shall not be free to rotate.
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10.2.2 Prepare two "greased double latex" end friction reducers for each specimen that will
be tested using the procedure specified in Appendix A. It is recommended that new
friction reducers be used for each test.
Table 4. Coefficient of Variation for the Mean of Properties From the Flow
Number Test
Coefficient of Variation for the Mean, %
Specimens Permanent Flow Number
Deformation
Before Flow
2 10.6 14.1
3 8.7 11.5
4 7.5 10.0
5 6.7 8.9
6 6.1 8.2
7 5.7 7.6
8 5.3 7.1
9 5.0 6.7
10 4.7 6.3
Use Table 4 to select an appropriate number of specimens based on the uncertainty
that can be tolerated in the analysis.
10.3 Unconfined Tests
10.3.1 Place the specimens to be tested in the environmental chamber with the dummy
specimen, and monitor the temperature of the dummy specimen to determine when
testing can begin.
10.3.2 Place platens and "greased double latex" friction reducers inside the testing chamber.
Turn on the Simple Performance Test System, set the temperature control to the
desired testing temperature and allow the testing chamber to equilibrate at the testing
temperature for at least one hour.
10.3.3 When the dummy specimen and the testing chamber reach the target temperature,
open the testing chamber, remove a test specimen from the conditioning chamber, and
quickly place it in the testing chamber.
10.3.4 Assemble each specimen to be tested with platens in the following order from bottom
to top. Bottom loading platen, bottom "greased double latex" friction reducer,
specimen, top "greased double latex" friction reducer, and top loading platen.
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10.3.5 Close the testing chamber and allow the chamber temperature to return to testing
temperature. Make sure that the top loading platen is not permitted to rotate during
loading.
10.3.6 Steps 10.3.3 and 10.3.5 including return of the test chamber to the target temperature
shall be completed in 5 minutes.
10.3.7 Enter the required identification and control information into the Flow Number
Software.
10.3.8 Follow the software prompts to begin the test. The Simple Performance Test System
will automatically unload when the test is complete.
10.3.9 Upon completion of the test, open the test chamber, and remove the tested specimen.
10.3.10 Repeat steps 10.3.4 through 10.3.9 for the remaining test specimens.
10.4 Confined Tests
10.4.1 Assemble each specimen to be tested with platens and membrane as follows. Place
the bottom "greased double latex" friction reducer and the specimen on the bottom
platen. Stretch the membrane over the specimen and bottom loading platen. Install
the lower o-ring seal. Place the top "greased double latex" friction reducer and top
platen on top of the specimen, and stretch the membrane over the top platen. Install
the upper o-ring seal.
10.4.2 Encase the dummy specimen in a membrane.
10.4.3 Place the specimen and platen assembly in the environmental chamber with the
dummy specimen, and monitor the temperature of the dummy specimen to determine
when testing can begin.
10.4.4 Turn on the Simple Performance Test System, set the temperature control to the
desired testing temperature and allow the testing chamber to equilibrate at the testing
temperature for at least one hour.
10.4.5 When the dummy specimen and the testing chamber reach the target temperature,
open the testing chamber, remove a test specimen and platen assembly, and quickly
place it in the testing chamber.
10.4.6 Close the testing chamber and allow the chamber temperature to return to testing
temperature. Make sure that the top loading platen is not permitted to rotate during
loading.
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10.4.7 Steps 10.4.5 and 10.4.6 including return of the test chamber to the target temperature
shall be completed in 5 minutes.
10.4.8 Enter the required identification and control information into the Flow Number
Software.
10.4.9 Follow the software prompts to begin the test. The Simple Performance Test System
will automatically unload when the test is complete.
10.4.10 Upon completion of the test, open the test chamber, and remove the tested specimen.
10.4.11 Repeat steps 10.4.5 through 10.4.10 for the remaining test specimens.
10.5 Calculations
10.5.1 The calculation of the permanent strain for each load cycle and the flow number for
individual specimens is performed automatically by the Simple Performance Test
System software.
10.5.2 Compute the average and standard deviation of the flow numbers for the replicate
specimens tested.
10.5.3 Compute the average and standard deviation of the permanent strain at the load cycles
of interest.
10.6 Reporting
10.6.1 Report the following:
10.6.1.1 Test temperature.
10.6.1.2 Average applied deviatoric stress.
10.6.1.3 Average applied confining stress.
10.6.2 Average and standard deviation of flow numbers for the specimens tested.
10.6.3 Average and standard deviation of the permanent strain at the load cycles of interest.
10.6.4 Attach Simple Performance Test System flow number test summary report for each
specimen tested.
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11. KEYWORDS
11.1 Dynamic modulus, phase angle, flow number, permanent deformation, repeated load
testing.
APPENDIX A. METHOD FOR PREPARING GREASED DOUBLE LATEX
END FRICTION REDUCERS FOR THE FLOW NUMBER TEST
(MANDATORY INFORMATION)
A1. PURPOSE
A1.1 This Appendix presents a procedure for fabricated "greased double latex" end friction
reducers for the flow number test.
A1.2 These end friction reducers are mandatory for the flow number test.
A2. SUMMARY
A2.1 "Greased double latex" end friction reducers are fabricated by cutting two circular
latex sheets from a latex membrane used for confining specimens, applying a
specified weight of silicone grease evenly over one of the latex sheets, then placing
the second latex sheet over the first.
A3. PROCEDURE
A3.1 Cut a 0.3 mm (0.012 in) thick latex membrane along its long axis to obtain a
rectangular sheet of latex. The sheet will be approximately 315 mm (12.5 in) by 250
mm (10 in).
A3.2 Trace the circumference of the loading platen on the sheet of latex, then cut along the
tracing to form circular latex sheets that are slightly larger than the loading platen.
Four are needed to fabricate friction reducers for the top and bottom of the specimen.
A3.3 Place one circular latex sheet on the balance and weigh 0.25 ± 0.5 g of silicone grease
onto the middle of the latex sheet.
A3.4 Spread the silicone grease evenly over the latex sheet by rubbing in a circular motion
from the center to the outside of the sheet.
A3.5 Place the second circular latex sheet on top of the silicone grease.
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A3.6 If the friction reducer will be used in confined tests, cut or punch a hole through both
latex sheets at the location of the vent in the loading platen.
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