The introduction of Mechanical Property Specifications for asphalt mixtures requires appropriate testing facilities to be introduced into a "low tech" industry. To ease this transition, initial equipment must be simple, inexpensive and easy to use. More substantial technology can follow later. The Nottingham Asphalt Tester has proved to be appropriate for this initial phase and the various tests which it can perform are gradually being refined and improved in a major research project at Nottingham involving contractors, suppliers, Government and highway authorities. The tests involve direct compression and indirect tension using repeated loading. Measurement of stiffness modulus, fatigue cracking resistance stiffness modulus, fatigue cracking resistance and permanent deformation characteristics can be made. This suite of tests is suitable for mix design, problem solving on active sites and has the potential to assist with providing data for predictive computations for pavement design. (A)
Abstract