Australia has a warm to hot climate with temperate conditions in the south through to a tropical climate in the northern regions. A consequence of this environment has been the need to control asphalt deformation through binder specification development. This paper describes recent research developments where viscosity and related properties have been identified as effective controls for asphalt deformation across the full spectrum of Australian binders. Arguments are presented in support of the choice of viscosity as a key specification property. Analytical tools for the derivation of viscosity related properties for the more complex PMBs are also described. Several significant industry initiated studies have been undertaken to investigate the relationship between asphalt deformation and current Australian binder specification properties. The analysis of these data sets is presented and provides a strong case for the adoption of viscosity as the primary specification property for asphalt deformation control. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E208431.
Abstract