Abstract
Widely-used existing penetration and viscosity grading systems have been found to be insufficient in characterizing performance of asphalt binders according to many researchers. It has been discovered that asphalt binders can have different temperature susceptibility and performance characteristics even if classified in the same grade using these two grading systems. Recognizing the limitation of these systems, the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) was initiated in 1987 to develop performance based tests and specifications for asphalt binders and asphalt mixture design - the so-called SUPERPAVE. SUPERPAVE tests have been introduced to measure physical properties of asphalt binders that could be directly related to field performance such as resistibility to rutting, fatigue cracking and thermal cracking. This concept has been successfully implemented in the US and European countries. In Thailand, only penetration system has apparently been used by related authorities. Nowadays, there is an initiative to improve the current grading system in Thailand by replacing it with a PG grading system. Unfortunately, complex and expensive equipment are required for the SUPERPAVE grading system, which is still unavailable in Thailand. Moreover, knowledge is likewise limited in understanding system implementation. In addition, the SUPERPAVE specification is based on pavement conditions in the USA. Therefore, this study aims to develop a performance grading system using indirectly estimated parameters related to pavement performance and conditions in Thailand. After a validation of such developed system, it was found that the proposed performance grading system can be satisfactorily used to classify the performance of binders which is also comparable with the SUPERPAVE system. It should be, however, noted that the proposed system can be used as a transition until sufficient equipment are obtained and sufficient understanding on SUPERPAVE implementation are acquired.
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