Study of the high and low-temperature behavior of asphalt based on a performance grading system in Northeast China

Abstract

The performance of asphalt pavement mainly depends on the performance of the asphalt binder material used to construct them. Asphalt traditionally is characterized in terms of its empirical properties, such as penetration and softening point. However, this characteristic is not sufficient for a comprehensive and performance-based assessment of asphalt over a wide range of temperatures, nor for damage such as rutting and low temperature cracking. The objective of this research is to determine temperature conversion formulas, PG climate zones, and a PGm-n grading system for asphalt in northeastern China by analysis of air and pavement temperatures. On the basis of this analysis, the high and low temperature performance of asphalt (mixture) is evaluated. The research results have certain theoretical and practical value for improving the low and high temperature performance of asphalt binder, and have certain economic and social benefits.