Materials Research Park

5007 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville, FL 32609 | (352) 955-6600 | materials@dot.myflorida.com

News and Information

Development of a Test Method that Will Allow Evaluation and Quantification of the Effects of Healing on an Asphalt Mixture

Research Report BDK75 977-26 - Report Summary - Top-down cracking in flexible pavement is one of the most common and crucial modes of pavement distress in Florida, reducing both service quality and life of flexible pavement. The process begins with micro-cracks (micro-damage), which grow and merge to form macro-cracks. Loading and temperature cycles permit some micro-crack healing and may strongly influence the service life of pavement. However, adequate methods to quantify healing do not exist. Central to this problem is the lack of an appropriate testing and interpretation system to measure damage recovery, or healing, rates of asphalt mixtures. This project continues a program to develop better quantitative characterizations of asphalt and pavements with the overall goal of improving mechanistic-empirical design. For additional information on this research, please select the above link to view the complete report.

Effects of Laboratory Heating, Cyclic Pore Pressure, and Cyclic Loading on Fracture Properties of Asphalt Mixture

Research Report BDK75 977-28 - Report Summary - In this project, researchers evaluated several laboratory conditioning procedures on granite, limestone, and/or hydrated lime mixtures. They investigated three procedures, alone and in combinations - heat oxidation conditioning (HOC), cyclic pore pressure conditioning (CPPC), and repeated load conditioning - to simulate the effects of heat oxidation, moisture, and load. The researchers found that the most effective approach for inducing changes in damage and fracture-related properties combined HOC and CPPC. For additional information on this research, please select the above link to view the complete report.

Development of Binder Test to Determine Fracture Energy

Research Report BDK75 977-27 - Report Summary - Asphalt binder makes up a relatively small percentage of the hot mix asphalt used in pavements, but its performance as a binder is critical to the longevity of road surfaces. Researchers who have developed other refinements of asphalt testing were contracted to develop new fracture testing methods. The new fracture testing and interpretation system was developed based on finite element analysis and displacement measurements at different loading rates and temperatures. The testing regime measured fracture energy of binder consistently at intermediate temperatures. For additional information on this research, please select the above link to view the complete report.

About the Materials Program

The Florida Department of Transportation's Materials Program ensures that the materials used in transportation construction projects meet the required department specifications. In addition, the program investigates new and emerging technologies to improve the long-term performance of transportation facilities. Learn More

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