PROJECT FOR DEVELOPING PERFORMANCE RELATED STANDARDS IN EUROPE; EVALUATION OF TEST METHODS TO CHARACTERIZE BITUMINOUS BINDERS

Presented in this paper are the results of the Eurobitume evaluations of candidate test methods for assessing the following binder properties which are linked to the key asphalt pavement performance requirements: rheological property at elevated service temperatures, in relation to permanent deformation; combined rheological and failure property, in relation to low temperature cracking; short and long term binder aging behavior; binder stiffness modulus in relation to asphalt structural strength; and binder fracture behavior in relation to fatigue cracking. Also provided are recommendations on which tests could be selected for standardization as common European methods and for their possible use in future binder specifications.