A NEW METHOD FOR SIMULATING HOT-MIX PLANT ASPHALT AGING

Because of deficiencies in the two standard tests for simulation of asphalt hot-mix aging, Rolling Thin-Film Oven Test and Thin-Film Oven Test, this project was designed to develop a new procedure for simulating asphalt short-term aging that occurs at a hot-mix asphalt cement plant. The Stirred Air-Flow Test (SAFT) was designed based on the fundamental studies of the process of air-blowing asphalt materials. Further testing of the SAFT apparatus to establish interlaboratory precision and consistency, introduction of the SAFT method for short-term asphalt binder aging and consideration for adopting the SAFT apparatus and procedure as a national standard are recommendations made by the researchers for expanded study.