An Innovative Method for Interpretation of Asphalt Boil Test

In this study, an innovative method is presented to interpret a visually subjective test method related to the compatibility of asphalt and aggregate to moisture damage. This methodology measures the loss of adhesion between asphalt and aggregate using a colorimeter device. Visual test methods have been considered as subjective tests for the past seven or more decades, but with the advancement of technology and, in particular, the use of colorimeter devices, the results of these tests can now be interpreted in a quantitative manner. Although not shown in this particular study, this approach should be applicable to all visually subjective and even mechanistic or semimechanistic test methods that are used to evaluate asphalt mixtures’ susceptibility to moisture damage. The application of this approach has immense potential for other fields in asphalt technology such as tack coat curing-breaking time and visual survey of oxidation of asphalt concrete pavements.