AGGREGATE TESTS FOR PAVEMENTS

QUALITY OF AGGREGATES FOR SUB-BASE, BASE, AND SURFACE

The aggregates used in road construction must meet
granulometry requirements and technical specifications that ensure a good
behavior during their lifespan.
Upon arrival at the laboratory, the samples must be prepared for testing.
to different tests of aggregate quality.

Characteristics of Aggregates
To verify the quality of a certain materials bank, they must be
subjected to soil tests, must comply with technical specifications
following:
ABRASION TEST USING THE LOS ANGELES MACHINE
ASTM C-131 and ASTM C-535
The aggregates must be able to withstand irreversible wear and
degradation during the production, placement, and compaction of the works of
paving, and especially during the service life of the pavement.
Due to the stress-strain conditions, the load of the wheel is
transmitted to the surface of the pavement through the tire as a pressure
approximately uniform and high vertical. The pavement structure distributes
the load efforts, from a maximum intensity on the surface to a
minimum in the subgrade.
For this reason, the aggregates that are on or near the surface, such as
the base materials and asphalt sheet must be more resistant than the
aggregates used in the lower layers, sub-base, of the structure of the
pavement, the reason is that the surface layers receive the most
efforts and greater wear by traffic loads.
On the other hand, the aggregates transmit the stresses through the points of
contact where high pressures act. The Los Ángeles Abrasion Test,
ASTM C-131 or AASHTO T-96 and ASTM C-535 basically measure the resistance
from the contact points of an aggregate to wear and/or abrasion.
The abrasion test is also being used to qualify the quality of
stones, and rock blocks for riverbank defense works, etc. for which it
must first undergo a crushing process in order to have the sample of
essay.
This method describes the procedure to determine the percentage of
wear of aggregates smaller than 37.5 mm (1 ½”) and aggregates
thick sizes greater than 19 mm (3/4”), through the machine of the
Angels.
LABORATORY EQUIPMENT

Los Angeles abrasion machine

2. Tamices. De los siguientes tamaños: 3”, 2 ½”, 2”, 1 ½”, 1”, ¾”, ½”, 3/8”, ¼”,
No. 4, No. 8. A No. 12 sieve for wear calculation.
3. Steel spheres. From 46.38 to 47.63 mm in diameter with equivalent weight between
390 to 445 g.
4. Oven. Capable of maintaining a temperature of 110±5 ºC
5. Scale. Sensitivity of 1.0 g.

MATERIAL AND ABRASIVE LOAD TO USE

The amount of material to be tested and the number of spheres to include depend on
the particle size of the coarse aggregate. In Tables No. 1 and No. 2, it is shown that
method to be used; as well as the amount of material, number of spheres,
number of revolutions and rotation time, for each of them. The
the gradation used must be representative of the original gradation of
material supplied for the work.
Testing Procedure
TEST PROCEDURE

The material must be washed and dried in an oven at a constant temperature.

from 105-110ºC, sifted according to the indicated meshes and mixed in
the quantities of the method to which they correspond, according to Table No. 1 or No. 2.
2. Weigh the sample with a precision of 1 gram for the case of coarse aggregates.
up to 1 ½” and 5 gr. for coarse aggregates larger than 3/4”.
3. Introduce the sample along with the abrasive load into the Los machine.
Angels, close the opening of the cylinder with its cap, this cap has
gasket that prevents dust leakage secured by means of bolts.
Start the machine, adjusting to the appropriate number of revolutions.
according to the method.
4. After the rotation time has ended, the aggregate is removed and sifted through the mesh.
No. 12
5. The material retained on sieve No. 12 is washed and dried in an oven, at a
constant temperature between 105º to 110ºC weigh the sample with precision of 1
gr.
CALCULATIONS

The result of the test is expressed as a percentage of wear, calculated as

as the difference between the initial and final weight of the test sample with
regarding the initial weight.

OBSERVACIONES
If the material is free of scales or dust, it will not be necessary to wash it.
before and/or after the rehearsal.
2. For coarse aggregates larger than ¾", the determination can be made
loss after 200 revolutions. When making this determination, it will not be
it is necessary to wash the material retained on sieve No. 12. The loss ratio
after 200 loss revolutions after 1,000 revolutions, no
it should exceed by more than 20% for materials of uniform hardness.
When this step is taken, it will prevent losing all types of material, including
the dust, because it will be returned to the machine to complete the test.

Flattening and Elongation Index of

Aggregates for Roads MTC E221-1999
Flat and elongated particles are defined respectively as
those particles whose ultimate dimension is less than 0.6 times their
average dimension and those that are greater than 1.8 times the dimension
average. For the purpose of this test, the average dimension is defined
like the average size between the two openings 1" to ¾", ¾" to ½", ½" to 3/8", etc.
among which the aggregates are retained when sieved.
After having been screened by the square mesh and of two
respectively, the flat and elongated particles are separated using
As a pattern, the devices shown, the flat particles can be
quickly separated by passing them through screens with slots, but in this case,
a type of sieve is needed for each size. The percentage by weight of the
flat and elongated particles are designated with the name of index of
flattening and elongation index.

Teams
Flattening and elongation gauge.
2. Sieves. 2 ½"; 2"; 1 ½"; 1"; ¾"; ½"; 83"; ¼".
3. Trays
4. Quartering
5. Balance. Sensitivity of 0.1% the weight of the sample being tested.

Sample preparation
1. Separate a representative sample by quartering
2. Sift through the indicated mesh and determine the weight retained between two
consecutive meshes. Wi
3. Separate the material retained in each mesh for testing
 Note
If the percentage retained between two consecutive sieves is less than 5%, no
will be rehearsed.

If the percentage retained between two consecutive nets is between 5% and

15%, a minimum of 100 particles will be separated. Determine their weight with
approximation to 0.1%.
If the percentage retained between two consecutive sieves is greater than 15%, then
a minimum of 200 particles will be separated. Determine their weight with
approximation to 0.1%.
TEST PROCEDURE
Each of the separated samples is passed through the calibrator.
thicknesses in the slot whose opening corresponds to the fraction that is
rehearse.
Weigh the number of particles of each fraction that passed through the slot.
corresponding, approximately 0.1% of the total weight of the sample of
essay. PI

3. Each of the separated samples is passed through the calibrator of

length by the separation between bars corresponding to the fraction that is
rehearse.
4. Weigh the amount of particles of each fraction, retained between the two bars.
corresponding, approximately 0.1% of the total weight of the sample of
essay. Ri

1. Flattening index

Where:
IAPifFlattening index of fraction i, tested
PiWeight of the particles passing through the corresponding slot
WiInitial weight of that fraction
2. Elongation index

Where:
IALifStretching index of fraction i, tested
RiWeight of the particles retained between the corresponding bars
WIInitial weight of that fraction
For both indices, the results should be rounded to the nearest whole number.

PERCENTAGE OF BROKEN FACES IN THE

ASTM D 5821-95 Aggregates
Some technical specifications contain requirements related to
percentage of coarse aggregate with fractured faces for the purpose of
maximize the resistance to shear stress with the increase of friction
among the particles. Another purpose is to provide stability to the employed aggregates
for folder or affirmed; and give friction and texture to aggregates used in
paving.
The shape of the aggregate particles can affect workability during
its placement; as well as the amount of force needed to compact it to the
required density and the structural resistance of the pavement during its
service life.
The irregular and angular particles generally resist displacement.
(movement) on the pavement, due to being intertwined when compacted.
The best entanglement generally occurs with edge particles.
pointed and cubic in shape, produced, almost always by crushing.

Objective
This method describes the determination of the percentage, by weight, of a
sample of coarse aggregate that shows one, two, or more fractured faces.
Definitions:
Broken face, an angular face, smooth or fractured surface of a particle
of aggregate formed by crushing, other artificial means or by the
nature.
Discussion for this regulation, one face will be considered a 'fractured face'.
only if it has a minimum projected area as large as a room
of the maximum projected area (maximum cross-sectional area) of the
particle and the face has well-defined edges; this excludes the small ones.
irregularities.
A fractured particle is an aggregate particle that is fractured if it has the
minimum number of specified fractured faces (usually one or two).

Laboratory Equipment
Scale. 5 kg and gram sensitivity
2. Sieves.
3. Sample splitter
Spatula
Sample preparation
Dry the sample, quarter it being careful to obtain a mass
representative.
The sample for the test will have an amount greater than the weights shown.
in the following table:

3. Sift the coarse and fine material completely, using mesh number 4.
4. For samples with a nominal maximum size greater than or equal to ¾", where the
the content of fractured particles will be determined by the material
retained on mesh No. 4 or smaller, the sample can be separated into
the 3/8" mesh, the fraction that passes through the mesh No. 3/8" can then be
reduced, according to ASTM C-702 to 200 g. This will reduce the number
of particles that will be separated during the procedure. In this case,
the percentage of fractured particles is determined over each portion; and a
The weighted average percentage of fractured particles is calculated based on
in the mass of each portion to reflect the total percentage of
fractured particles throughout the sample.

Procedure
1. Wash the sample on the designated mesh and remove any fine particles. Dry.
2. Determine the mass of the sample with an accuracy of 0.1%.
3. Spread the dry sample over a flat, clean, and sufficiently...
large enough to allow for inspection. To verify if the particle reaches or
 meet the fracture criterion, holding the aggregate in such a way that the face is
direct view. If the face constitutes at least ¼ of the maximum section
transversal, consider it as a fractured face.
4. Using the spatula, separate into three categories. 1.- Fractured particles depending
if the particle has the required number of fractured faces; 2.- Particles that do not
they meet the specified criteria; and3.-Questionable particles. If the required number
de caras fracturadas no se consigue en las especificaciones, la determinación será
made on the basis of a minimum of one fractured face. Determine the percentage
in weight of each of the categories. If on any of the percentages more
15% of the total is questionable, repeat the evaluation until no more than 15% is
repeat in this category.
Report
Report the weight percentage of the number of particles with the number
specified for fractured faces, approximately one percent according to
to the following formula:

Where:
Percentage of particles with the specified number of fractured faces
F Weight or amount of fractured particles with at least the specified number
of fractured faces
Weight or amount of questionable particles
N Weight or amount of particles in the category of non-fractured that do not
meet the fracture criterion

Report the specified fracture criterion.

Report the total mass in grams of the tested aggregate.
Report the mesh in which the soil sample was retained at the start of the test.
Report if the percentage of fractured faces was reported by mass or
quantities
EQUIVALENT OF SANDS AND FINE AGGREGATES ASTM D-2419
Objective
This testing method assigns an empirical value to the relative quantity, fineness, and
characteristics of the fine material present in a test sample formed by
granular soil that passes sieve No. 4 (4.75 mm). The term "Equivalent of
"Arena" conveys the concept that most granular soils and
Fine aggregates are a mixture of coarse particles, sands, and generally fines.
To determine the percentage of fines in a sample, a measure is incorporated.
of soil and solution in a graduated plastic test tube that is then shaken
separate the fine coating from the sand particles; after a
In this time period, the heights of clay and sand in the test tube can be read. The
the equivalent of sand is the relationship of the height of sand to the height of
clay, expressed as a percentage.
This method provides a quick way to determine changes.
in the quality of aggregates during production or placement.

Laboratory Equipment
1. Irrigation tube. Made of stainless steel, copper, or bronze, with a diameter of 6.35 mm
exterior, 508 mm in length, whose lower end is closed in the shape of
wedge. It has two lateral holes of 1 mm in diameter on both planes
from the wedge near the tip.
2. Siphon System. It consists of a 1-gallon (3.8 lt) bottle.
with a stopper. The stopper has two holes that go through it, one for the tube
of the siphon and the other for the air intake. The assembly must be located at 90 cm
on the table.
3. Graduated cylinder. With an inner diameter of 31.75±0.381 mm and 431.8 mm of
graduated height up to a height of 381 mm, fitted with a rubber stopper
the rubber that fits in the mouth of the cylinder.
4. Flexible tube. Made of rubber or latex with a diameter of 4.7 mm, it has a clamp that
allows cutting off the flow of liquid through it. This tube allows
connect the watering tube with the siphon.

5. Metal tamper. Consisting of a metal bar 457 mm in length that

it has a metal disk with a flat bottom face screwed onto its lower end
perpendicular to the axis of the bar and conical upper face. The disk has
three small screws that are used to center it inside the cylinder. It has a
cylindrical overload, so that the set weighs 1 kg.
(metal bar, disk, and overload).
6. Metal container. Made of tin, approximately 57 mm in diameter with
capacity of 85±5 ml, uniform upper edge so that the sample that
it is placed in it so that it can be leveled to achieve the required volume.
7. Stopwatch or clock. Readings in minutes and seconds
8. Funnel. With a wide mouth to incorporate the test sample into the test tube.
graduate.
9. Sieve. Sieve No. 4 according to specifications E11
10. Mixing container
11. Oven. Capable of maintaining temperatures of 110±5ºC.
12. Filter paper. Watman No. 2V or equivalent

The materials that are part of the testing equipment of

the equivalent of sand is:
Testing procedure
Reagents, materials, and preparation of the Stock Solution
Reagents and materials
Anhydrous calcium chloride, 454 g.
USP Glycerin, 2050 g (1640 ml)
Formaldehyde, (40% by volume) 47 grams (45 ml)

Preparation
Dissolve 454 g of anhydrous calcium chloride in 0.5 gal (1.9 lt) of distilled water.
It is allowed to cool to room temperature and is passed through filter paper. To the
the filtered solution incorporates 2050 g of glycerin and 47 g of
formaldehyde mix well.
2. Reagents, materials, and preparation of the Working Solution
Reagents and materials
Mother solution
Distilled water
Preparation
Dilute 85±5 ml of the mother solution in 1 gallon (3.8 lt) of distilled water.
3. Sample preparation
Separate approximately 1500 grams of material that passes through sieve No. 4 (4.75
mm)
Tener el cuidado de desmenuzar todos los terrones de material fino y limpiar
any fine cover that adheres to the coarse aggregate, these fines
 they can be removed by surface drying of the coarse aggregate and rubbing
between the hands over a flat container. Add this material to the portion
end of the sample.
2. To determine the amount of material for the quartering
If it is necessary to moisten the material to avoid segregation or loss.
of fines during the quartering. Be careful when adding water to the sample,
to maintain a condition of free material flow.
Using the metal container with a capacity of 85±5 ml, take out four
sample measurements. Every time a measure is filled, hit
slightly, the bottom of the container on a hard surface for
at least four times.
• Record the amount of material contained in the four measures, whether it is
by weight or volume, of the plastic test tube.
Return the material to the sample and proceed to separate it by quartering.
making the necessary adjustments to obtain the weight or volume
default. From this quarter, it must be obtained in the following
quarters, the sufficient amount of sample to fill the measure, and therefore
so provide a sample essay
Dry the test specimen at a constant weight of 105±5ºC and leave it
cool to room temperature before testing.

3. Maintaining free flow conditions, sufficiently moisten the material

to avoid segregation or loss of fines during quartering.
4. Separate by quartering between 1000 and 1500 grams of material. Place it in a
container and mix in a circular motion towards the center for one minute, until
obtain a uniform mixture.
5. Check the moisture conditions of the material by squeezing it with your hand.
portion of material, if a putty is formed that allows the hand to open without
breaking, the mixture has the correct moisture range.
If the sample is very dry, it will crumble, and water should be added;
re-mix and test if the plastic putty has formed.
If the sample is very wet, it should be air-dried, mixing it.
frequently to ensure uniformity and testing it again.
6. If the initial humidity is within the limits described above, the
the sample can be tested immediately. If the humidity is different from the
indicated limits, the sample must be placed in a container, covering it with
a damp cloth that does not touch the material, for a period of 15 min. as
minimum.
7. After the minimum time has passed, remix for 1 min. without water,
forming a cone with the material, using a spatula.
8. Take the metal container in one hand and press it against the base of the cone.
while holding this with the free hand.
9. As the container passes through the cone, maintain sufficient pressure.
in the hand so that the material fills it completely. Press firmly.
with the palm of the hand compacting the material until it
 consolidate, the excess must be removed and discarded, leveling with the trowel
at the level of the edge of the container.
4. Preparation of Apparatus
1. Adjust the siphon to a 1.0 gallon (3.8 lt) bottle containing the solution of
calcium chloride work. Place it on a shelf located at 91±3 cm
on the work table.
2. Blow the siphon inside the large bottle with the solution, through the purge tube and with the
open clamp.

5. Procedure
Pour through the siphon 102±3 mm. of working solution of calcium chloride, in
the test tube.
3
from the prepared soil.
2. With the help of the funnel, pour into the graduated cylinder, 85±5 cm.
3. Hit the bottom of the cylinder several times with the palm of your hand to
to evacuate the possible air bubbles and to completely moisten the
Sample. Let it rest for 10±1 min.

4. After 10 minutes, seal the test tube with a stopper; release the material from the
background partially inverting the cylinder and shaking it at the same time. The material can
be agitated using any of the following methods: 4.1 Mechanical method
Place the capped flask in the mechanical shaker, and allow it to
shake for 45±1 s.
4.2 Hand stirrer method
Adjust the covered test tube with the three spring clamps onto the support
from the manual agitator and set the counter to zero.
Stand in front of the agitator and force the pointer over the painted limit mark.
on the board, applying horizontal force on the spring lever of the
right side. Then remove the hand from the lever and let the action of
spring move the support and the test tube in the opposite direction without help
without any impediment.
Apply sufficient force to the spring rod with your right hand,
during the push travel to bring the index to the mark
limit of the piston, pushing the connecting rod with the fingertips to
maintain a smooth oscillatory motion. The center of the limit of
the race is set to predict the appropriate length of the movement
and its width is adjusted to the maximum allowed variation. The amount
correct agitation is achieved only when the tip of the index
it reverses its direction within the marked limits. A correct
agitation can be maintained using only the forearm and the
doll to hold the stirrer.
Continue the agitation for 100 cycles.
4.3 Manual method
Hold the test tube in a horizontal position and shake it vigorously.
left to right.
Shake the cylinder for 90 cycles in 30 seconds, using a range of 23±3.
A cycle is defined as the complete movement to the right.
followed by another on the left. The operator must move only
the forearms keeping the body and shoulders relaxed.
Once the stirring operation is completed, place the graduated cylinder vertically.
about the work table and remove the plug.
5. Irrigation process.
The cylinder must not move from its vertical position and with the base on
contact with the work surface.
Insert the irrigating tube into the top of the test tube, release the
hose clamp and clean the material from the walls of the
probe while the irrigator goes down.

The irrigator must reach the back, applying gentle pressure and rotation.
while the working solution flows through the nozzle of the irrigator, this
push the fine material from the bottom up by placing it on the
coarse sand particles.

When the liquid level reaches the 38 cm mark, lift the tube.
irrigator slowly without stopping the solution from flowing, so that the
the level remains close to 38.0 cm while the tube is being removed. Adjust the
flow just before the tube is completely out and adjust the level
final at 38.0 cm.

6. Reading of clay.
Let rest for 20 min. ± 15 s. Start timing after
remove the irrigating tube.
At the end of the 20 min., read the upper level of the clay suspension.
This value is called clay reading. If the marking line is not clear
after 20 minutes of the sedimentation period, allow the
sample rests undisturbed until a clay reading can be taken
clearly obtained; immediately, read and note the maximum level of
the clay suspension and the total sedimentation time. If the period
If the total sedimentation exceeds 30 minutes, perform the test again.
using three individual specimens from the same sample. Record the
reading of the clay column for the sample that requires the least
sedimentation time as clay reading.
7. Sand reading.
After the clay reading, introduce the assembly into the graduated cylinder.
foot (set of the disk, rod and overweight) and I slowly lowered until
I arrived on the sand. Do not allow the indicator to hit the mouth of the
test tube while the set is being lowered.
When the assembly touches the sand with one of the assembly screws
to the graduation line of the graduated cylinder, read and record. Subtract 25.4 cm.
of the level indicated at the top edge of the indicator and record this value
like the reading of sand.
8. After taking the sand reading, be careful not to press with the
because it could give erroneous readings.
9. If the readings of clay and sand are between 2.5 mm grading (0.1
inches), record the next higher graduation level as
reading.
Calculation and Report
1. Calculate the equivalent of sand with an approximation of 0.1% as follows:

Where:
SE Equivalent of sand expressed as a percentage

2. If the calculated equivalent of sand is not an integer, consider the integer.

immediate superior. For example, if the clay level was 8.0 and the sand level was 3.3,
the calculated equivalent of sand will be:

The calculated sand equivalent value is not an integer and will be recorded as
the immediate upper integer, which for the example is 42.
3. If the average of series of sand equivalent values is desired, average the values.
rounded values determined as described above. If the average of these values
it is not an integer, round up to the next higher integer as
show in the following example:
Calcular el valor de equivalente de arena: 41.2; 43.8 y 40.9
After rounding, we have: 42; 44 and 41
Determine the average of these values in the following way:

The average value is not a whole number, it is rounded up to the next whole number, and the
The equivalent value of sand is 43.

OBSERVATIONS

The temperature of the working solution must be kept at 22±3ºC for

the essay, if the field conditions prevent having this range, the
samples must be tested in the laboratory where the control of the
temperature is possible. It is also possible to create correction curves.
by temperature for each material to be tested.
2. Conduct the test in a vibration-free environment. Excessive vibrations can
cause the relationship between the suspended material and the settled material to be
mayor.
3. Do not expose plastic test tubes to sunlight unless necessary.
4. It will be necessary to clean the fungal growth inside the rubber tube and of the
irrigation tube, with a clean sodium hypochlorite solvent (bleach)
household bleach) and water in the same amount.
5. Sometimes the holes at the tip of the irrigation tube become clogged with
sand particles, these should be released with the help of a needle or another
similar object that can be introduced without increasing the size of the
opening.
The mixing and storage container for solutions must be clean.
A new solution should not be incorporated into an old solution.
7. If the readings of the clayey soil are found between graduation lines, then
will note the reading corresponding to the immediate higher graduation.
8. If the sand equivalent value in a sample is below the
specifications for said material, conduct two additional tests in the
same sample and take the average of the three as the equivalent of sand.
9. To obtain the average of a series of sand equivalent values,
the number of determined integer values is promoted

TESTS FOR ASPHALT MIXTURES

QUALITY OF AGGREGATES FOR HOT ASPHALT MIXES
MINERALOGY
The aggregates used in road construction are obtained from rocks.
local natural. Natural rocks are geologically classified into three
groups depending on their origin: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Another
type of aggregates, sometimes used in hot asphalt mixtures,
they are lightweight aggregates, products of clays heated to very high temperatures
highs and slags from blast furnaces. These two aggregates provide good
resistance to skidding when used in hot asphalt mixes.
The following table summarizes desirable properties of rocks for
aggregates used in Hot Asphalt Mixes.
Natural Asphalt
These were stored under geological strata, emerging materials
soft and hard asphaltic, friable, black material in veins of formations
rocky, or impregnated in limestones, formations of sandstones and similar.
soft asphaltic material, almost always similar to heavy oil,
and it is typical of Lake Trinidad deposited on the island of Trinidad, Lake Bermúdez,
Venezuela and in the wide 'tar of sand' from the far west of
Canada.
Petroleum Asphalt
These are colloids dispersed in hydrocarbons in crude oil and
obtained from its refining. With the discovery of the refining process in
1900 and the popularity of automobiles, large amounts of oil
they were processed to obtain asphalt. Gradually the process of
the refinement of asphalts is of better quality.
REFINEMENT OF ASPHALT
Almost all the asphalt cement used in pavement work is obtained
for the processing of crude oil. A substantial amount of
the supply of used crude oil in the United States is imported from
cities like Mexico, Venezuela, and Canada.
Variation of crude oil
Crude oil varies in composition from source to source, with different
performance of residual asphalt cement and other distillable fractions. The
The following figure shows some percentages in volume of the fractions of
three raw.
Crude oil can be arbitrarily classified according to its
gravity API (American Petroleum Institute), which can be used for
estimate the production of asphalt. The API gravity is an arbitrary expression
º
from the density or weight per unit volume of the material at 60 F and is obtained
as shown:
The low API gravity of crude oil (API less than 25) represents production
relatively low evaporation products and high percentage of cement
asphaltic.
Distillation
The refining processes for obtaining asphalts depend on the
characteristics of the crude oil and the yield of the asphalt it represents. If this
the yield is high and the crude has asphaltic characteristics, one stage is enough
of vacuum distillation. For crudes that present average yields of
asphalt requires two distillation stages: one at atmospheric pressure and
another to empty.
For very light low yield crude oils, it is also necessary
of the mentioned stages, an additional final stage of extraction.

TYPES OF ASPHALTS AND USES

The asphalts commonly used for the construction of flexible pavements
they are divided into three types:
Asphalt cement;
2. Asphalt emulsions; and
3. Diluted Asphalts or Cut Back.

ASPHALTIC CEMENTS
As previously mentioned, asphalt cement is obtained by distillation of crude oil.
from oil through different refining techniques. The product obtained in
the bottom of the vacuum tower after distillation processes by units
primary and voids, it is the petroleum asphalt, of consistency
semisolid at room temperature.
At room temperature, asphalt cement is black, sticky, semi-solid, and
highly viscous. This is resistant and durable with excellent adhesiveness and
waterproof characteristics, highly resistant to the action of acids,
alkalis and salts. Asphalt cement is used in large quantities, for the
production of Hot Mix Asphalts (HMA), primarily used in
the construction of flexible pavements around the world. The asphalt cement
it can be mixed with aggregates for the production of HMA, its property
of adhesiveness facilitates the bond with the aggregate that after placing
Ambient temperature, the HMA is a very strong pavement material that
it can withstand heavy traffic.
Three methods based on their penetration, viscosity, or behavior are
used to classify asphalt cement into different grades. The grade of
the penetration of asphalt cement is specified in ASTM D-946, with five
standard penetrations, 40-50, 60-70, 85-100, 120-150, 200-300; Peru
2
produce petroleum asphalt cement PEN 40/50, 60/70, 85/100, 120/150. The
penetration test measures the penetration of a standard needle into a
cement for paving under certain temperature, time, and load.
Obviously a high penetration value represents an asphalt cement
soft. For example, 40-50 is a high degree, and 200-300 is a soft degree.
The second method for classifying asphalt cement is by the grade of
viscosity, specified in ASTM D-3381. This is based on the viscosity of
original asphalt cement or by the viscosity of the asphalt cement after
cured in the thin film oven (RTFO),. Both viscosities are measured
at 140 °F (60 °C) and reported in poises. The viscosity grade based on the
Original asphalt cement includes AC-2.5, AC-5, AC-10, AC-20, AC-30, and AC-40.
The viscosity grade of the Asphalt Residue (AR) by the RTFO test includes
AR-1000, AR-2000, AR-4000, AR-8000, and AR-16000. The numerical value indicates
viscosities at 140 °F (60 °C) in poises.
The third method of asphalt classification involves the behavior that occurs
fundamentals in the Strategic Research Program on Highways
(SHRP).

ASPHALT EMULSIONS
The asphalt emulsion (also called emulsion) is a mixture of cement.
asphalt, water, and emulsifying agent.
Emulsions are prepared to reduce the viscosity of asphalt.
apply in areas with low temperatures. The two commonly used types
Asphalt emulsions are specified in ASTM D977 and ASTM D2397:
Anionic
Cationic

DILUTED ASPHALTS OR CUT BACK

Diluted asphalts are the result of the addition of some petroleum distillate.
to the asphalt cement, resulting in less viscous and therefore applicable in areas of
low temperature. The solvent is lost by evaporation leaving the cement
asphaltic on the surface after application. They are divided into three types:
1. Quick Curing (RC) - product of the addition of a light high diluent
volatility (generally gasoline or naphtha) in asphalt cement. It is used
mainly as a binding agent and surface treatment.
2. Medium Cure (MC) – product of the addition of a medium diluent of
intermediate volatility (generally kerosene) to asphalt cement.
3. Slow Cured (SC) – product of the addition of low volatility oils
(generally diesel or other oily gases) in asphalt cement.
The quality tests carried out on asphalt cement are shown,
liquid asphalt and emulsified asphalt.
ADHESION TEST OF BITUMINOUS BINDERS TO
COARSE AGGREGATES
The concept of adhesion in the design of asphalt mixtures is related
to the affinity of the aggregate for asphalt, it is the tendency of the aggregate to accept
and retain a layer of asphalt. Limestones and dolomites have high affinity.
with asphalt however they are also hydrophobic (they repel water) because
the efforts of water to separate the asphalt from its surfaces resist.
Objective
This method describes the procedures for coating and static immersion.
to determine the retention capacity of a bituminous film on a
aggregate surface in the presence of water.
This is applicable to both Bitumens: RC and Asphalt Cement. Where it
To avoid detachment, some additive can be added.
Laboratory equipment
1. Sieves. Of 3/8”, 1/4” and tray
2. Container. Made of porcelain
3. Container. Glass with a capacity of 500 ml
4. Oven. Capable of maintaining temperatures from 60º-149º ± 1.1ºC
5. Double boiler for asphalt with automatic controller.
6. Balance. Of 200 ± 0.1 g precision
7. Steel spatula. 1" wide and 4" long
8. Bitumen. It must be of the same type that will be used in the work. If it
propose some chemical additive, it must be added to the Bitumen in the
specified amount, and before fully mixing the specimen.
9. Distilled water. With pH between 6 and 7

Sample preparation
Sift the coarse aggregate through the 3/8" and 1/4" meshes.
2. The sample retained on the ¼” mesh is washed with distilled water to eliminate
the fine ones are taken to dry in an oven at a temperature of 110ºC until
maintain a constant weight.

Test procedure
1. Heat the aggregate and bitumen to the mixing temperature, Table No. 1
Weigh 100 ± 1gr. of the aggregate and pour it into a porcelain container. For
Case 3 (see Table No. 2) add 2 ml of distilled water to the aggregates,
mix until the particles are completely moistened. Weigh
the container with the additive.
3. Incorporate into the porcelain container, which is still on the scale,
the amount of bituminous material, specified in Table No. 1 or in the note.
4. A hot spatula is used to mix vigorously until the aggregate
I was completely covered with the bituminous material.
5. The mixture is poured into a 500 ml capacity glass container and is
bake in the oven for 2 hours at the temperature indicated in Table No. 1,
to be healed.
6. After some time, the container is removed from the oven and is mixed again with the
spatula while the mixture cools to room temperature.
7. Incorporate approximately 400 ml of distilled water at 25ºC.
8. The jar is placed in a water bath containing water at 25º C, up to a height
that it reaches ¾ of the height of the glass. It is important to indicate
that the temperature must be kept constant.
The jar will be held in a water bath for a period of 16 to 18 hours.
10. Remove the sample and without shaking or disturbing the coated aggregate, take away any
movie that floats on the surface of the water. Determine by observation the
percentage of the total visible area of the aggregate that remains coated over
below 95%, some areas or translucent or brownish edges are
they are considered as completely covered.
11. The report will mention whether the percentage of covered area is greater or
less than 95%, recorded as (+ 95) or (–95), respectively
Test procedure note
For the case of dry aggregates coated with semi-solid asphalt: 40-50 PEN,
60-70 PEN and 85-100 PEN and tars: RT-10, RT-11, and RT-12. The procedure
it is similar except in the following items:
In item 1:
If the mix is dry aggregate and asphalt:
Heat the aggregate and asphalt separately in an oven at temperature
constant of 135-149ºC for a period of one hour.
If the mixture is dry aggregate and tar:
Heat the aggregate separately in an oven at a constant temperature of 79-
107ºC y el alquitrán a temperatura constante de 93-121ºC.
2. In item 3:
Place the mixing container on a mesh of asbestos or material
insulating agent to delay cooling, incorporate into the aggregate 5.5± 0.2 g of
heated bitumen. Mix for 2.0 min. and let the mixture cool to
ambient temperature.
3. In item 5:
 Does not require curing
4. All other steps are similar
Observations on the essay
The results of the tests are subjective, which limits their scope.
percentages greater than 95%. It will not be attempted to know, by this method, the
percentage of asphalt retained by the aggregate below 95%.