ASPHALT FOAM COLLAPSE TEST METHODS AND RELATED APPARATUS

摘要

The disclosure relates to asphalt foam collapse test methods and related apparatus for the measurement and determination of foamed asphalt binder quality, in particular warm-mix asphalt. Various asphalt binder/foam quality indicators can be measured according to the disclosure, such as bubble size distribution, bubble surface area, foam expansion ratio, foam half-life, foam index, as well as normalized parameters related to the same. The disclosed methods and apparatus permit the repeatable characterization and formation of foamed asphalt compositions, enabling the skilled artisan to form foamed asphalt/aggregate compositions of known, repeatable quality. This enhances the ability to form WMA foamed asphalt concrete with controlled and favorable properties selected for the particular environmental conditions (e.g., climate-, weather-, and/or traffic-related) where the concrete is to be used.

主权项

1. A method for determining foamed asphalt quality, the method comprising:
(a) providing a foamed asphalt comprising an asphalt medium and a plurality of bubbles dispersed throughout the asphalt medium; (b) allowing the foamed asphalt to decay and measuring the amount of the foamed asphalt as a function of time during decay to provide an amount time series for the decaying foamed asphalt; (c) determining from the amount time series at least one foam quality parameter selected from the group consisting of bubble size distribution parameters, bubble surface area parameters, and combinations thereof; and (d) comparing the foam quality parameter with at least one corresponding foam quality set point.