Evaluation background cold properties
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Evaluation background and requirement system for the crack resistance of asphalts at low temperatures
sponsored by:
Federal Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (BMVI)
FE 07.0260
Project duration:
December 2014 until May 2016
Content and goals
Asphalt pavements can be designed without expansion joints because the viscoelastic construction material can relieve constraining stresses by relaxation without cracking. However, low temperatures and/or high binder viscosity can limit this stress-relieving property to such an extent that temperature-induced cracking occurs. Especially at the pavement surface, significant temperature conditions can occur as a result of rapid air temperature changes as well as precipitation and thawing processes (e.g. when road salt is used), which can lead to cracking at low temperatures in asphalts with low cracking resistance. Data available nationwide on material properties (results of cooling and tensile tests, compositional asphalt properties) and on the climatic and traffic loads actually endured by asphalt materials will be compiled into a database. From the identified correlations, a system of requirements is developed and implementations are proposed for introduction into German and European regulations.