Estimation of asphalt binder viscosity using ultrasonic guided waves

The viscosity of asphalt binder is of significant interest to those in the pavement industry. When a particular binder is selected for use in a pavement design, it must be rigid enough to support traffic loads and maintain its shape throughout its service life. However, it must not be so rigid that it fails when subjected to low temperatures or high stress levels. Additionally, binder must be sufficiently fluid so that good mixing and compaction are attainable during construction. Traditionally, binder viscosity is measured using capillary or rotational viscometers. However, due to equipment limitations, the use of these viscometers can be tedious and time consuming. A study to investigate the feasibility of using ultrasonic waveguides to measure the viscosity of asphalt binder as a function of temperature is presented. It was observed that the fundamental torsional mode of a solid, cylindrical waveguide is sensitive to the viscosities of different performance graded (PG) binders. End-of-waveguide reflections were measured and correlated to viscosity values determined by a rotational viscometer. Additionally, the device’s sensitivity to aging was investigated by testing binder in situ as it suffered prolonged exposure to heat and by testing samples that had been oven-aged. The device was shown to be sensitive to variations in viscosity, whether due to the materials belonging to different PG grades or because they had been subjected to different amounts of aging. From the results of this study, the proposed guided wave system is suggested for further study and eventual implementation in the asphalt industry.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Systems & Entrepreneurial Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Haser, Alexandra

Contributors dc:contributor

• Reis, Henrique M.

• viscosity
• guided waves
• ultrasonic
• asphalt binder

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Alexandra Haser

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/49548

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/49548