SEAUPG - SAVANNAH, GEORGIA November 17, 2011

Our visit today

What is MSCR test?

Multiple Stress Creep Recovery
Why do we need MSCR?
(MSCR) Task Force
What is going on in SEAUPG with
SEAUPG Annual Meeting evaluation and/or implementation of MSCR?
MSCR Task Force
November 17, 2011
MSCR State Survey
Savannah GA
MSCR ILS (Round Robin testing)
Bob Horan, P.E. Free AI Webinar
Regional Engineer
Asphalt Institute Virginia Office National Binder Technician Certification

Alumni of SDSM&T MSCR Task Force

SEAUPG 2010 Annual Meeting in OK City

Binder Task Group proposed forming a
MSCR Task Force to start looking at MSCR
test/specification from a regional standpoint
Move evaluation of MSCR along more rapidly
Asphalt Institute volunteered to facilitate
Meet using AI WebEx
Conduct round robin testing program
Provide regular updates at SEAUPG annual
meetings

Early Asphalt Plant What is MSCR?

The MSCR test is a new test for measuring high

temperature properties of an asphalt binder which:
can replace the existing high temp. test for short
term aged binder in AASHTO M 320 (G*/sin)
can better relate predicted laboratory polymer-
modified binders high temperature properties to
actual rutting performance of in-service pavements

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SEAUPG - SAVANNAH, GEORGIA November 17, 2011

What is MSCR? What is MSCR?

Sample prep is exactly the same as the Calculating % Recovered Strain
existing RTFOT Dynamic Shear Rheometer 7

p = Peak strain
6

r = recovered strain
4

Strain %
3

2
% recovery= (r / p) X 100 u = un-recovered strain
1

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
time s

What is MSCR? What is MSCR?

30
Definitions: Calculating Jnr
Creep and recovery a standard test protocol whereby a 25

specimen is subjected to a constant load for a fixed time

Normalized Strain %

period and then allowed to relax (recover) at a zero load 20

for a fixed time period

15
Percent Recovery A measure of how much the sample
returns to its previous shape after being repeatedly 10 Jnr = u /
stretched and then relaxed u = Avg. un-recovered
= applied stress during creep kPa
5 a strain
Non-Recoverable Creep Compliance (Jnr) a measure Jnr = non-recoverable compliance
of the amount of residual strain left in the specimen after 0
repeated creep and recovery, relative to the amount of 0 20 40 60 80 100

stress applied Time s

What is MSCR? Why Do We Need MSCR?

3.2 kPa Jnr is better correlated with rutting

Creep Stress

potential than G*/sin

Test using Reducing Jnr by half typically reduced
the DSR
0.1 kPa
applying a 1 rutting by half
second The effect is seen in the lab on ALF
1 10 time creep stress
followed by a sections and Hamburg Rut Testing
Creep Strain

9 second More importantly, it is also seen in the

recovery.
field, for example the Mississippi I-55
research
time

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SEAUPG - SAVANNAH, GEORGIA November 17, 2011

Why Do We Need MSCR? MSCR Task Force Members

May eliminate the need for PG Plus tests
for modified binders MSCR Task Force members
3 Binder Suppliers
Elastic Recovery, Phase Angle, etc.
3 DSR Equipment Suppliers
2 Commercial Labs (including NCAT)
13 State DOTs
Asphalt Institute

Barriers to Implementation? WebEx Meetings

Consensus that MSCR is an improved

MSCR TF has met 6 times in 2011
technology that can replace the existing
high temp. test in M 320 (G*/sin) Meetings are well attended and interest is
good
However, barriers exist to implementation
Lack of equipment and manpower to do necessary
Early WebEx meetings provided
transitional testing to validate MSCR test/specs background
Concern about how MSCR will affect binder supply Later WebEx meetings included states
and polymer modification
presenting their data and interpretation of
Lack of guidance from regional partners/ suppliers
Poor correlation between existing PG Plus tests and
data (GA, OK, FL)
MSCR tests

MSCR Task Force

Purpose?
To move evaluation of MSCR test and State Survey
specification forward MSCR Task Force
To provide a resource and information for all
SEAUPG states
March 2011
To identify and address any barriers to
implementation
To conduct MSCR ILS (Round Robin)
To consider possible implementation of
MSCR in the future

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SEAUPG - SAVANNAH, GEORGIA November 17, 2011

MSCR State Survey MSCR Task Force

Purpose of the survey was: What Comes Next?

To invite participation in MSCR Task Force
To determine status of MSCR testing for each
state
To determine readiness for round robin
testing program
To determine training needs
To determine the barriers that exist to
implementation
Evaluate MSCR ILS data
Continue regular MSCR Task Force
WebEx meetings
TF work together to identify next steps
Address identified barriers
Continue to provide updates at SEAUPG
Annual meetings

Results - MSCR State Survey Free MSCR Webinar

Understanding the MSCR Test and its

Some states experienced and proficient in
Use in the PG Asphalt Binder
performing MSCR testing
Specification
Some states just getting started with
Background into the Development of the
equipment and performing MSCR testing MSCR Test
Most states said they would like some Performing the MSCR Test
training in MSCR theory and testing Measurement Parameters: Jnr, Recovery,
All states said that they were willing to and Stress Sensitivity
participate in round robin testing Use of the MSCR in Performance-Graded
Asphalt Binder Specification

2011 SEAUPG MSCR ILS Free MSCR Webinar

Twenty-seven (27) labs given samples (18 labs http://www.asphaltinstitute.org/public/asphalt_academy/

reported results as of Nov. 9, 2011) Webinars/MSCR_Test_and_its_Use_Recording.asp
15 Users Or follow these steps:
10 Producers
2 Others www.asphaltinstitute.org
Three Asphalt Binders Click on: Education
PG 64-22 (unmodified) Click on: Asphalt Academy Training
PG 70-22 Click on: On-Line Webinar Training
PG 76-22 Under Recorded Webinar Library, click on:
Two Aged Conditions Understanding MSCR
Original (unaged) Register
RTFO-aged
Watch and Listen

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SEAUPG - SAVANNAH, GEORGIA November 17, 2011

What is the Asphalt Institute?

An international trade organization of petroleum asphalt
producers, manufacturers, and affiliated businesses

National Binder Technician

Certification Program
(NBTC)

NBTC Program SEAUPG MSCR Task Force

NBTC is an Asphalt Institute initiative to

promote a national certification program
for binder technicians
3 day course of classroom instruction,
hands-on equipment testing, written and
practical exams Questions? Discussion?
AI is looking for volunteers to host two
NBTC courses in the SE in 2012
VA and OK have hosted courses so far

Hauling Asphalt Mix 1910 Asphalt Institute Mission

The mission of the Asphalt Institute is to
promote the use, benefits and quality
performance of petroleum asphalt through:
Engineering
Research
Marketing
Environmental Development
Technical Development
Resolution of issues affecting the industry