Search

Abstract: Nowadays, there have been initiative ideas to improve current use of grading system in Thailand by replacing with SUPERPAVE grading system. Unfortunately, such system requires complex and expensive equipment which is unavailable in Thailand. The knowledge in understanding the implementation of the system is also limited. Moreover, the SUPERPAVE specification is particularly based on the pavement conditions in USA. Therefore, a development of the performance grading system using indirectly estimated parameters related to pavement performance is proposed in this study. According to the existing pavement conditions in Thailand, the eligible performance related properties are examined and the acceptable limits for the acceptance of asphalt cement are determined. Additionally, the preparation of asphalt mixtures from the newly graded asphalt cement is investigated for their performance related properties in Thai traffic and climate conditions. After the validation of such developed system, it has been found that the proposed performance grading system can be satisfactorily used to classify the binders by its performance. Results of the proposed system are also comparable with the SUPERPAVE system. Finally, the proposed system can be used as a transition before obtaining the sufficient equipment and gaining sufficient understanding for SUPERPAVE implementation without using any complex and expensive equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]