Temperature conversion formulae for asphalt pavement design using the Superpave method.

Traditional penetration indices cannot accurately evaluate the performance of asphalt binders at high and low temperatures. A study was therefore undertaken to determine temperature conversion formulae for designing asphalt pavements using the US Strategic Highway Research Program's Superpave performance grading (PG) method. The research involved the observation of climate and pavement temperatures in north-east China, the determination of temperature conversion formulae and classification of climatic zones and Superpave PG standards. The results of this study showed that the proposed formulae are more accurate than penetration indices for predicting actual asphalt pavement temperatures and their performance at low and high temperatures, which will deliver economic and social benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]