ADAPTATION OF SHRP PERFORMANCE BASED BINDER SPECIFICATIONS TO THE GULF COUNTRIES

H. I. Al-Abdul Wahhab, M.F. Ali, I.M. Asi and I.A. Al-Dubabe

THE FOURTH SAUDI ENGINEERING CONFERENCE, NOV. 1995 - VOLUME 11

ABSTRACT.

The rheological behavior of asphalt cement has a great influence on the behavior of the asphalt mixture. The asphalt binder plays a significant role in pavement ability to withstand thermal and fatigue cracking and contributes to permanent deformation behavior. The current binder specifications, as applied in the Gulf countries, are based primarily on penetration or, viscosity testing which does not properly account for pavement performance. This research was undertaken to provide a rational scientific binder specification for the Gulf countries based on SHRP findings, considering the prevailing environmental and traffic conditions and type of locally produced asphalt. Results indicated that locally produced asphalt can be used in a limited area of the Gulf countries while bulk of the region requires modification of the asphalt binder prior to its use.