Low-temperature Cracking

A thermal stress restrained specimen test (TSRST) was developed to determine the thermal, or the low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt concrete mixes. The test system is capable of cooling an asphalt concrete specimen at a constant rate, while restraining the specimen from contraction and periodically measuring elapsed time, specimen surface temperature, and tensile load. TSRST's were performed on both short- and long-term aged specimens. Statistical analyses were performed on the test results. Rankings of asphalt concrete mixtures based on fracture temperature were compared to rankings based on fundamental properties of the asphalt cement.