Chapter 1: Introducing The Asphalt Submersion Cell; Overview; Techniques Used - TA Instruments DHR Series Getting Started Manual

Chapter 1:
Introducing the Asphalt Submersion Cell

Overview

The TA Instruments Asphalt Submersion Cell is a Smart Swap™ accessory designed to be used with the
DHR Series and AR Series Rheometers. For the general operation of those instruments, including use of
the Smart Swap system, see the appropriate operator's manual.
The Submersion Cell is specifically designed to satisfy the latest Federal Highway Administration
(FHWA) requirements for asphalt binder testing. When used with the cell, the DHR Series and AR Series
Rheometers meet the requirements of Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) as defined by the FHWA.
The cell is designed to be used with a Julabo Computer Controlled Fluid Circulator (CCFC), normally
model FP35-HE. The operation of the cell and CCFC is directly controlled through TRIOS Software. For
full details of the operation of the Julabo and Safety information, see the manufacturers operating manual.
A summary is provided in Appendix A of this manual.
Historically, asphalt characterization was based on measurements of penetration, capillary viscosity and
ductility. While these measurements were repeatable, they could not be easily correlated to end-use perfor-
mance characteristics such as rutting or cracking. Recently an exhaustive multiyear study (SHRP) by
FHWA resulted in the adoption of alternative measurements that solve this correlation problem. These new
measurements provide a set of alternative criteria for selecting asphalt binders and aggregate mixes to meet
specific end-use conditions.

Techniques Used

For asphalt binders, the new measurements are based on the Bending Beam Rheometer, the Direct Tension
Tester, and the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). The first two techniques evaluate low temperature per-
formance, whereas the DSR evaluates performance over a broader temperature range (5 to 85°C).
Specifically, the DSR test measurements include:
• AASHTO T315 & ASTM D7175: Determining the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder Using a
Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR).
• AASHTO R29 & M320: Grading or Verifying the Performance Grade of an Asphalt Binder.
• AASHTO TP70 & ASTM D7405: Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) of Asphalt Binder
Using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer
• AASHTO XXXX: High stress repeated creep
• AASHTO XXXX: Determining the mixing and compaction temperature of asphalt binder
This manual should be read in conjunction with these Standard Methods. The cell can be used with TRIOS
Software, but for full automated testing using the standards listed above, Rheology Navigator and
Rheology Advantage are required. More information about the operation of this software can be found in
CSA II Asphalt Rheometer with Rheology Navigator Software
DHR/AR Series Asphalt Submersion Cell Getting Started Guide
PDF.
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