Pavement
- Publication no: AGPT-T124-16
- Published: 18 February 2016
- Edition: 3.0
- PDF (free) Download
This test method sets out the procedures for the determination of the force ratio and toughness of bitumen and PMBs under specific conditions of deformation using the ARRB extensiometer.
Polymer modified binders (PMBs) exhibit complex rheological behaviour and, consequently, simple test equipment will not provide a satisfactory measure of their characteristics. The ARRB extensiometer operates by straining, under tension, a standard?sized binder specimen between two parallel end plates, at a controlled elongation rate to a desired pre?set elongation.
During the test both sample displacement (from its original position) and the force required to elongate the sample are measured. Force ratio results are calculated by dividing the force observed from a sample at a selected displacement (e.g. 250 mm) by the peak force observed at small displacements (< 50 mm). Toughness test results are calculated using the integrated area under the force?displacement curve which is obtained for a sample up to a selected sample displacement.
This test method can also be downloaded as a Word document.
Edition 3.0 published February 2016
- Test method name changed and new style applied.
- Table of contents and Safety Disclaimer added.
- Test method modified to include force ratio tests.
- Manual extensiometer-related statements removed.
- Updated test method to include the use of the Windows 7 version of the software.
- General statements on sample preparation removed as they are included in AGPT/T102.
- Original notes section removed and individual notes placed in appropriate sections of the text.
- Changes to the ordering/wording of the procedure-related clauses so that they follow the same order/wording as Austroads test method AGPT/T121.
- Reporting requirements more clearly defined.
- New appendix added to describe a method for preparing the polymer coating solution.
- New appendix added to describe the analysis methods used by the extensiometer software.
Edition 2.0 published March 2006 (PDF)
- Applied new test method numbers.
- Moved notes to the end of the method.
Edition 1.0 published June 2005
- 1.Preface
- 2.Scope
- 3.Further Development
- 4.Safety Disclaimer
- 5.References
- 6.Equipment
- 7.Materials
- 8.Calibration
- 8.1General
- 8.2Electronics
- 9.Preparation of Samples
- 9.1Sample Preparation
- 9.2Pouring Containers
- 10.Procedures
- 10.1Coating of Extensiometer End Plates
- 10.2Preparation of Moulds
- 10.3Loading Samples into the Extensiometer
- 10.4Extensiometer Adjustments
- 10.4.1For Systems Running under Windows 3.1
- 10.4.2For Systems Running under Windows 7
- 10.5Testing
- 10.6Results
- 11.Calculations
- 12.Reporting
- 12.1Force Ratio Results
- 12.2Toughness Results
- 13.Precision
- Appendix 1Polymer Coating Solution Preparation Method (Informative)
- Appendix 2Data Analysis Methods (Informative)