Test Methods and Specifications
- Publication no: ATM-105-26
- Published: 17 June 2026
- Edition: 1.0
- PDF (free) Download
This test method sets out procedures for the ageing treatment of bitumen samples under specific conditions using a pressure ageing vessel (PAV). It also contains the procedures for determining the complex modulus (G*) of PAV-treated bitumen samples under specific conditions using a dynamic shear rheometer (DSR).
This test method was developed based on research studies conducted in Austroads Project APT1975 Maximising the Life of Sprayed Seals – Future Proofing Binders. The results of the APT1975 project indicated that the fatigue cracking performance of aged bitumen could be ranked by measuring the complex modulus (G*) of a bitumen sample at 15 °C after it had been aged in the laboratory using a pressure ageing vessel (PAV).
This test method is also available as a Word document.
- 1. Preface
- 2. Scope
- 3. Further Development
- 4. References
- 5. Equipment
- 5.1 Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV) System
- 5.2 Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) System
- 5.3 Other Equipment
- 6. Verification of PAV and DSR Systems
- 7. PAV Ageing Treatment Procedure
- 7.1 Preparation of the PAV System and Bitumen Samples
- 7.2 PAV Ageing Treatment of Bitumen Samples
- 8. DSR Test Procedure
- 8.1 Preparation of the DSR System and PAV-treated Bitumen Samples
- 8.2 Measurement of DSR Test Parameters
- 9. Calculation
- 10. Test Report
- 11. Precision