Investigation of glass transition temperature of asphalt concrete

The presented manuscript identifies the mix design parameters important for the glasstransition temperature and thermo-volumetric properties of asphalt–concrete mixes. Anumber of compacted specimens were prepared at air-void content, by mixingcomposition of materials in terms of aggregate origins, asphalt types, andgradations. The compacted mixes were later sized to required dimensions and weresubjected to a uniform rate of cooling in a specially designed testing machine. Thecontraction of the sample during the cooling was measured by linear vertical displacementtransducers, and the recorded values obtained were converted into longitudinal strain. Allvariables investigated in the study were found statistically significant to impact the glasstransition temperature of asphalt paving mixes. The methodology adopted in this studyprovides a new approach to predict glass transition temperatures in asphalt–concrete mixesand identifies the mix parameters that will be helpful in delaying the glass transitiontemperature of the mix for reliable performance of asphaltic pavements in cold regions