Asphalt Lubricity Test
This newly developed test is designed for the Dynamic Shear Rheometer. It is based on the concept that in addition to viscosity, the reduction in internal friction of the asphalt binder contributes to asphalt mixture workability.
This test is being evaluated as a measure of asphalt binder workability and a mixture workability evaluation criteria.
Binder Bond Strength (BBS)
The Binder Bond Strength test (BBS) has been proposed by MARC as a practical method to measure bond strength between aggregate and asphalt binder.
Recently approved as AASHTO Standard TP 91.
BBR-SENB
The BBR-SENB system is a modification of the Bending Beam Rheometer, that enables low temperature fracture testing on BBR size beams.
MARC continues to evaluate the potential of the BBR-SENB system for better estimation of the thermal cracking susceptibility of asphalt materials.
News
April 17, 2013
MARC Project Receives CTS Research Partnership Award
MARC research project, "Investigation of Low Temperature Cracking in Asphalt Pavements National Pooled Fund Study - Phase II," received the 2013 CTS Research Partnership Award. The award, which is awarded by the University of Minnesota Center for Transportation Studies, recognizes research projects within the CTS program that have resulted in significant impacts on transportation, and rewards teams of individuals who have drawn on the strengths of their diverse partnerships to achieve those results. The awarded roject was conducted through a partnership led by the University of Minnesota and including MARC, University of Illinois, and Iowa State University.
August 31, 2012
MnDOT Publishes Final Report for the National Pooled Fund Study on Low Temperature Cracking - Phase II
Lead by the University of Minnesota in partnership with UW-MARC, University of Illinois, and Iowa State University, the Pooled Fund Study on Low Temperature Cracking of Asphalt Pavements - Phase II has been completed. This study proposes two fracture testing methods and specifications for selection of mixtures that are resistant to thermal cracking. UW-MARC contributions to this study include highlighting the importance of physical hardening and thermo-volumetric properties for accurate prediction of thermal stresses. For final report and more information
June 26, 2012
Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) Test to be Included in the 2012 AASHTO Materials Standards Publication
The Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) Test, developed by MARC researchers for fatigue damage characterization of asphalt binders, will be published as an AASHTO provisional standard TP 101 in the 2012 AASHTO Materials Standards Read more on the LAS procedure
January 7, 2012
'Wisconsin Engineer' Magazine Publishes Article on "Green Road" Technology Development at MARC
The "Wisconsin Engineer" magazine has published an article entitled "Green Roads" focusing on UW-MARC research activites on this subject. The articles describes how "the newly formed UW-Madison Modified Asphalt Research Center is contributing valuable research in new asphalt technologies." Read more
Events
May 17, 2013
MARC to hold 3rd Workshop on Mixing and Compaction of Hot and Warm Asphalt Mixtures in August 2013
The Modified Asphalt Research Center (MARC) will host its third workshop on the factors affecting mixing and compaction temperatures of conventional and non-conventional HMA products on August 14-15, 2013. The main objective of this workshop was to introduce new technologies to evaluate mix components properties that affect compaction and to provide an open forum for discussion on how these technologies can be applied to improve current mix design procedures. The first and second offerings of this workshop were held in December 2012, and March 2013, respectively. For more information and registration please visit the workshop webpage.
March 15, 2013
MARC holds 2nd Mixing and Compaction of Hot and Warm Asphalt Mixtures Workshop
The Modified Asphalt Research Center (MARC) hosted its second workshop about the factors affecting mixing and compaction temperatures of conventional and non-conventional HMA products on March 13-14, 2013. The workshop was to introduced new technologies for evaluation of mix components properties that affect compaction. An open forum was provided for discussion on improving current mix design procedures through implimentation of new technoglogies discussed in this workshop.
October 16, 2012
MARC Director Presents at NorBit 2012 Seminar, Norway
MARC Director, Professor Bahia delivered two presentations on "New Test Methods for Bituminous Binders" and "Effect of WMA Additives on Binders Workability and Performance" at the NorBit 2012 Seminar in Oslo, Norway. The event is organized by the Norwegian Bitumen Association (NorBit), which is a non-profit association established in August 2009 with the purpose of spreading information and knowledge on bituminous binders.
July 31, 2012
Professor Bahia Delivers Short Courses on Cold Weather Pavements in Chile - South America
UW-MARC director Professor Hussain Bahia in collaboration with Professor Rodrigo Delgadillo (Universidad Tecnica Federico Santa Maria) delivered two training courses in Arica and Santiago, Chile, on asphalt technology for pavements in cold weather regions. Topics discussed included binder modification for cold regions, importance of physical and chemical aging, mixture testing for cold regions, and recommended construction practices. For more information about short course