Technical Committee 237-SIB
General Information
Deputy Chair: Dr Emmanuel CHAILLEUX
Activity ending in: 2017
Cluster F
Subject matter
By the end of 2010, the actual TC 206 ATB "Advanced Testing and Characterization of Bituminous Materials" will successfully close its mandate with well recognized results on fatigue testing on bituminous binders, wheel tracking testing of asphalt mixtures as well as performance prediction evaluation and interlayer shear bond testing on test sections. However, these achievements together with the work initiated by the TC on compaction and hot mix recycling testing as well as the results of the 2009 RILEM Symposium ATCBM’09 in Rhodes clearly revealed further open questions and gaps in the complex field of performance related binder and asphalt testing and test specimen preparation. Work of TC 206 ATB has also confirmed that performance of bituminous materials must be considered also with respect to the whole pavement system. This is particularly true, e.g., in case of rutting testing, compaction and specimen preparation evaluation as well as the influence of geogrid reinforcement on interlayer bond properties.
Some of the open questions are also caused by new developments in asphalt testing, such as the application of Computer Tomography (CT) and triaxial test methods, and in particular also in view of new innovative bituminous materials (low temperature pavements, porous asphalt, etc) where test methods developed for traditional asphalt concrete are not a priori applicable. This all asks for the initiation of further RILEM by a well established efficient international expert group.
However, it is not expected that the new TC will be able to solve all these problems but setting appropriate working priorities and eventually be able to set the stage for the initiation of further specific TC’s. Therefore, the new TC will concentrate on specific new topics in binder and mixture testing based on the previous TC work and on accomplishing the interlaboratory activities that were initiated by TC 206 ATB in the field of geogrid testing, compaction testing, CT structural evaluation and hot mix recycling (in search for synergies also with ISAP TC APE). In this sense, the new TC will also review and finalize the comprehensive State of the Art Report drafted by TC 206 ATB and is determined to publish it in an updated form (including latest interlaboratory test results).
The new TC will further concentrate on fundamental aspects in order to outline and clarify the main direction of actual and future research and standardization. The new TC intends to evaluate the relevant state of the art and to perform interlaboratory testing activities on a voluntary basis. The results will be published and presented in appropriate ways (if possible as recommendation) and discussed in the 8th international RILEM Symposium 2014/15 which will be the follow-up symposium of ATCBM’09. The new TC will serve as an encouragement and forum for a coordinate research and as a guideline for individual research programs and intends to work closely together with other RILEM TC’s on bituminous materials and other international groups.
Terms of reference
The new TC will be active for 5 years. For some of the work initiated and the data basis acquired by TC 206 ATB will be used (which is in line with the high degree of continuity in the work of all previous RILEM TC’s on bituminous materials testing, so far). In order to achieve its goals, the new TC intends to perform its work within five task groups (TG). Topics below are preliminary and subject to changes and focus. The exact topics will be defined and proposed to the TC as soon as the TG1 will establish
TG 1 Binders (D. Sybilski)
Evaluate binder properties with respect to durability relevant to distress accumulation performance and application such as fatigue (temp. loading mode, reversability); study of aging and water susceptibility in particular focusing on polymer modified binders and other new binders. If possible path finder work on the effect of binder in mortar and the interaction between binder and aggregates will be undertaken. TG1 will work in close connection with TC NBM regarding nanotechnology of binders;
TG 2 Mixture Design and Compaction (H. Bahia)
Evaluation of laboratory compaction methods and models with respect to field compaction including non destructive compaction analysis (e.g. computer tomography and gamma ray density) and scanned image analysis, focusing on the influence of anisotropy and link to mechanical behavior.
TG2 intends to build up on the work of former TG2 and continue this study focusing on the links between mechanical properties and parameters extracted from the image analysis.This could give interesting information on the effect of orientation, contact points. It could be very useful in a mix design procedure (introducing for example an aggregates structure indicator)
TG 3 Mechanical testing of mixtures (H. Di Benedetto)
Evaluate existing test methods (like simple performance tests) and models for different types of mixtures (like porous asphalt) considering subjects such as triaxial mechanical behavior. Testing of triaxial behavior has received more and more attention in the last few years. Here, Rilem could certainly contribute to to standardization and scientific understanding by interlaboratory efforts and recommendations.
TG 4 Pavement Multilayer System Testing (F. Canestrari)
Evaluation of test methods to assess structural behavior (influence of geogrids on interlayer bond as initiated during 206 ATB). Other topics to consider are cyclic interlayer bond test methods, possibly also under the influence of climatic and long term effects. The TG4 will also consider to evaluate possible future actions (even as a basis for creating a new TC) regarding testing of surface properties and accelerated pavement testing.
TG 5 Recycling (C. De La Roche)
Evaluate test and mix design methods for the use of materials with bituminous materials from the road, focusing on hot mix recycling (RAP: Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement). This will also include methodologies to reproduce RAP in the lab by comparing accelerated aging procedures as initiated in TC 206 ATB. It will provide link with ISAP APE WG1.
TG 6 Cold Recycling (G. Tebaldi)
Evaluate test and mix design methods for the use of materials with reclaimed bituminous materials from the road, focusing on cold mix recycling with emulsion and with foam bitumen. The work will focus on mixes with high % of RAP proposing guidelines on how to characterize and define RAP in order to conduct comparable inter-laboratory tests on evaluation and test methods for cold recycling mixtures. It will provide a link with ISAP APE WG2.
As outlined before, the TGs will certainly not be able to deal with all the tasks mentioned above and will have to set appropriate working priorities. The TGs will be given the freedom to set the priorities according to their expertise taking into account the most urgent needs in the asphalt community. The new TC will also take the freedom to reorganize if necessary, i.e. not to change the number of TGs and to focus the tasks according to the members and their interest within the given spectrum
Objectives will be achieved by:
- Voluntary work of members who will be recruited from the actual TC 206 ATB (representing academics, industry and road research laboratories).
- One TC meeting per year (if possible in connection with other TCs related to bituminous materials)
- At least one additional annual meeting of each Task Group (TG)
- Reports and/or recommendations as well as publications of findings in Materials and Structures or other journals
- Presentation of findings during other international symposia in order to establish a lively link between RILEM and other organizations in that field
- Organization of seminars and workshops upon need
- Organization of 8th international symposium (follow-up ATCBM’09)
- Information on internet
For certain tasks a bibliographical research will be necessary. However, main focus is on the practical comparison and evaluation of test methods and modeling. Data evaluation and modeling will require computer processing.
Special equipment depends on equipment used by each participant laboratory. In case of interlaboratory tests, each laboratory will get the same materials to investigate.
Detailed working programme
Autumn 2010: Concluding annual meeting of TC 206 ATB: Working plan, definition and formation of individual task groups TG (within the frame of TC 206 ATB)
Autumn 2010: Approval of new TC by TAC
during 2011: Individual meetings by TG’s; finalizing proposal of working plan; preparation of interlaboratory tests; evaluation of data base by TC 206 ATB in view of the new TC
Autumn 2011: 1st Annual meeting of new TC: Discussion & approval of individual working plans, concepts and achievements, approval of workshops; evaluate data and place for 8th int. Symposium, define scientific committee
during 2012: Individual meetings by TG’s; follow individual working plan (e.g. literature reviews, material distribution, testing, first evaluations; plan & organize workshops)
Autumn 2012: 2nd Annual meeting of new TC: Discussion & approval of individual working plans, concepts and achievements, finalize workshops; start planning 8th int. Symposium (1st announcement, call for papers)
during 2013: Individual meetings by TG’s; follow individual working plan (e.g. data evaluation, draft reports, first presentations and draft papers; carry out workshops)
Autumn 2013: 3rd Annual meeting of new TC: Discussion of progress & achievements; planning and approval of presentations, reports and papers, evaluate workshops; organizing 8th int. Symposium (acceptance of abstracts)
during 2014: Individual meetings by TG’s: follow individual working plan (e.g. data evaluation, draft reports, first presentations and draft papers)
Autumn 2014: 4th Annual meeting of new TC: Discussion of progress & achievements; planning and approval of presentations, papers, recommendations and reports; organizing 8th int. Symposium (acceptance of papers)
Spring 2015: 8th Int. Symposium (follow-up ATCBM09)
during 2015: Individual meetings by TG’s
Autumn 2015: 5th Annual meeting (Concluding); final report; presentation of the results during annual RILEM meeting
Technical environment
The new TC follows the actual TC 206-ATB. This TC has already different links to existing national and international associations (e.g. FEHRL, PIARC, ISO, ISAP, AAPT, TRB, AAPA, ARRA, AASHTO, ASTM, NAPA, CEN, EAPA, Eurobitume). There will also be links to the new RILEM TC NBM (Nanotechnology-Based Bituminous Materials) and to other bituminous materials TC’s, in case that they are formed (e.g. cracking). In this respect the new TC will continue to profit of the existing relations and to provide its contribution within this already well established international network. The new TC will continue in the attempt to incorporate more members from overseas (especially from the United States and Asia) to broaden the global platform.
The TC fits perfectly into the RILEM's technical program, in particular the items "Mechanical Performance and Fracture; Materials Characterization, Properties Evaluation and Processing; Performance and Deterioration Mechanisms; Special Construction Materials and Components". The new TC is intended to have its annual meeting at the same place and in series with other bituminous materials TC’s (e.g. TC NBM)
Expected achievements
The new TC intends to provide the following achievements:
- Report and/or (if possible) recommendations on the results of the different TC’s
- Papers in Materials and Structures or elsewhere on the results of the different TG’s
- Organize one major symposium
Group of users
- Academics, road authorities and standardization committees
- Testing laboratories and test equipment producers
- Professionals and practitioners which have to solve non-routine problems
Specific use of the results
Environment-resistant and better performing roads are of great economic importance. Hence the economic impact of the proposed work is high. Results will be used as basis to improve national and international standards as well as exchange of data and experience. They will be used as basis to establish worldwide consensus and further coordinate development in this field. The results will also be a good basis for education of young researchers and engineers and are therefore a good investment in the future of our next generation.
