What is Asphalt Testing?

What is asphalt testing? It is a range of materials tests that are performed to understand the characteristics of asphalt samples. Asphalt testing is performed by private companies, research organisations, road and highway authorities, and universities and colleges.  Asphalt tests are generally categorised as either destructive or non destructive.

The tests can be conducted in laboratories or on site.  Tests to improve mix designs, structural designs, pavement life and to reduce maintenance are typically performed in a laboratory using prepared asphalt specimens.  These tests can also evaluate HMA mixes and modified HMA and analyse premature Pavement failure.  Government’s Road Authorities usually have their own testing facilities for testing asphalt for use on their own roads and highways.

Some of the main objectives for asphalt testing are for quality control to ensure that it meets international standards (e.g. BS, EN, ASTM, AASHTO, NCHRP), achieves minimum mechanical performance standards, it uses correct and appropriate materials and that these are in the right proportions.  Other objectives for Asphalt testing include improving Hot Mix Asphalt mixtures, understanding its performance properties for road and highway pavement design and for analysing why a road has failed prematurely and not held up to normal use.

Once all the necessary asphalt tests have been carried out, laboratories typically prepare written reports detailing their findings. This will include information about the nature of the asphalt and its predicted strength. Asphalt testing is a vital component in the design, maintenance and construction of roads, highways and airport runways.

Reputable laboratories will be happy to be audited to ensure that their methods and equipment are correct and current.  They such also provide details of their processes on how they perform their asphalt tests.