Standard Method of Test for

Determining the Rheological Properties

of Asphalt Binder Using a
Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR)

AASHTO Designation: TP51

1. SCOPE

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the dynamic shear modulus and
phase angle of asphalt binder when tested in dynamic (oscillatory) shear using parallel plate
test geometry. It is applicable to asphalt binders that have dynamic shear modulus values
from 100 Pa to 10 MPa. This range in modulus is typically obtained between 5°C and 85°C.
This test method is intended for determining the linear viscoelastic properties of asphalt
binders as required for specification testing and is not intended as a comprehensive procedure
for the full characterization of the viscoelastic properties of asphalt binder.

1.2 This standard is appropriate for unaged material or material aged in accordance
with T240, T179, or PP1.

1.3 Particulate material in the asphalt binder is limited to particles with longest
dimensions less than 250 #m.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This
standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is
the responsibility of the user of this procedure to establish appropriate safety and health
practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

2.1 AASHTO Standards

MP1 Test Method for Performance-Graded Asphalt Binder

T40 Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials
T179 Test Method for Effect of Heat and Air on Asphalt Materials (Thin Film Oven
Test)

This standardis basedon SHRPProduct1007.

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 T240 Test Method for Effect of Heat and Air on a Moving Film of Asphalt (Rolling
Thin Film Oven Test)
TP1 Test Method for Determining the Flexural Creep Stiffness of an Asphalt
Binder Using the Bending Beam Rheometer
PP1 Practice for Accelerated Aging of an Asphalt Binder Using a Pressurized
Aging Vessel
PP6 Practice for Grading or Verifying the Performance Grade of an Asphalt Binder

2.2 ASTM Standards

E1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers

E220 Method for Calibration of Thermocouples by Comparison Techniques

2.3 DIN Standards

43760

3. TERMINOLOGY

3.1 Definitions

3.1.1 asphalt binder, n--an asphalt-based cement that is produced from petroleum
residue either with or without the addition of non-particulate organic modifiers.

3.2 Descriptions of Terms Specificto this Standard

3.2.1 complex shear modulus, G*--ratio calculated by dividing the absolute value of
the peak-to-peak shear stress, 7-,by the absolute value of the peak-to-peak shear strain, 3,.

3.2.2 phase angle, _5--the angle in radians or degrees between a sinusoidally applied
strain and the resultant sinusoidal stress in a controlled-strain testing mode, or between the
applied stress and the resultant strain in a controlled-stress testing mode.

3.2.3 loss shear modulus, G"--the complex shear modulus multiplied by the sine of
the phase angle expressed in degrees. It represents the component of the complex modulus
that is a measure of the energy lost (dissipated during a loading cycle).

3.2.4 storage shear modulus, G'--the complex shear modulus multiplied by the
cosine of the phase angle expressed in degrees. It represents the in-phase component of the
complex modulus that is a measure of the energy stored during a loading cycle.

3.2.5 parallel plate geometry, n--a testing geometry in which the test sample is
sandwiched between two relatively rigid parallel plates and subjected to oscillatory shear.

3O
 3.2.6 oscillatory shear, n--refers to a type of loading in which a shear stress or shear
strain is applied to a test sample in an oscillatory manner such that the shear stress or strain
varies in amplitude about zero in a sinusoidal manner.

3.2.7 linear viscoelastic, adj--refers to a region of behavior in which the dynamic

shear modulus is independent of shear stress or strain.

3.2.8 molecular association, n--refers to associations that occur between asphalt

binder molecules during storage at ambient temperature. Often referred to as steric hardening
in the asphalt literature, molecular associations can increase the dynamic shear modulus of
asphalt binders. The extent of molecular association is asphalt specific and may be apparent
even after a few hours of storage.

4. SUMMARY OF TEST METHOD

4.1 This standard contains the procedure used to measure the complex shear modulus
(G*) and phase angle (6) of asphalt binders using a dynamic shear rheometer and parallel
plate test geometry.

4.2 The standard is suitable for use when the dynamic shear modulus varies between
100 Pa and 10 MPa. This range in modulus is typically obtained between 5°C and 85°C,
dependent upon the grade, test temperature, and conditioning (aging) of the asphalt binder.

4.3 Test specimens 1 mm thick by 25 mm in diameter, or 2 mm thick by 8 mm in

diameter, are formed between parallel metal plates. During testing, one of the parallel plates
is oscillated with respect to the other at preselected frequencies and rotational deformation
amplitudes (or torque amplitudes). The required amplitude depends upon the value of the
complex shear modulus of the asphalt binder being tested. The required amplitudes have been
selected to ensure that the measurements are within the region of linear behavior.

4.4 The test specimen is maintained at the test temperature + 0.1°C by positive
heating and cooling of the upper and lower plates.

4.5 Oscillatory loading frequencies using this standard can range from 1 to 100 rad/s
using a sinusoidal waveform. Specification testing is performed at a test frequency of
10 rad/s. The complex modulus (G*) and phase angle (iS)are calculated automatically as part
of the operation of the rheometer using proprietary computer software supplied by the
equipment manufacturer.

5. SIGNIFICANCE AND USE

5.1 The test temperature for this test is related to the temperature experienced by the
pavement in the geographical area for which the asphalt binder is intended.

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 5.2 The complex shear modulus is an indicator of the stiffness or resistance of
asphalt binder to deformation under load. The complex shear modulus and the phase angle
define the resistance to shear deformation of the asphalt binder in the linear viscoelastic
region. Other linear viscoelastic properties, such as the storage modulus (G'), or the loss
modulus (G"), can be calculated from the complex modulus and the phase angle. The loss
modulus is a measure of the energy dissipated during each loading cycle.

5.3 The complex modulus and the phase angle are used to calculate performance-
related criteria in accordance with MP1.

6. APPARATUS

6.1 Dynamic Shear Rheometer Test System--A dynamic shear rheometer test system
consisting of parallel metal plates, an environmental chamber, a loading device, and a control
and data acquisition system.

6.1.1 Testplates--Metal test plates with smooth polished surfaces. One 8.00 + 0.05
mm in diameter and one 25.00 + 0.05 mm in diameter. The base plate in some rheometers
is a flat plate. A raised portion 2 to 5 mm high with the same radius as the upper plate is
recommended. The raised portion makes it easier to trim the specimen and may improve test
repeatability.

6.1.2 Environmental Chamber--A chamber for controlling the test specimen

temperature, by heating (in steps or ramps), or cooling (in steps or ramps), to maintain a
constant specimen environment. The medium for heating and cooling the specimen in the
environmental chamber is a gas or liquid (note 1) that will not affect asphalt binder
properties. The temperature in the chamber may be controlled by the circulation of fluid or
conditioned gas; nitrogen or water is acceptable. When air is used, a suitable drier must be
included to prevent condensation of moisture on the plates and fixtures and, if operating
below freezing, the formation of ice. The environmental chamber and the temperature
controller shall control the temperature of the specimen, including thermal gradients within
the sample, to an accuracy of + 0.1 °C. The chamber shall completely enclose the top and
the bottom plates to minimize thermal gradients.

NOTE1.--A circulating bath unit separate from the dynamic shear rheometer which pumps the bath fluid
through the test chamber may be required if a fluid medium is used.

6.1.2.1 Temperature Controller--A temperature controller capable of maintaining

specimen temperatures within 0.1 °C for test temperatures ranging from 5 to 85°C.

6.1.2.2 Temperature Detector--A reference thermal detector (RTD) mounted inside

the environmental chamber, in intimate contact with the fixed plate, with a range of 5 to
85°C, readable and accurate to the nearest 0.1°C. This detector shall be used to control the
temperature in the chamber and provide a continuous readout of temperature during the
mounting, conditioning, and testing of the specimen.

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 NOTE 2.--Platinum RTDs meeting DIN Standard 43760 (Class A) or equal are recommended for this
purpose. The RTD shall be calibrated as an integral unit with its respective meter or electronic circuitry.

6.1.2.3 Reference Temperature Sensing Device--A thermistor, RTD, or

thermocouple as described in sections 9.1.1.2.1, 9.1.1.2.2, or 9.1.1.2.3 shall be used.

6.1.3 Loading device--The loading device shall apply a sinusoidal oscillatory load to
the specimen at a frequency of 10.0 + 0.1 rad/s. If frequencies other than 10 rad/s are used,
the frequency shall be accurate to 1%. The loading device shall be capable of providing
either a stress-controlled or strain-controlled load. If the load is strain controlled, the loading
device shall apply a cyclic torque sufficient to cause an angular rotational strain accurate to
within 100 #rad of the strain specified. If the load is stress controlled, the loading device
shall apply a cyclic torque accurate to within 10 mN.m of the torque specified. Total system
compliance at 100 N.m torque shall be < 2 mrad/N.m.

6.1.4 Control and Data Acquisition System--The control and data acquisition system
shall provide a record of temperature, frequency, deflection angle and torque. Devices used
to measure these quantities shall meet the accuracy requirements specified in table 1. In
addition, the system shall calculate and record the shear stress, shear strain, complex shear
modulus (G*) and phase angle (iS).The system shall measure and record G*, in the range of
100 Pa to 10 MPa, to an accuracy of 0.5% or less. The system shall measure and record the
phase angle, in the range from 0 to 90 °, + 0.1 °

Table 1. Control and Data Acquisition System Requirements

Quantity Accuracy
Temperature 0.1 °C
Frequency 1%
Torque 10 mN.m
Deflection angle 100 #rad

6.2 Specimen Mold (Optional)--A silicone rubber mold for forming asphalt binder
test specimens having a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the upper test plate
and a height approximately equal to 1.5 times the width of the test gap.

6.3 Specimen Trimmer--A specimen trimmer with a straight edge at least 4 mm

wide.

6.4 Calibrated Temperature Detector--A calibrated thermocouple, thermistor, or

RTD with a thickness or diameter < 2.0 mm is suitable for measuring the temperature of a
dummy specimen or sample of asphalt binder. Thermocouples and thermistors are not
reliable to -1-0.1 °C unless calibrated to a standard traceable to the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) and must be calibrated with associated meters or electronic
circuitry. Platinum RTDs are typically not suitable because they are too large to fit in the gap
between the test plates in the DSR.

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7. HAZARDS

7.1 Standard laboratory caution should be used in preparing the test specimens of the
hot asphalt binder.

8. PREPARATION OF APPARATUS

8.1 Prepare the apparatus for testing in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations. Specific requirements will vary for different DSR models and
manufacturers.

8.2 Mount the test plates on the test fixtures and tighten fLrmly.

8.3 Select the testing temperature according to the grade of the asphalt binder or
according to the preselected testing schedule (note 3). Allow the DSR to reach a stabilized
temperature + 0.1 °C of the test temperature.

NOTE 3.--Specification MP1 and Practice PP6 provide guidance on the selection of test temperatures.

8.4 With the test plates at the test temperature or the middle of the expected testing
range, establish the zero gap level by one of two methods. One method is to manually spin
the moveable plate. While the moveable plate is spinning, close the gap until the movable
plate touches the fixed plate. The zero gap is reached when the plate stops spinning
completely. The other method, for rheometers with normal force transducers, is to close the
gap and observe the normal force. After establishing contact between the plates, set the zero
gap at approximately zero normal force.

8.5 Move the plates apart and establish a gap setting of 1 mm plus 0.05 mm (for
25-mm diameter test specimens) or 2 mm plus 0.05 mm (for 8-mm diameter test specimens).

NoTE 4.--The frame, detectors, and fixtures in the DSR change dimension with temperature, which causes
the zero gap. Adjustments in the gap are not necessary when measurements are made over a limited range of
temperatures. The gap should be set with the test apparatus at the test temperature. When tests are to be conducted
over a range of temperatures, the gap should be set with the test apparatus at the middle of the expected range of test
temperatures. For most instruments, no gap adjustment is needed if the test temperature will be + 120C of the
temperature at which the gap is set.

9. CALIBRATION AND STANDARDIZATION

9.1 Perform the following calibration and verification procedures at least every six
months:

9.1.1 Temperature--Prepare a dummy specimen of asphalt binder or use a silicone

wafer following standard procedures. Use the dummy specimen only for temperature
verification measurements. (Dynamic shear measurements are not valid if a temperature

34
detector is inserted into the asphalt binder.) Verify the specimen temperature indicated by the
DSR RTD in trial runs by using a calibrated temperature detector inserted into the dummy
specimen.

9.1.1.1 Compare temperature measurements obtained from the dummy specimen and
the DSR RTD. Use the temperature measured inside the dummy specimen as the reference
temperature. If the temperatures are not equal, apply an appropriate temperature correction to
the temperature measurement indicated by the DSR RTD.

9.1.1.2 Thermal gradients within the rheometer and the difficulty of calibrating the
instrument RTD while it is mounted in the rheometer (see note 5) require a direct
measurement of the temperature between the plates using a dummy specimen and a reference
temperature sensing device. This is accomplished by placing a dummy specimen between the
plates and reading the temperature in the dummy specimen with a reference temperature
sensing device. A thermistor, RTD, or thermocouple as described in sections 9.1.1.2.1,
9.1.1.2.2, or 9.1.1.2.3 shall be used as the reference temperature sensing device. Adjust the
temperature in the chamber to the minimum temperature that will be used for testing and
allow the chamber to come to thermal equilibrium. Read the instrument RTD and the
temperature of the dummy specimen. Increase the temperature in increments of no more than
6°C and repeat the measurements to cover the range of test temperatures. Using these
measurements, obtain the temperature difference between the instrument RTD and the
reference temperature sensing device inserted between the plates. This difference will not be
a constant but will vary with test temperature. Offset the thermal controller on the rheometer
so that the target test temperature is obtained between the plates.

NOTE 5.--The RTD and its meter can be calibrated by a commercial vendor. Verification of calibration can
be obtained by comparing the output from the RTD with a calibrated ASTM mercury-in-glass thermometer in
accordance with ASTM E220. A stirred water bath is suitable for calibrating the thermal detector. Select a partial
immersion mercury-in-glass thermometer with an appropriate range (ASTM 90C; 0 to 30°C or ASTM 91C; 20 to
50°C) and place the thermal detector and the thermometer in the stirred water bath. Fasten the detector to the glass
thermometer with a rubber band or rubber O-ring. Allow the bath, detector, and thermometer to come to thermal
equilibrium and record the temperature of the glass thermometer and the readout from the thermal detector. The
temperature in the bath shall be constant to within 0.1 degree.

9.1.1.2.1 A silicone wafer 2 mm thick by 25 mm in diameter containing a thermistor

calibrated to the nearest 0.1 °C shall be inserted between the plates as the dummy specimen.
Use a thin coating of petroleum jelly to ensure good thermal contact. A suitable thermistor
mounted in a silicone wafer is available from Cannon Instruments as part number 9728-V95.

9.1.1.2.2 A wafer-shaped RTD shall be mounted between the plates and used as
described in section 6.1.2.2. The RTD must be calibrated as described in note 5 to the
nearest 0.1 °C. A suitable RTD is available from Omega as part number RTD FN105. This
RTD is not waterproof and must be dipped in hot asphalt prior to calibration. To obtain
measurements, the RTD is mounted in the rheometer within the asphalt binder sample. After
mounting the sample and trimming excess asphalt binder, proceed with the temperature
measurements as described in section 6.1.2.2.

35
 9.1.1.2.3 A thermocouple probe shall be used to measure the sample temperature by
inserting the probe into a sample that has been mounted in the rheometer (this procedure is
described in section 10). The thermocouple must be calibrated at 3 month intervals using the
procedure described in note 5 to the nearest 0.1 °C. When obtaining the sample temperature
the cabling and instrumentation must remain unchanged from that used during the calibration.
To make a sample temperature reading insert the thermocouple in the asphalt binder between
the plates and proceed as described in section 6.1.2.3. A suitable thermocouple probe is
available from Omega as part number HYP1-30-1/2-T-G-60-SMP-M.

9.1.2 Calibrate the load transducer in accordance with the directions and f'Lxtures
supplied with the apparatus.

9.1.3 Calibrate the strain transducer in accordance with the directions and fixtures
supplied with the apparatus.

9.1.4 Verify the overall calibration of the DSR using suitable reference fluids with
viscoelastic properties similar to asphalt binder. Do not attempt to verify individual load or
deflection detectors with a reference fluid. Suitable standards have not been identified.

NOTE6.--Reference fluids exhibiting moduli and phase angles within the range of measurement may be
used for verification purposes. Because reference fluids do not have the same temperature dependency as asphalt
binder, caution must be used when interpreting the results obtained from such fluids.

10. PREPARING SAMPLES AND TEST SPECIMENS

10.1 Preparing Test Samples--If unaged binder is to be tested, obtain test samples
according to T40.

10.1.1 Anneal the asphalt binder from which the test specimen is to be obtained by
heating until it is sufficiently fluid to pour the required specimens. Annealing prior to testing
removes reversible molecular associations (steric hardening) that occur during normal storage
at ambient temperature. Do not exceed a temperature of 163°C. Cover the sample and stir it
occasionally during the heating process to ensure homogeneity and to remove air bubbles.
Minimize the heating temperature and time to avoid hardening the sample.

NoTE 7.--Minimum pouring temperatures that produce a consistency equivalent to that of SAE 10W30
motor oil (readily pours but not overly fluid) at room temperature are recommended. Heating unaged asphalt to
temperatures above 135°C should be avoided. With some modified asphalts or heavily aged binders, however,
pouring temperatures above 135°C may be required.

10.1.2 Cold material from storage containers must be annealed prior to usage.
Structure developed during storage can result in overestimating the modulus by as much as
50%.

10.2 Preparing Test Specimens--Carefully clean and dry the surfaces of the test plates
so that the specimen adheres to both plates uniformly and strongly. Bring the chamber to
approximately 45 °C so that the plates are preheated prior to the mounting of the test

36
 specimen. This will provide sufficient heat so that the asphalt binder may be squeezed
between the plates for trimming and to ensure that the asphalt binder adheres to the plates.
Serrated plates or otherwise roughened plates are not necessary to ensure load transfer
between the asphalt binder and the plates as long as the plates are clean and dry when the
test specimen is prepared. Prepare a test specimen using one of the methods specified in
sections 10.2.1 or 10.2.2.

10.2.1 Alternate/--Remove the removable plate and, while holding the sample
container approximately 15 mm above the test plate surface, pour the asphalt binder at the
center of the upper test plate continuously until it covers the entire plate except for an
approximate 2-mm-wide strip at the perimeter (note 8). Carefully insert the RTD. Wait
several minutes for the specimen to stiffen, then mount the test plate in the rheometer for
testing.

NOTE8.--An eye dropper or syringe may be used to transfer the hot asphalt binder to the plate.

10.2.2 Alternate 2--Pour the hot asphalt binder into a silicone rubber mold that will
form a pellet that has a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the upper test plate
and a height approximately equal to 1.5 times the width of the test gap. Carefully insert the
RTD. Allow the silicone rubber mold to cool to room temperature. Remove the specimen
from the mold and center the pellet on the lower plate of the DSR.

NOTE 9.--The filled mold may be chilled in a freezer to facilitate demolding of softer grades of asphalt
binder. Chill the mold in the freezer for only the minimum time needed to facilitate demolding the specimen.

10.3 Test Specimen Trimming--After the specimen has been placed on one of the test
plates as described above, move the test plates together to squeeze the asphalt mass between
the two plates. Move the plates together until the gap between plates equals the testing gap
plus 0.05 mm.

10.3.1 Trim excess asphalt from the specimen by moving a heated trimming tool
around the upper and lower plate perimeters. The tool may be heated on a hot plate or with a
flame.

NOTE 10.--The calculated modulus is proportional to the fourth power of the specimen radius. Carefully
trim the specimen to insure that the measurements are reliable.

10.3.2 When the trimming is completed, decrease the gap by 0.05 mm to the desired
testing gap. This will cause a slight bulging of the asphalt binder at the periphery of the test
specimen.

11. PROCEDURE

11.1 Bring the specimen to the test temperature + 0.1°C. See note 4.

NOTE ll.--The gap should be set at the starting test temperature (section 11.1.1) or at the middle of the
expected range of test temperatures (section 11.1.2). See sections 8.4 and 8.5 for guidance on setting the gap.

37
Typically, reliable test results may be obtained with a single sample, in an 8-ram or 25-mm plate, using temperatures
within 12°C of the temperature at which the gap is set.

11.1.1 When testing a binder for compliance with MP1, select the appropriate test
temperature from table 1 of MP1.

11.1.2 When conducting a temperature sweep, start at a mid-range test temperature

and increase or decrease the test temperature to cover the desired range of test temperatures.
(See sections 6 and 7 in PP6.)

11.2 Set the temperature controller to the desired test temperature, including any
difference as required by section 9.1.1.2. Allow the temperature indicated by the RTD to
come to the desired temperature. The test shall be started only after the temperature has
remained at the desired temperature + 0.1 °C for at least 10 minutes. After temperature
equilibration, anneal the specimen for 5 minutes.

NOTE 12.--It is impossible to specify a single equilibration time that is valid for different manufacturers'
DSRs. The design (fluid bath or air oven) of the environmental control system and the starting temperature will
dictate the time required to reach the test temperature.

11.3 Strain Control Mode--When operating in a strain controlled mode, determine

the strain value according to the value of the complex modulus. Control the strain within
20 % of the target value calculated by equation 1.

3, = 12.0/(G*) °'29 (1)

where

3' = shear strain in percent

G* = complex modulus in kPa

11.3.1 When testing specimens for compliance with MP1, select an appropriate strain
value from table 2. Software is available with the dynamic shear rheometers that will control
the strain automatically.

Table 2. Target Strain Values

Material G* (kPa) Strain (%)

Target Value Range
Original Binder 1.0 12 9 to 15
RTFO Residue 2.2 10 8 to 12
PAV Residue 5.0 1 0.8 to 1.2

11.4 Stress-Controlled Mode--When operating in a stress-controlled mode, determine

the stress level according to the value of the complex modulus. Control the stress within 20 %
of the target value calculated by equation 2.

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 r = 0.12(G*) °m (2)

where

r = shear stress in kPa

G* = complex modulus in kPa

11.4.1 When testing specimens for compliance with MP1, select an appropriate stress
level from table 3. Software is available with the dynamic shear rheometers that will control
the stress level automatically without control by the operator.

Table 3. Target Stress Levels

Stress (kPa)
Material G* (kPa)
Target Level Range
Original Binder 1.0 0.12 0.09 to 0.15
RTFO Residue 2.2 0.22 0.18 to 0.26
PAV Residue 5.0 50.0 40 to 60

11.5 When the temperature has equilibrated, condition the specimen by applying the
required strain for 10 cycles at a frequency of 10 rad/s (note 13). Obtain test measurements
by recording data for an additional 10 cycles. Reduce the data obtained for the second
10 cycles to produce a value for the complex modulus and phase angle. Typically a Fast
Fourier Transform (FFT) is used to reduce the data. The data acquisition system
automatically acquires and reduces the data when properly activated. When conducting tests
at more than one frequency, start testing at the lowest frequency and increase to the highest
frequency.

NOTE 13.--The standard frequency of 10 rad/s is used when testing binder for compliance with MP1.

11.6 The data acquisition system specified in section 6.1.4 automatically calculates
G* and 6 from test data acquired when properly activated.

11.7 Initiate the testing immediately after preparing and trimming the specimen.
The testing at subsequent temperatures should be done as quickly as possible to minimize the
effect of molecular associations (steric hardening) that can cause an increase in modulus if
the specimen is held in the rheometer for a prolonged period of time. When testing at
multiple temperatures, all testing should be completed within 4 hours.

12. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

12.1 The dynamic modulus and phase angle depend upon the magnitude of the shear
strain; the modulus and phase angle for both unmodified and modified asphalt cement
decrease with increasing shear strain as shown in figure 1. A plot such as that shown in

39
figure 1 can be generated by gradually increasing the load or strain amplitude, thereby
producing a strain sweep. It is not necessary to generate such sweeps during normal
specification testing; however, such plots are useful for verifying the limits of the linear
region.

12.2 A linear region may be defined at small strains where the modulus is relatively
independent of shear strain. This region will vary with the magnitude of the complex
modulus. The linear region is defined as the range in strains where the complex modulus is
95 % or more of the zero-strain value.

12.3 The shear stress varies linearly from zero at the center of the plates to a
maximum at the extremities of the plate perimeter. The shear stress is calculated from the
applied or measured torque, measured or applied strain, and the geometry of the test
specimen.

13. REPORT

13.1 Provide a complete identification and description of the material tested including
name code, source, and type of sample container.

13.2 Describe the instrument used for the test. Include the model number, whether it
is a constant strain or constant stress rheometer, the type of environmental chamber, and
other information needed to describe the rheometer.

13.3 The strain and stress levels specified in tables 2 and 3 have been selected to
ensure a common reference point that has been shown to be within the linear region for plain
and modified asphalt binders. Some systems may not be linear within this region. When this
situation is observed, report the modulus at the recommended stress or strain levels but
report that the test conditions were outside the linear region.

13.4 For each test, report the following:

13.4.1 the test plate diameter, to the nearest 0.1 mm;

13.4.2 the test gap, to the nearest l#m;

13.4.3 the test temperature, to the nearest 0.1°C;

13.4.4 the test frequency, to the nearest 0.1 rad/s;

13.4.5 the strain amplitude, to the nearest 0.01%, or the torque, to the nearest
mN.m,

13.4.6 the complex modulus (G*) for the ten measurements, in kPa to three
significant figures; and

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 13.4.6 the phase angle (iS)for the second ten cycles, to the nearest 0.1 degrees.

14. PRECISION AND BIAS

14.1 Precision--The research required to develop estimates of precision has not

been conducted.

14.2 Bias--The research required to establish the bias of this method has not been
conducted.

15. KEY WORDS

Asphalt binder, complex modulus, dynamic shear rheometer.

41
 150

"ZERO" STRAIN VALUE

O" STRAIN VALUE

•_ 100

0
if) 5O

0
0 tO 20 30

Shear Strain, percent

Figure 1. Example of a Strain Sweep Test Used to Define the Linear Viscoelastic Limit
for Dynamic Mechanical Testing of Asphalt

42