Turning to a lab for help with asphalt mix design? Here are six tips that will help ensure you get the desired results.
The asphalt experts at the BATT Lab employ rigorous quality control measures throughout our mix design process. We overcome challenges daily in creating mix designs that meet our client’s needs. The process of asphalt mix design calls for a partnership with our clients, and there are a few sure-fire ways to do your part and ensure you get the results you need for your next project.
1. Provide clear project requirements.
Performance specifications, traffic volumes, climate conditions, and specific project challenges or constraints — this information helps our asphalt experts tailor the mix design to achieve the design properties that will meet your customer’s requirements.
2. Provide adequate aggregate samples and property information.
Contractors are generally familiar with the properties of aggregates mined in their area, so the more information they can share with us, the quicker we can establish an initial baseline. Providing adequate quantities of aggregates — including different aggregates like clean or washed — also gives us the ability to test different mix designs to achieve the best performance characteristics.
3. Provide information on how the plant handles its materials.
Information about your materials handling, storage, mixing, and blending helps ensure the mix design we devise will work within your operational procedures. Do you transport aggregates by front loader or with conveyors? How are they fed into the mix? Do your aggregates require drying to remove moisture? How are your binder storage tanks maintained with respect to heat? What are your mixing procedures and how are additives incorporated into the mix — with the aggregate, the RAP, or in the binder stream?
4. Define the objective of additives in the mix.
Additives can assist in achieving desired performance goals, but it’s critical to determine the optimal dosage. Too much can produce a drastic effect on binder grade, and in some states, the binder will not meet spec. Some additives tend to soften virgin binder, and if it becomes too soft, it won’t perform as needed or will fail spec.
5. Provide details on your plant’s operations.
How do you handle dust? Do you meter it? Employ a baghouse? We can get the mix to work perfectly in the lab, but when the formula gets to the plant, how will the plant use it? The material handling process is the key to success in creating a mix that will perform well. Detailed information on your plant’s operations will help us further tailor the mix to meet your needs.
6. Maintain an open mind about the ultimate mix design.
Sometimes clients come to us with an idea for a mix design, and we welcome that. But following a client’s recipe of materials may not always achieve the best design. Especially in the case of BMD testing, it’s important to move your mindset away from volumetrics. What works for Superpave and volumetrics may not translate to IDEAL CT testing or testing with HWT or Hamburg. To get the highest performing mix possible, we encourage our clients to be open to trying new materials or additives or using new aggregate products. We want our clients to feel free to leverage our experience in developing new and innovative asphalt paving solutions.
The final analysis
The process of mix design and performance testing relies heavily on the partnership between BATT and its clients. By providing the necessary project and material information, adequate quantities of samples, and maintaining open communications, you’ll contribute to the successful development of a high-quality, high-performing asphalt mix that will meet your customer’s expectations.
For more information on our asphalt mix design and performance testing services, visit this page, or contact us at the Get in Touch button below.
