Low-Temperature Properties across the Different Phases: From the Binder to the Mixture

In this study, a method that can be used to replicate the fine aggregate matrix (FAM) in the field condition as accurately as possible was experimentally validated, and the low temperature performance was measured and evaluated. First, an AC 22 TS mixture is selected as the reference material. The method based on a shift of the grading curve by a mathematic adaptation to the boundary sieve (DFAIB) is used to generate the grading curves of the FAM. Next, small sample beams of asphalt binder, mastic, FAM, and mixture are tested with the bending beam rheometer to evaluate the material's response at low temperatures across the different phases. The results of the BBR study show that the FAM phase has a higher stiffness than binder and mastic with a close behavior to the mixture. The results suggest that the FAM could be potentially adapted for discriminating among different mixtures.