Moisture damage is one of the major causes of premature failure in asphalt pavements, and it also accelerates the severity of other distresses. To date, no moisture test has been widely accepted that is reliable and practical in predicting the field moisture performance of the asphalt mix during the design stage. One reason is because the sample conditioning methods cannot represent the field conditions, resulting in inconsistent results with the field performance of some mixtures. Taken into account this concern, this paper investigates how different testing conditions, including sample preparation, moisture saturation, and loading methods, can affect the results of laboratory moisture tests. In conclusion, it is found that the degree of vacuum pressure for achieving moisture saturation and air voids distribution has a significant impact on the moisture testing results. Multiple freeze-thaw cycles have a limited effect on the variation of mechanical performance (i.e., compressive dynamic modulus). If one or several freeze-thaw cycles are to be used in a moisture test, the effect of aging should be considered. It is recommended that a sample without coring and cutting should be used for a moisture test as the coring and cutting process is found to change the air voids distribution, i.e., the percent of connected air voids, thus making the sample not representative to the field condition. Finally, the moisture test results are more sensitive under tension mode than under compression mode.

It has been extensively documented since the late 1970's that moisture damage occurs in hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. A variety of test methods are available that test an HMA's ability to resist moisture sensitivity. There are also some test methods that look at an asphalt binder's moisture susceptibility. The current test method for detecting moisture sensitivity in HMA is American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) T283: Resistance of Compacted Bituminous Mixture to Moisture-Induced Damage. Inclusion of this test method in Superpave did not consider the change in specimen size from 100mm to 150mm nor difference in compaction method. The procedures in AASHTO T283 consider the loss of strength due to freeze/thaw cycling and the effects of moisture existing in specimens compared to unconditional specimens. However, mixtures do not experience such a pure phenomenon. Pavements undergo cycling of environmental conditions, but when moisture is present, there is repeated hydraulic loading with the development of pore pressure in mixtures. Thus, AASHTO T283 does not consider the effect of pore pressure, but rather considers a single load effect on environmentally conditioned specimens. This report develops moisture susceptibility procedures which would utilize repeated loading test devices (dynamic modulus or asphalt pavement analyzer) of specimens in saturated conditions and be compared to unconditioned specimens in a dry test environment. In addition to HMA mixture testing, a modified dynamic shear rheometer will be used to determine if an asphalt binder or mastic is moisture susceptible. Moisture susceptible criteria was developed using the dynamic complex modulus, asphalt pavement analyzer, and dynamic shear rheometer. Evaluation of AASHTO T283 for 150mm Superpave Gyrtaory compacted specimens is also detailed in this report along with a new criterion.

This paper presents the results of a laboratory study conducted to examine the water-induced damage of compacted and loose asphalt-aggregate mixtures from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.One asphalt cement and two typical aggregate sources (A and B) were used to prepare asphalt mixtures.Test methods used included the Marshall stability ratio, the wet-dry indirect tensile test (Lottman) and coating and stripping tests of uncompacted mixtures (ASTM D 1664, Test Method for Coating and Stripping of Bitumen-Aggregate Mixtures, and ASTM D 3625.Test Method for Effect of Water on Bituminous-Coated Aggregate-Quick Field Test).

A comprehensive examination of rheometry theory and its practical applications This publication enables readers to understand and characterize the flow properties of complex fluids and, with this knowledge, develop a wide range of industrial and consumer products. The author fills a gap in the current literature by presenting a comprehensive description of the rheological behavior of pastes, suspensions, and granular materials and by offering readers the rheometrical techniques needed to effectively characterize these materials. With his extensive experience in both academic and industrial research, the author is able to take the field to a new level in: * General schematic classification of the behavior of pastes,suspensions, and granular materials * Systematic review, analysis, and quantification of experimental problems with complex fluids * Insight into the flow behavior of complex fluids gained through the most recent discoveries and research techniques * Comprehensive rheometrical analysis of data obtained from research across a broad range of industries In addition to gaining a thorough understanding of the theory underlining rheometry, readers discover its many practical applications. Throughout the publication, specific examples are provided that illustrate how theory is applied, including examples involving food, civil engineering, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paper coatings, paint and ink, ceramics, sewage sludges, granular materials, and natural materials. In summary, this publication provides a comprehensive review of the behavior of pastes, suspensions, and granular materials as well as detailed analysis of rheometrical techniques. Everything needed to determine the behavior and movement of complex fluids is provided. It is, therefore, a recommended resource for rheologists, engineers, and researchers, as well as students who deal with complex fluids in product formulation, quality and process control, and process plant design.