Do you know just how important it is to test the composition and strength of your asphalt? Western Canada is home to thousands of kilometres of roadways, each carefully constructed with quality materials that developers, and commuters, can trust in the long term. At ProtechGeo, we know the importance of being able to depend on the quality of your asphalt and are proud to partner with infrastructure and transportation developers to ensure you have the information you need to build with confidence. As one of western Canada’s leading providers of geotechnical engineering services, our team is here to provide a detailed site and material analysis that keeps your project on track.
Below, we’ll cover one of the essential tests used in evaluating asphalt composition, the Marshall Stability Test. Read on to learn more!
Meet The Marshall Stability Test
Though there are several ways of testing the quality of asphalt, the Marshall Stability Test is one of the most tried and true methods in the industry and helps to uncover important details that directly affect construction efforts. The “Marshall” test refers to the Marshall mix used in today’s road asphalt, with this particular design being intended to allow engineers to select optimum binder content at a density that is compatible with the stability and flow value requirements for the project. The test itself is comprised of 5 district steps, each of which provides unique insights and allows a fuller picture to be presented. The steps are as follows:
1. Aggregate Selection
Since asphalt is made from bitumen and aggregates, it’s important to know the physical properties of the aggregates to be used. During this phase, abrasion resistance, soundness, durability and particle shape will all be evaluated, and if more than one source of aggregates is involved, trial blending calculations will be performed until an ideal mix is reached.
2. Binder Selection
The aim of selecting the proper binder is to determine the relationship between temperature and viscosity to find a fit that is durable enough for your intended purposes, as well as any environmental circumstances that may otherwise affect performance.
3. Sample Preparation
Throughout the test, there will likely be a variety of bitumen-aggregate blends tested, each with different binder content to help find the perfect fit. At this stage, each sample will be heated to the predicted compaction temperature and then compacted with steady pressure.
4. Stability Testing
At this point of the test, engineers will begin to identify the maximum load a sample can handle, with specimens being loaded at around 2 inches per minute until the maximum is reached. Plastic flow is also typically measured at this phase.
5. Density and Air Void Analysis
As the final step of the process begins, your bitumen-aggregate samples will undergo specific gravity and air void tests as per the needs of your specific job site, application, and all relevant regulations. From here, a final report will be compiled with all data and recommendations being presented to your build team for further clarification.
Asphalt Testing and More with ProtechGeo
Don’t waste time and valuable money when it comes to your next road development project. It’s time to partner with a firm you know you can trust to provide consistent, dependable, results. ProtechGeo provides exceptional results, clear and easily accessible communication with our team members, and lends valuable insights you can count on. For all your geotechnical investigation needs, Protech is the consultancy you can depend on. Contact us today to learn more!