Development of dynamic modulus master curves for hot-mix asphalt with abbreviated testing temperatures

This paper describes an abbreviated testing temperature (ABBREV) approach for developing dynamic modulus (vertical bar E*vertical bar) master curves for hot-mix asphalt (HMA). The ABBREV approach uses three instead of the five standard temperatures required under AASHTO TP 62. Testing at the lowest and highest temperatures as specified under AASHTO TP 62 is not required. Potential savings in testing time were a key motivation for the study. Using a database of vertical bar E*vertical bar from up to 36 HMA mixtures, we developed regression models to estimate the vertical bar E*vertical bar at the lowest and highest testing temperatures. By combining the predicted vertical bar E*vertical bar at the lowest and highest temperatures with measured vertical bar E*vertical bar at intermediate temperatures (4, 21 and 38 degrees C), we found the ABBREV master curves to be comparable with those of AASHTO TP 62. The results suggest that vertical bar E*vertical bar master curve for HMA could be developed without the need to conduct tests at the lowest and highest testing temperatures recommended under AASHTO TP 62.