HYPOTHESES AND MODELS EMPLOYED IN THE SHRP ASPHALT RESEARCH PROGRAM

This report presents for examination, the hypotheses employed in the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) Asphalt Program. These hypotheses relate to how asphalt properties affect performance; how the interaction of asphalt with aggregate modulates those effects; and how test methods and predictive models may be formulated to truly measure and estimate the influences of material properties on the ultimate performance of asphalt pavements. A principal objective of the research effort in the asphalt contracts is the accelerated validation of the candidate relationships between asphalt binder properties and the performance of asphalt-aggregate mixtures and field pavements. The mechanics of the validation process are also described in the report. The seven main asphalt research contracts are noted, and the important hypotheses and models employed in each of them are discussed. The report also presents the strategy employed to achieve the key products: performance based specifications for asphalt binders and asphalt-aggregate mixtures, in terms of a graphical time line.