Developing a performance grading system for asphalt binders in Lebanon

Abstract

The bitumen specifications in Lebanon are based on the "conventional" test methods: the penetration, softening point and viscosity testing. Climate and traffic conditions, long-term aging are not yet directly recognized. The Performance Grading system (Superpave), which has proved its superiority over other systems in North America, is a comprehensive system that allows consideration of such factors in selecting asphalt binders. Its application to the country of Lebanon is possible and is expected to result in better practice than using the conventional methods. This paper includes a first trial of developing a Performance System for the country of Lebanon. Weather data is used to develop climatic zones that are used as basis for implementing performance grading. To validate the concepts, samples of local asphalt were tested using the Superpave technology and the results are compared with those estimated using available approximation methods such as Shell Pavement Design software packages (BANDS 2.0).