ABSTRACT

This paper considers the relationship between aggregate and adhesion to bitumen. Traditionally, the role of bitumen has been thought to be of more importance. However, work carried out as part of the SHRP Programme in America has shown that failure of the bond is more frequently due to the aggregate. The Net Adsorption test was developed as a simple laboratory method to optimize the match of aggregate and bitumen. The development of this method is first summarized. An investigation of aggregate/ binder characteristics in relation to required engineering properties and aggregate mineralogy then is detailed.