ABSTRACT
As cement is used in concrete, asphalt is used in asphalt concrete to bind aggregates together. The performance of asphalt concrete is primarily dependent on the amount and type of asphalt binder used. This chapter discusses the source, properties, grading, and laboratory characterization procedures of asphalt binder. It also discusses some non-conventional forms of asphalt binders, such as cutbacks, emulsion, and foamed asphalt. Asphalt concrete is the general name of hardened asphaltic material mixed with aggregates and/or fines. It is the most common material for asphalt pavement design. It broadly consists of asphalt binder, coarse aggregate, and fine aggregate. Asphalt is one of the bituminous materials, and its generic flow can be described. Both asphalt and tar are black in color, and both have very good waterproofing and adhesion properties. Asphalt binder is obtained from crude petroleum residue or natural lakes.
