Binder Testing

The ATS binder lab technicians can provide a certificate of analysis (COA) for the asphalt binder to include full-specification testing results. COAs are typically required by the binder supplier to ensure and verify the supplied product meets target specifications. These specifications are enforced by transportation agencies to meet a given project’s requirements.

COAs are essential for several reasons:

Quality Assurance

Performance Prediction

Regulatory Compliance

Traceability

Dispute Resolution

ATS technicians can provide COAs based on national or international specification requirements or based on a customized specification table.

Tests that may be included are:

When things don’t go as planned or there is a failure at the roadway, where do you start to diagnose the issue? Is there premature rutting or cracking? Poor density results? Slippage? How do you determine what’s in your binder after it has already been incorporated into the asphalt mix?

When conducting a forensic analysis of an asphalt mix, our team extracts the binder from the mix to break it down into its original components. This allows us to accurately determine the correct proportions of binder and aggregates in the mix. Our experts can perform this analysis in the lab paired with forensic analysis on the road to help pinpoint problem areas. Based on our findings, we provide data-driven recommendations.

Looking for a custom blend? Our asphalt binder experts can create a customized formulation adding polymers or additives through low and high shear blending to enhance binder performance. Some common additives include:

Elastomers / Rubber (SBS, crumb rubber)

Fillers (mineral filler, lime, fly ash)

Chemical Additives (rejuvenators, warm mix additives)

Plastics (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl acetate)

Do you have a new product or technology you want to test in real world settings? Our binder lab is located at an asphalt production facility which can run research mixes through the plant, placing them in a controlled environment for testing and handling. Once proven, we can use our connections to assist in bringing the product to market. Our relationships with state departments and contractors are valuable to connect you with the right teams.

Concept Testing

Formulation

Product Optimization for Cost and Performance

Mix – in the Lab Versus at the Plant

Field Performance

Are you new to the asphalt industry and not sure where your product fits in the market? We can help! Our customized Asphalt Industry Workshop familiarizes you with the asphalt industry and how to position your product in the market. Email our Director of Engineering, Tanya Nash, for more details.