Join us for a dive into the evolving world of asphalt binder specifications and performance. This webinar explores key properties of asphalt binders and the foundational Superpave Asphalt Binder Specification, including climate-based grading systems. We’ll examine asphalt's behavior as a thermoplastic material and how it performs across varying temperature conditions.
Attendees will gain insight into essential testing methods and equipment such as the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR), Multi-Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), Unified Performance Tests using incremental Method (UPTiM), and the Multi-Stage Compression Rheometer.
The presentation then bridges lab testing with real-world performance, focusing on how binder specifications influence aging and cracking in pavements. We’ll also evaluate the IDEAL-CT mixture test, discussing its benefits and limitations in the context of cracking resistance and binder evaluation.
Finally, we’ll look ahead to emerging tests designed to better capture binder aging and cracking potential, including the PAV phase angle, ΔTc, and R-value.
Whether you're a seasoned technician or just looking to stay current, this session offers valuable insights into binder behavior, performance trends, and what the future may hold for asphalt specifications.
Phillip B. Blankenship, PE
Phil graduated in 1991 with a BS and 1993 with a MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky. From 1993-1995, he managed the Asphalt Binder Laboratory for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and was their Superpave Implementation Coordinator.
In 1995, Phil joined Koch Pavement Solutions as a Project Development Engineer for new highway technology. Then in 2007, he took on the role of Senior Research Engineer at Asphalt Institute.
In 2017, Phil founded Blankenship Asphalt Tech and Training (BATT) as a consulting engineering company that uses his agency, industry, and association combined experience. BATT lab is an asphalt testing laboratory with lab-to-pavement innovation and product commercialization.
He is a friend of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) committees, Past President of for the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists (AAPT), Chair of ASTM Subcommittee D04.26 on Fundamental Mechanistic Testing and serves on ASTM D04 Exec Committee.
Phil is a longtime volunteer with Boy Scouts of America where he has also been a course director for their national leadership courses. He resides in Richmond KY with his wife, Greta, of 30 years.