Understanding the MSCR Test and

its Use in the PG Asphalt Binder

Specification

R. Michael Anderson, Asphalt Institute

31 August 2011
MSCR Webinar

Webinar Objectives
Understand why the MSCR test is needed to
characterize the performance of asphalt
binders
Understand how the test is performed
Understand how and why the MSCR test
values Jnr, %Recovery, and Stress
Sensitivity are used
Understand how the proposed specification
works
Acknowledgments

DTFH61-08-H-00030
Cooperative Agreement between the FHWA
and the Asphalt Institute
John Bukowski, AOTR
John A. DAngelo
Asphalt Binder ETG
Member Companies of the Asphalt
Institute
Technical Advisory Committee
How Asphalt Behaves

Behavior is affected by :
Temperature
Time of Loading
Age of pavement or service life
60C

1 hour

25C
1 hour 10 hours
Pavement Behavior High
Temperature

Permanent Deformation
Mixture is Plastic
wheel path rutting
shoving at intersections
Depends on
asphalt cement (some)
mineral aggregate (some)
volumetric proportioning (some)
Testing of Asphalt Cements

Characteristics of Asphalt Cements

Consistency
term used to describe the viscosity or degree of
fluidity of asphalt at any particular temperature
varies with temperature
necessary to define an equivalent temperature or an
equivalent consistency when comparing temperature-
consistency characteristics of asphalt cements
Viscosity

Absolute Viscosity
ASTM D2171; AASHTO T202
Conducted at 60C (140F)
Uses partial vacuum to induce flow through
capillary tube
Kinematic Viscosity
ASTM D2170; AASHTO T201
Conducted at 135C (275F)
Uses gravity to induce flow through capillary tube
Viscosity
Asphalt Cement

Viscosity Graded Asphalt

60C (140F) selected to simulate in-service
temperature of asphalt pavements
135C (275F) selected to simulate mixing
and laydown temperature for HMA
Problems with Previous Systems

Penetration
empirical measure of viscous and elastic effects
Viscosity
viscous effects only
No Low Temperature Properties Measured
Problems Characterizing Modified Asphalt
Binders
Specification proliferation
Long Term Aging not Considered
Problems with Previous Systems

32,000
Apparent Viscosity, P
PBA-6A
30,000
28,000
26,000
24,000
22,000
20,000
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50

Shear Rate, s-1

PG System Concept

the values of the specification criteria that

warrant against distress are independent of
temperature, but the values must be obtained
at different temperatures according to climate.

This implies test measurements at

temperatures and loading rates consistent
with conditions existing in the pavement.
Superpave Binder Testing

Performance-Based Physical Properties Measured by

Rotational Viscometer (RV) (high temps)
Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) (high, intermediate temps)
Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) (low temps)
Direct Tension Tester (DTT) (low temps)

- 22 20 64 135

Pavement Temperature (oC)

Performance Grades
Performance-Related Requirements

Shearing resistance to resist traffic loads

Upper specification temperature
G*/sin 1.00 kPa Tank
G*/sin 2.20 kPa RTFOT residue
Grade-Bumping: Used to Increase
Rutting Resistance (AASHTO M 323)
The SHRP PG Binder Tests

Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR),

AASHTO T315
for determining the modulus (stiffness) of
asphalt binders at intermediate and upper
pavement temperatures.
Dynamic Shear Rheometer

Test procedure results in complex

modulus and phase angle
Specification test is conducted at 10 rad/s
Temperature range from 3C to 88C
Parallel plate geometry
Valid for linear viscoelastic materials
Materials with moduli that are independent of
applied stress or strain
Particles must be < 250 microns
DSR Test Fundamentals

Asphalt binder is
placed between two
parallel plates
Upper plate it is
rotated with respect
to lower plate
Cyclical rotation A-B-A-C-A-B-A-C-A, etc.
Maximum stress and strain in each
direction are measured
 Elastic: = 0 deg Viscous: = 90 deg

max max
Applied
Shear
Stress
time

max max
Resulting
Shear
Strain
time

time lag converts to

 Viscoelastic: 0 < < 90
max
Applied
Shear
Stress
time
max
G* =
max
max
360tf
Resulting
= 2p
Shear
Strain
time
 Asphalt A Asphalt B
G*
G*
Viscous Part (G)

Viscous Part
(G)

Elastic Part (G)
Elastic Part
(G) Viscous Part (G)
sin =
G*
Shortcomings of G*/sin

G*/sin as a High Temperature Parameter

Properties determined in Linear Viscoelastic
(LVE) region
No damage behavior
Rutting is a non-linear failure
Polymer-modified systems engaged in non-linear region
Characterizes stiffness
Related to rutting
Effect of Phase Angle
1.00

0.98

0.96
Sin

0.94

0.92

0.90
60 65 70 75 80 85 90

Phase Angle, degrees

 ALF Study - 7 Asphalt Binders

AZ PG
PG
CRM Air TX 70-22 PG SBS Air
70-22 SBS TP SBS TP
---- Blown TBCR + 70-22 64-40 Blown
Control
70-22 Fibers

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
 Relationship between G*/ sin
and ALF rutting
12

10
y = -7.4519x + 10.956
R2 = 0.1261
8
G*/sin d 64C

4
Existing SHRP specification has poor
relationship to rutting for modified systems.
2

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
rutting inches
NCHRP 9-10

NCHRP 9-10 Asphalt Binders

PG 82-22 SBS-radial
PG 82-22 Polyethylene-stabilized
PG 82-22 Steam Distilled
PG 82-22 SBR-low molecular weight
PG 76-22 Ethylene Terpolymer
PG 76-22 Oxidized
PG 58-40 SBS-linear
PG 58-40 SB Di-block
PG 58-40 Oxidized
NCHRP 9-10 Binders

Excerpt from NCHRP Report 459, Characterization of Modified

Asphalt Binders in Superpave Mix Design
Kentucky 70-22 Study

October 2001
Kentucky 70-22 Study

Kentucky PG 70-22 Study (1996)

Evaluate PG 70-22 asphalt binders produced by
different methods
SBS (2)
SBR
Gel
Select Crude
I-64 near Winchester
Duplicate 1-mile test sections using each asphalt binder
Asphalt binder and mixture testing
Effect of Binder G*/sin on Mixture
Permanent Shear Strain
25000

20000
RSCH @58C, microstrain

15000 y = 19270.79e-0.09x
R2 = 0.42

10000

5000

0
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00
RTFO G*/sin , 70C
PG Grading Alone Does Not Always
Predict Performance

Study of the two mixes with the same

aggregate structure, but different binders.
PG 63-22 modified, no rutting PG 67-22 unmodified, 15mm rut
AASHTO M320 and Polymer-
Modified Binders

Why doesnt AASHTO M320 properly

characterize polymer-modified binders?
Current spec, G* and are measured in the
linear viscoelastic range.
For neat asphalts, flow is linear and not sensitive
to the stress level of the test.
For polymer-modified binders, the response is not
linear and sensitive to the stress level of the test.
The polymer chains can be rearranged
substantially as the stress increases.
AASHTO M320 and Polymer-
Modified Binders

What happened as a result of the inability to

properly characterize polymer-modified
binders?
Most states began requiring additional tests to the
ones required in AASHTO M320
These mostly empirical tests are commonly referred to
as PG Plus tests
These tests are not standard across the states
difficult for suppliers
Even some of the tests that are the most common, e.g.
Elastic Recovery, are not run the same way from state
to state
States with a PG Plus
Specification

*
*

PG Plus Spec

No PG Plus Spec
NCHRP 9-10:
High Temperature Testing

Repeated Shear Creep

Analogous to mixture test (RSCH)
Performed in DSR
Controlled shear stress (i.e., 25 Pa or 300 Pa)
100 cycles
1-second load, 9-second rest per cycle
High test temperature (HT-?)
Response: permanent shear strain (p) or strain slope
Repeated Shear Creep

14
Perm. Shear Strain, %

12
10 Recoverable shear strain
8
6 Instantaneous
shear strain Permanent
4 shear strain
2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10

Time, seconds
NCHRP 9-10

Excerpt from NCHRP Report 459, Characterization of Modified

Asphalt Binders in Superpave Mix Design
NCHRP 9-10

Jnr = 0.105 /0.3 kPa

= 0.35 kPa-1
Rec = (0.125 0.105)/0.125
= 16%

Jnr = 0.075 /0.3 kPa

= 0.25 kPa-1
Rec = (0.125 0.075)/0.125
= 40%

peak Jnr = 0.045 /0.3 kPa

= 0.15 kPa-1
nr Rec = (0.125 0.045)/0.125
= 64%

Excerpt from NCHRP Report 459, Characterization of Modified

Asphalt Binders in Superpave Mix Design
Repeated Shear Creep

NCHRP 9-10: PG 82 Binders

Repeated Shear Creep (70C, 300Pa)
Perm. Shear Strain, %

14
12 Ox
10
8 PE-s
6
4
SBS-r
2
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000

Time, seconds
NCHRP 9-10: Relationship of Binder
RCR to Mixture Rutting

Excerpt from NCHRP Report 459, Characterization of Modified

Asphalt Binders in Superpave Mix Design
Problem Statement

Provide Users a High Temperature Binder Spec

Blind to Modification
Provide Users with alternatives to the empirical
Superpave Plus tests
Elastic Recovery
Ductility/ Force Ductility
Toughness and Tenacity
Approach: Develop AASHTO/ASTM Standard
Practice for Superpave Plus Specifications
DSR
Multiple Stress Creep Recovery
High Temperature Specification
Parameter Related to Rutting

Any new specification must be blind to

modification.
A new specification must identify the
rutting potential of all binder types under
multiple conditions.
Binders are stress sensitive and different
mix tests apply different stress conditions.
Multiple Stress Creep Recovery Test

Performed on RTFO-aged Binder

Test Temperature
Environmental Temperature
Not Grade-Bumped
10 cycles per stress level
1-second loading at specified shear stress
0.1 kPa
3.2 kPa
9-second rest period
Standard Test Procedure
developed for AASHTO
Multiple Stress Creep Recovery

The test method is detailed in AASHTO TP70

The test uses the same Dynamic Shear
Rheometer (DSR) as required in M320
Only minor software changes are need to run
the MSCR test
The test uses the creep and recovery method
to measure the percent recovery and non-
recoverable creep compliance (Jnr)
Multiple Stress Creep Recovery
Definitions:
Creep and recovery a standard test protocol whereby a
specimen is subjected to a constant load for a fixed time
period and then allowed to relax (recover) at a zero load
for a fixed time period
Percent Recovery A measure of how much the sample
returns to its previous shape after being repeatedly
stretched and then relaxed
Non-Recoverable Creep Compliance (Jnr) a measure
of the amount of residual strain left in the specimen after
repeated creep and recovery, relative to the amount of
stress applied
Multiple Stress Creep Recovery Test

Calculate Non-recoverable Creep

Compliance (Jnr)
Non-recoverable shear strain divided by
applied shear stress
J = compliance
nr = non-recoverable
Calculate Recovery for each Cycle, Stress
Difference between strain at end of recovery
period and peak strain after creep loading
MSCR

14
Perm. Shear Strain, %

12
10 Recoverable shear strain
8
6 Instantaneous
shear strain Non-recoverable (permanent)
4 shear strain
2
0
0 2 4 6 8 10

Time, seconds
MSCR Non-Recoverable Compliance
(Jnr)

Unrecovered Shear Strain

80 Jnr =
Applied Shear Stress
70
60
Strain, %

50 Cycle 3 Unrecovered
(permanent) strain
40
30 Cycle 2 Unrecovered
(permanent) strain
20
Cycle 1 Unrecovered
10 (permanent) strain
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Time, seconds
MSCR Non-Recoverable Compliance
(Jnr)

0.1 kPa Shear Stress

0.80
0.70 Unrecovered Shear Strain
Jnr =
Applied Shear Stress
0.60
0.50 0.197
Strain

Jnr = = 1.97 kPa-1

0.40 0.1 kPa

0.30
0.20 0.197
Cycle 1 Unrecovered
0.10 (permanent) strain
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Time, seconds
 Normalized Creep and Recovery Cycles
for a Neat PG 70-22 @ 0.1 kPa and 70C
40.0

35.0
Normalized strain [%]

30.0

25.0

20.0

15.0

10.0

5.0

0.0
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00
Time [s]
 Normalized Creep and Recovery Cycles
for a Neat PG 70-22 @ 3.2 kPa and 70C
1400

1200
Normalized strain [%]

1000

800

600

400

200

0
0.0 20.0 40.0 60.0 80.0 100.0
Time [s]
 Normalized Creep and Recovery Cycles
for a PMA PG 70-28 @ 0.1 kPa and 58C
7

5
Normalized strain%

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
Time s
 Normalized Creep and Recovery Cycles
for a PMA PG 70-28 @ 3.2 kPa and 58C

200

150
Normalized strain %

100

50

0
0 20 40 60 80 100
time s
MSCR Calculations: Jnr
Meas. Pts. Time Shear Stress Strain

1
[s]
0.1
[Pa]
100
[%]
2.69374
0 = initial strain
2 0.2 100 4.93844
3 0.3 100 6.80793 r = strain at the end of recovery
4 0.4 100 8.44763
5
6
0.5
0.6
100
100
9.9813
11.3947
10 = total strain at 10 seconds
7 0.701 100 12.7678
8 0.801 100 14.0523 = applied shear stress, kPa
9 0.901 100 15.3203
10 1.001 100 16.5372
11 1.101 1.911E-23 15.1257
12 1.201 0 13.9755
13 1.301 0 13.2543 10 = (r 0)/100
14 1.401 0 12.6937
15 1.501 0 12.2402
16 1.601 0 11.8613
17 1.701 0 11.5305
18 1.801 0 11.2409
19
20
1.901
2.001
0
0
10.9871
10.7647
10
Jnr =

95 9.5 0 6.59212
96 9.6 0 6.57239
97 9.701 0 6.55293
98 9.801 0 6.53421
99 9.901 0 6.51511
100 10.001 0 6.49638
MSCR Calculations: Jnr
Meas. Pts. Time Shear Stress Strain

1
[s]
0.1
[Pa]
100
[%]
2.69374
0 = initial strain = 0 for 1st cycle
2 0.2 100 4.93844
3 0.3 100 6.80793 r = strain at the end of recovery
4 0.4 100 8.44763
5
6
0.5
0.6
100
100
9.9813
11.3947
10 = total strain at 10 seconds
7 0.701 100 12.7678
8 0.801 100 14.0523 = applied shear stress, kPa
9 0.901 100 15.3203
10 1.001 100 16.5372
11 1.101 1.911E-23 15.1257
12 1.201 0 13.9755
13 1.301 0 13.2543 10 = (r 0)/100 = (6.49638 0)/100
14 1.401 0 12.6937
15
16
1.501
1.601
0
0
12.2402
11.8613
10 = 0.0649638
17 1.701 0 11.5305
18 1.801 0 11.2409 = 100/1000 = 0.1 kPa
19 1.901 0 10.9871
20 2.001 0 10.7647

95 9.5 0 6.59212
10 0.0649638
96 9.6 0 6.57239
Jnr = =
97
98
9.701
9.801
0
0
6.55293
6.53421
0.1
99 9.901 0 6.51511
100 10.001 0 6.49638 Jnr = 0.650 kPa-1
MSCR Calculations

Stress 100
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 0 5.724265 5.724265 3.371436 3.371436 41.1 0.337
2 3.371436 9.060554 5.689118 6.52782 3.156384 44.5 0.316
3 6.52782 12.20788 5.68006 9.596538 3.068718 46.0 0.307
4 9.596538 15.26679 5.670252 12.61336 3.016822 46.8 0.302
5 12.61336 18.27734 5.66398 15.59425 2.98089 47.4 0.298
6 15.59425 21.25832 5.66407 18.55251 2.95826 47.8 0.296
7 18.55251 24.21541 5.6629 21.49123 2.93872 48.1 0.294
8 21.49123 27.14828 5.65705 24.41367 2.92244 48.3 0.292
9 24.41367 30.06472 5.65105 27.32161 2.90794 48.5 0.291
10 27.32161 32.9752 5.65359 30.21859 2.89698 48.8 0.290
Average 46.7 0.302
MSCR Calculations: Jnr

Stress 100
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 0 5.724265 5.724265 3.371436 3.371436 41.1 0.337
2 3.371436 9.060554 5.689118 6.52782 3.156384 44.5 0.316
3 6.52782 12.20788 5.68006 9.596538 3.068718 46.0 0.307
4 9.596538 15.26679 5.670252 12.61336 3.016822 46.8 0.302
5 12.61336 18.27734 5.66398 15.59425 2.98089 47.4 0.298
6 15.59425 21.25832 5.66407 18.55251 2.95826 47.8 0.296
7 18.55251 24.21541 5.6629 21.49123 2.93872 48.1 0.294
8 21.49123 27.14828 5.65705 24.41367 2.92244 48.3 0.292
9 24.41367 30.06472 5.65105 27.32161 2.90794 48.5 0.291
10 27.32161 32.9752 5.65359 30.21859 2.89698 48.8 0.290
Average 46.7 0.302

Jnr = non-recoverable strain at the end

of the cycle divided by applied stress
MSCR Calculations: Jnr

Stress 100
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 0 5.724265 5.724265 3.371436 3.371436 41.1 0.337
2 3.371436 9.060554 5.689118 6.52782 3.156384 44.5 0.316
3 6.52782 12.20788 5.68006 9.596538 3.068718 46.0 0.307
4 9.596538 15.26679 5.670252 12.61336 3.016822 46.8 0.302
5 12.61336 18.27734 5.66398 15.59425 2.98089 47.4 0.298
6 15.59425 21.25832 5.66407 18.55251 2.95826 47.8 0.296
7 18.55251 24.21541 5.6629 21.49123 2.93872 48.1 0.294
8 21.49123 27.14828 5.65705 24.41367 2.92244 48.3 0.292
9 24.41367 30.06472 5.65105 27.32161 2.90794 48.5 0.291
10 27.32161 32.9752 5.65359 30.21859 2.89698 48.8 0.290
Average 46.7 0.302

10 (not expressed as a %)
Jnr =
Stress (expressed in kPa)
MSCR Calculations: Jnr

Stress 100
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 0 5.724265 5.724265 3.371436 3.371436 41.1 0.337
2 3.371436 9.060554 5.689118 6.52782 3.156384 44.5 0.316
3 6.52782 12.20788 5.68006 9.596538 3.068718 46.0 0.307
4 9.596538 15.26679 5.670252 12.61336 3.016822 46.8 0.302
5 12.61336 18.27734 5.66398 15.59425 2.98089 47.4 0.298
6 15.59425 21.25832 5.66407 18.55251 2.95826 47.8 0.296
7 18.55251 24.21541 5.6629 21.49123 2.93872 48.1 0.294
8 21.49123 27.14828 5.65705 24.41367 2.92244 48.3 0.292
9 24.41367 30.06472 5.65105 27.32161 2.90794 48.5 0.291
10 27.32161 32.9752 5.65359 30.21859 2.89698 48.8 0.290
Average 46.7 0.302
2.89698%
100%
Jnr = = 0.289698
100 Pa
1000 Pa/kPa
MSCR Calculations: Recovery
Meas. Pts. Time Shear Stress Strain

1
[s]
0.1
[Pa]
100
[%]
2.69374
0 = initial strain
2 0.2 100 4.93844
3
4
0.3
0.4
100
100
6.80793
8.44763
c = strain at the end of creep
5 0.5 100 9.9813
6 0.6 100 11.3947 1 = total strain at 1 second
7 0.701 100 12.7678

r = strain at the end of recovery

8 0.801 100 14.0523
9 0.901 100 15.3203
10 1.001 100 16.5372

10 = total strain at 10 seconds

11 1.101 1.911E-23 15.1257
12 1.201 0 13.9755
13 1.301 0 13.2543
14 1.401 0 12.6937
15 1.501 0 12.2402
16 1.601 0 11.8613
17
18
1.701
1.801
0
0
11.5305
11.2409
1 = c 0
19 1.901 0 10.9871
20 2.001 0 10.7647 10 = r 0

95
96
9.5
9.6
0
0
6.59212
6.57239
1 10
97 9.701 0 6.55293
Recovery = 100 x
98
99
9.801
9.901
0
0
6.53421
6.51511
1
100 10.001 0 6.49638
MSCR Calculations: Recovery
Meas. Pts. Time Shear Stress Strain

1
[s]
0.1
[Pa]
100
[%]
2.69374
0 = initial strain = 0 for 1st cycle
2 0.2 100 4.93844
3
4
0.3
0.4
100
100
6.80793
8.44763
c = strain at the end of creep
5 0.5 100 9.9813
6 0.6 100 11.3947 r = strain at the end of recovery
7 0.701 100 12.7678
8 0.801 100 14.0523
9 0.901 100 15.3203
10 1.001 100 16.5372

1 = c 0 = 16.5372 0 = 16.5372
11 1.101 1.911E-23 15.1257
12 1.201 0 13.9755
13 1.301 0 13.2543
14
15
1.401
1.501
0
0
12.6937
12.2402
10 = r 0 = 6.49638 0 = 6.49638
16 1.601 0 11.8613
17 1.701 0 11.5305
18 1.801 0 11.2409
19 1.901 0 10.9871 16.5372 6.49638
20 2.001 0 10.7647 Recovery = 100 x
16.5372
95 9.5 0 6.59212
96 9.6 0 6.57239
97 9.701 0 6.55293
98
99
9.801
9.901
0
0
6.53421
6.51511
Recovery = 60.7%
100 10.001 0 6.49638
MSCR Calculations: Recovery

Stress 100
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 0 5.724265 5.724265 3.371436 3.371436 41.1 0.337
2 3.371436 9.060554 5.689118 6.52782 3.156384 44.5 0.316
3 6.52782 12.20788 5.68006 9.596538 3.068718 46.0 0.307
4 9.596538 15.26679 5.670252 12.61336 3.016822 46.8 0.302
5 12.61336 18.27734 5.66398 15.59425 2.98089 47.4 0.298
6 15.59425 21.25832 5.66407 18.55251 2.95826 47.8 0.296
7 18.55251 24.21541 5.6629 21.49123 2.93872 48.1 0.294
8 21.49123 27.14828 5.65705 24.41367 2.92244 48.3 0.292
9 24.41367 30.06472 5.65105 27.32161 2.90794 48.5 0.291
10 27.32161 32.9752 5.65359 30.21859 2.89698 48.8 0.290
Average 46.7 0.302

Recovery = ratio of recoverable strain

to total strain
MSCR Calculations: Recovery

Stress 100
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 0 5.724265 5.724265 3.371436 3.371436 41.1 0.337
2 3.371436 9.060554 5.689118 6.52782 3.156384 44.5 0.316
3 6.52782 12.20788 5.68006 9.596538 3.068718 46.0 0.307
4 9.596538 15.26679 5.670252 12.61336 3.016822 46.8 0.302
5 12.61336 18.27734 5.66398 15.59425 2.98089 47.4 0.298
6 15.59425 21.25832 5.66407 18.55251 2.95826 47.8 0.296
7 18.55251 24.21541 5.6629 21.49123 2.93872 48.1 0.294
8 21.49123 27.14828 5.65705 24.41367 2.92244 48.3 0.292
9 24.41367 30.06472 5.65105 27.32161 2.90794 48.5 0.291
10 27.32161 32.9752 5.65359 30.21859 2.89698 48.8 0.290
Average 46.7 0.302

1 - 10
Recovery = x 100%
1
MSCR Calculations: Recovery

Stress 100
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 0 5.724265 5.724265 3.371436 3.371436 41.1 0.337
2 3.371436 9.060554 5.689118 6.52782 3.156384 44.5 0.316
3 6.52782 12.20788 5.68006 9.596538 3.068718 46.0 0.307
4 9.596538 15.26679 5.670252 12.61336 3.016822 46.8 0.302
5 12.61336 18.27734 5.66398 15.59425 2.98089 47.4 0.298
6 15.59425 21.25832 5.66407 18.55251 2.95826 47.8 0.296
7 18.55251 24.21541 5.6629 21.49123 2.93872 48.1 0.294
8 21.49123 27.14828 5.65705 24.41367 2.92244 48.3 0.292
9 24.41367 30.06472 5.65105 27.32161 2.90794 48.5 0.291
10 27.32161 32.9752 5.65359 30.21859 2.89698 48.8 0.290
Average 46.7 0.302

5.65359 2.89698 x 100% = 48.8%

Recovery =
5.65359
 Stress Sensitivity Parameter

(Jnr, 3.2kPa - Jnr, 0.1kPa)

Jnr, diff = x 100 75%
Jnr, 0.1kPa

For polymer-modified binders, the strain response is not

linear and sensitive to the stress level of the test. The
polymer chains can be rearranged substantially as the stress
increases. This parameter is a check on the phenomenon.
 MSCR Calculations
Stress 100
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 0 5.724265 5.724265 3.371436 3.371436 41.1 0.337
2 3.371436 9.060554 5.689118 6.52782 3.156384 44.5 0.316
3 6.52782 12.20788 5.68006 9.596538 3.068718 46.0 0.307
4 9.596538 15.26679 5.670252 12.61336 3.016822 46.8 0.302
5 12.61336 18.27734 5.66398 15.59425 2.98089 47.4 0.298
6 15.59425 21.25832 5.66407 18.55251 2.95826 47.8 0.296
7 18.55251 24.21541 5.6629 21.49123 2.93872 48.1 0.294
8 21.49123 27.14828 5.65705 24.41367 2.92244 48.3 0.292
9 24.41367 30.06472 5.65105 27.32161 2.90794 48.5 0.291
10 27.32161 32.9752 5.65359 30.21859 2.89698 48.8 0.290
Average 46.7 0.302
Stress 3,200
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 30.21859 215.2849 185.0663 145.1119 114.8933 37.9 0.359
2 145.1119 329.1282 184.0163 255.2796 110.1677 40.1 0.344
3 255.2796 439.8686 184.589 365.5291 110.2495 40.3 0.345
4 365.5291 550.9107 185.3816 476.9474 111.4183 39.9 0.348
5 476.9474 662.9821 186.0347 589.5852 112.6378 39.5 0.352
6 589.5852 775.9253 186.3401 703.0847 113.4995 39.1 0.355
7 703.0847 889.6097 186.525 817.1547 114.07 38.8 0.356
8 817.1547 1003.761 186.6063 931.5326 114.3779 38.7 0.357
9 931.5326 1118.101 186.5684 1046.021 114.4884 38.6 0.358
10 1046.021 1232.409 186.388 1160.374 114.353 38.6 0.357
Average 39.2 0.353
 MSCR Calculations
Stress 100
-1
Cycle 0 c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
1 0 5.724265 5.724265 3.371436 3.371436 41.1 0.337 Stress Sensitivity =
2 3.371436 9.060554 5.689118 6.52782 3.156384 44.5 0.316
3
4
6.52782
9.596538
12.20788
15.26679
5.68006
5.670252
9.596538
12.61336
3.068718
3.016822
46.0
46.8
0.307
0.302
Jnr,3.2 Jnr,0.1
5 12.61336 18.27734 5.66398 15.59425 2.98089 47.4 0.298
6
7
15.59425
18.55251
21.25832
24.21541
5.66407
5.6629
18.55251
21.49123
2.95826
2.93872
47.8
48.1
0.296
0.294
Jnr,0.1
8 21.49123 27.14828 5.65705 24.41367 2.92244 48.3 0.292
9 24.41367 30.06472 5.65105 27.32161 2.90794 48.5 0.291
10 27.32161 32.9752 5.65359 30.21859 2.89698 48.8 0.290
Average 46.7 0.302 Stress Sensitivity =
Stress
Cycle 0
3,200
c 1 r 10 Recovery Jnr, kPa
-1 0.353 0.302
1 30.21859 215.2849 185.0663 145.1119 114.8933 37.9 0.359
2
3
145.1119
255.2796
329.1282
439.8686
184.0163
184.589
255.2796
365.5291
110.1677
110.2495
40.1
40.3
0.344
0.345
0.302
4 365.5291 550.9107 185.3816 476.9474 111.4183 39.9 0.348
5 476.9474 662.9821 186.0347 589.5852 112.6378 39.5 0.352
6 589.5852 775.9253 186.3401 703.0847 113.4995 39.1 0.355
7 703.0847 889.6097 186.525 817.1547 114.07 38.8 0.356
8 817.1547 1003.761 186.6063 931.5326 114.3779 38.7 0.357 Stress Sensitivity =
10
9 931.5326
1046.021
1118.101
1232.409
186.5684
186.388
1046.021
1160.374
114.4884
114.353
38.6
38.6
0.358
0.357
0.17
Average 39.2 0.353
MSCR and Rutting

What is the relationship of Jnr to Rutting?

The relationship was determined with many
field and lab studies using many modified and
neat binders.
During Specification development many
stress levels where evaluated in the test.
 Relationship between G*/ sin
and ALF rutting
12

10
y = -7.4519x + 10.956
R2 = 0.1261
8
G*/sin d 64C

4
Existing SHRP specification has poor
relationship to rutting for modified systems.
2

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8
rutting inches
 Relationship between Jnr and ALF
Rutting 25.6kPa
2.5

Jnr = (4.74*Rut Depth) - 1.17

2
R2 = 0.82

1.5
MSCR can adjust for field
Jnr

conditions and has excellent

1 relations to performance.

0.5

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8

ALF Rutting, in
Effect of Binder G*/sin on Mixture
Permanent Shear Strain
25000

20000
RSCH @58C, microstrain

15000 y = 19270.79e-0.09x
R2 = 0.42

10000

5000

0
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00
RTFO G*/sin , 70C
Effect of Binder Jnr on Mixture
Permanent Shear Strain
25000
y = 8633.20e0.58x
R = 0.71
20000
RSCH @58C, microstrain

15000

10000

5000

0
0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 1.20 1.40
Jnr @3.2kPa, 64C (kPa-1)
Mississippi I55: 6-Year Rutting
Compared to Jnr 3.2 kPa

4
Jnr @ 3.2kPa (1/kPa)

y = 0.29x + 0.13
2
R = 0.75
3

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Rut Depth, mm
 Hamburg Rut Testing: MnROAD Mixes
Tested at Multiple Temperatures

Jnr 12.8 kPa

14.0
PG 58-28
12.0 PG 58-34
PG 58-40
10.0
y = 0.4416x - 0.5205
R2 = 0.93
8.0
Jnr kPa-1

6.0

4.0

2.0

0.0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
rut mm
High Temperature Binder
Criteria

Linear binder tests will not correlate with high

temperature mixture failure tests unless the
binder is a viscous fluid at those temperatures
To accurately address mix failure, non-linear
binder properties have to be evaluated
Creep & Recovery testing of the binder at
different stress levels is needed to describe
binder properties in the non-linear range
Effect of Jnr on Rutting

Reducing Jnr by half typically reduced rutting by

half
This effect is seen on ALF sections and
Hamburg Rut Testing
But most importantly this is seen on the Mississippi
I-55 sections.
Determination of Specification
Criteria

The existing binder specification works very well

for neat binders.
The grading for neat binders should not change.
Establish new Jnr criteria based on response of
neat binders at their continuous grade temp.
Evaluate the binders near the end of their linear
range. Most neat binders remain linear up to 3.2
kPa stress.
 Neat PG58-28 at Multiple
Temperatures
3
30

2.5
25 58C
64C Neat binders are typically linear
70C up to 3.2 kPa or higher
20
2
Jnr

1.5
15

10
1

5
0.5

0
10 100 1000 10000 100000
Stress Pa
Evaluation of Straight-Run Binders

Sample ID Name Grade true grade Temp Jnr 3.2kPa

ALF 6727 Control 70-22 72.7-74.2 72.7 4.39
BBRS3 straight 64-22 66.1-27.3 66.1 4.18
MN county rd 112 neat Valero 58-28 60.8-33.4 60.8 3.68
MN county rd 112 neat Citgo 58-28 59.5-29.8 59.5 5.30
MN county rd 112 AshlandM 58-28 60.7-31.4 60.7 4.30
Minn Road straight 58-28 61.8-30.8 61.8 3.03
Miss I-55 CSL 67-22 68.3-25.1 68.3 2.67
Shandong straight 64-22 64.4-23.5 64.4 4.44
BBRS3 straight 70-22 71.4-24.8 71.4 4.81
BBRS3 straight 58-28 61.3-30 61.3 4.00
MD project straight 64-28 64.8-29.6 64.8 4.59

average 4.13
MSCR

Polymer modified binders have shown

significant sensitivity to the applied stress.
The existing SHRP binder specification
does not identify this issue.
SBS PG 70-28 SBS

1
Compliance values increase with
0.9
9 temperature and stress. The rate of
58C
0.8
8 increase with stress increases with
64C
70C
increased temperature.
7
0.7
76C
6
0.6 72C calc
Jnr

0.5
5

0.4
4
0.3
3
0.2
2
0.1
1
0
10 100 1000 10000 100000
Stress Pa
 Variations in Temp sensitivity
3.2kPa
30
3
70-28 SBS
70-28 Elvaloy y = 4E-17x8.9845
25
2.5
R2 = 0.9979
PG 58-28
70-28 SBS-El
2
20 PG 70-22
Jnr

1.5
15 Neat binders have similar temp.
sensitivity modified binder do not. y = 8E-19x9.6024
R2 = 1
1
10
y = 2E-22x11.437
R2 = 0.9999
y = 6E-27x13.808
0.5
5 R2 = 0.996
y = 1E-19x9.7667
R2 = 0.9999
0
55 60 65 70 75 80
Temp C
Effect of Temp and Stress on Jnr

In neat binders a grade bump by temperature will

more than double the Jnr value.
Some neat binders will maintain their compliance
value well beyond the 3.2 kPa stress.
M320 Grade bumping (increasing PG grade
temperature) have forced suppliers to use very soft
base binders and high degree of polymer
modification to meet wide temperature ranges and
the 2.2 kPa for the RTFOT.
This has made some polymers very stress sensitive.
Grade Bumping Recommendation

All testing should be done at the environmental

grade temperature one shift factor does not work
for all polymer-modified asphalt binders.
The standard grade should be based on the Jnr
value of existing neat binders (4.0 kPa-1).
For high traffic, the Jnr value should be reduced by
half at the grade temperature to 2.0 kPa-1
For very high or standing traffic, the Jnr value should
be reduced by half again to 1.0 kPa-1
For extreme traffic (high volume, slow or standing),
the Jnr value should be reduced by half again to 0.5
kPa-1
Purpose of the Stress Sensitivity
Requirement

Stress sensitivity requirement limits the

change in compliance Jnr with stress level
to less than on full grade change.
The stress sensitivity requirement is an
additional safety factor if the pavement
experiences higher than expected
temperatures and or higher loading.
 Stress Sensitivity of the ALF
Binders
64-40 64C
2.0
AB 64C
1.8 SBS LG
1.6 control 64C

1.4 Elvaloy 64C

TBCR 64C
Jnr kPa-1

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0
.010 0.1 1.0 10.0 100
Stress kPa
Effect of Temperature and
Stress on Jnr

Some binders are very sensitive to stress showing large

increases in compliance with increased stress level.
These same binders are very often more sensitive to
temperature changes also showing large increases in
compliance with increased temperature.
The 3.2 kPa stress level in the MP 19 spec was a
compromise where there was good correlation to field
performance, but lab testing at higher temperatures and
accelerated loading at higher stress levels correlated
better to rutting.
New High Temperature Binder
Specification

AASHTO MP19
The new specification is based on the non-
recoverable compliance (Jnr) of the binder
All testing should be done at the pavement
environmental grade temp to reflect response at
actual operating temperatures
The test should be run at two stress levels 0.1 and 3.2
kPa for ten cycles at each level.
Low temp BBR and DTT remain unchanged
 AASHTO MP19
Original
DSR G*/sin 64
Min 1.0
RTFOT
64 Standard 64
MSCR3.2 <4.0
64 Heavy [(MSCR3.2 64
MSCR 3.2<2.0 MSCR 0.1)/
64 Very heavy MSCR 0.1] < .75
64
MSCR3.2 <1.0

PAV
S grade 28 25 22 19 16
DSR G*sin
Max 5000
H & V grade 28 25 22 19 16
DSR G*sin
Max 6000

Low temp BBR and DTT remain unchanged

AASHTO MP19

Grades
Based on Climatic Temperature
High and Low Pavement Temperature
Traffic Designation
S Standard
H Heavy
V Very Heavy
E Extreme
New PG Grading System (MSCR)

Environmental grade plus traffic level

designation; i.e. PG 64-22E
Four traffic levels
S = Standard: < 10 million ESALs and
standard traffic loading
H = Heavy: 10 30 million ESALs or
slow moving traffic loading
V = Very Heavy: > 30 million ESALs or
standing traffic loading
E = Extreme: > 30 million ESALs and
standing traffic loading
New High Temperature
Specification

PG 64 (Standard, Heavy, Very Heavy,

Extreme) based on traffic
PG 64-xxS Jnr =< 4.0
PG 64-xxH Jnr =< 2.0
PG 64-xxV Jnr =< 1.0
PG 64-xxE Jnr =< 0.5
AASHTO MP19

PG 64-22V asphalt binder

What do I need to test?
What are the temperatures and criteria?
PG 64-22V Asphalt Binder

Original (Unaged) Binder

COC Flash Point
Must be 230C
Rotational Viscosity @ 135C
Must be 3 Pa-s
DSR (AASHTO T315)
G*/sin must be 1.00 kPa @ 64C
PG 64-22V Asphalt Binder

RTFO Aged Binder

RTFO Mass Change
Must be 1.00%
DSR (AASHTO TP70)
Jnr must be 1.0 kPa @ 64C
Stress Sensitivity must be 0.75
PG 64-22V Asphalt Binder

PAV Aged Binder

DSR (AASHTO T315)
G*sin must be 6000 kPa @ 25C
BBR (AASHTO T313)
S(60) must be 300 MPa @ -12C
m(60) must be 0.300 @ -12C
AASHTO MP19

Grades
Within same climatic grade all test
temperatures stay same
PG 64-22_
Original DSR @ 64C Criteria changes
RTFO MSCR @ 64C depending on
PAV DSR @ 25C traffic designation
BBR @ -12C
Grade Bumping with MP19

Without temperature bumping how is the binder

grade adjusted for traffic?
Can the existing LTPPBind software still be used
for grade bumping?
LTPPBind 3.1 can still
be used for binder
selection.

The unadjusted grade

is the New S grade.
PG 58S
LTPPBind 3.1 can still
be used for binder
selection.

As the temperature is
adjusted for speed or
traffic instead of
bumping with temp
bump to H, V, or E.
In this case PG58V
MSCR: What is % Recovery?

MSCR Jnr addresses the high temperature

rutting for both neat and modified binders,
but many highway agencies require
polymers for cracking and durability.
The MSCR % Recovery measurement can
identify and quantify how the polymer is
working in the binder.
 MSCR %Recovery:
Validate Polymer Modification

100

90

80
High elasticity y = 29.371x-0.2633
70

60
% recovery

50

40

30

20

10 Poor elasticity

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 2.1
Jnr kPa
 MSCR %Recovery:
Validate Polymer Modification
100

90

80
Minimum value for
70
Jnr .125 to .25
60 grade
% recovery

Minimum value
50
for Jnr .5 to 1
grade Minimum value for Jnr
40 1 to 2 grade
30

20
y = 29.371x-0.263
10

0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 2 2.1
Jnr 1/kPa
MSCR %Recovery:
Table of Minimum Values

Minimum % Recovery for Measured Jnr values

Jnr @ 3.2 kPa Minimum % Recovery

2.0 - 1.01 30%

1.0 - 0.51 35%
0.50 - 0.251 45%
0.25 - 0.125 50%
Validate Polymer Modification
100
Recovery = 29.37*(Jnr-0.26)
80
Recovery, %

60
High Elasticity

40

20 Low Elasticity

0
0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00
Jnr, kPa-1
Validate Polymer Modification
PG 76-22 Binders: MSCR3200

110
100
90
Rec3200 @ 64C, %

y = 29.82x -0.39
80 R = 0.54
70
60
50
40
30 Recovery = 29.37*Jnr-0.26
20
0.00 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60
Jnr @ 64C, kPa-1
Blending of Binders and Polymers:
MSCR Study

PG 64-22 Base asphalt

4 % SBS polymer
Radial
Linear
0.5% PPA
2 blending temperatures
 Polymer Network Affects
Response
800

4 binders same base asphalt all

700
with 4% SBS polymer. 2 with .5%
PPA all have different properties.
600

500
% strain

400

300

LC P4 70C
200
LOP 4P 70C
LC 4 70C
100 LOP 4 70C

0
0 2 4 6 8 10
time s
Fatigue Evaluation
ASTM 4760 4-point Flexural Fatigue
Cycles*Stiffness Analysis
200C Test Temperature
1.00E+07

DLSI-4 PG 64-22V

DLSI-2 PG 64-22V
1.00E+06
ER = 68%
MSCR Recovery = 30.8%
Cycles to Failure, (Nf)

1.00E+05

ER = 65% y = 8.69E+20x-5.60E+00
R = 9.33E-01
MSCR Recovery = 24.7%
1.00E+04

y = 3.44E+25x-7.27E+00
R = 9.53E-01

1.00E+03
300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1,000 1,100 1,200
Microstrain
Implementation Activities

User-Producer Groups
Task Force participation
Coordination of round-robin testing
Conducting testing for individual user
agencies
Implementation Assistance

Educational
FHWA Technical Brief
FHWAHIF11038
Asphalt Institute
Guidance Document, Implementation of the
Multiple Stress Creep Recovery Test and
Specification
Guidance Document, Using the MSCR Test with
the AASHTO M320 Specification
www.asphaltinstitute.org
Engineering/MSCR Information
Implementation

Telephone survey in 2010 and since

indicate that there are barriers to state
MSCR implementation
Inadequate DSR equipment/software
Lack of resources to perform transitional tests
Lack of guidance from suppliers and other
states
Uncertainty about effect on binder supply and
modification
Survey Results - Barriers

9 of 14 states said biggest barrier was

concerns over correlation between existing
PG Plus and new MSCR criteria
Comment:
Satisfied with the PG 76-22 polymer modified
binder performance. There is a perception
that moving to MSCR test may result in lower
polymer loading and reduction in binder
performance.
Survey Results - Training

11 of 14 states said they could use some

type of training
8 requested classroom training
9 requested laboratory training
Comments:
More important than training is keeping abreast of
progress around the country
Internet based training would be preferred since
travel is restricted
Implementation

Recognize that the refineries that serve your state

may also serve bordering states.
This may be a good reason to work with other
states to implement regionally
Note that every Performance Grade may not
equate to a distinct MSCR grade - for example, the
current polymer loading in both a PG 70-22 and
PG 76-22 may be high enough that both grade to a
PG 64-22 E
Implementation

Some agencies may be reluctant to implement

MSCR fully, since the names by which they refer
to binder types will necessarily change.
PG 64-22 H instead of PG 70-22, for a possible
example

AIs Guidance on the Use of the MSCR Test with

the AASHTO M320 Specification.
High PG Map (98%)
Recommended Testing
Temperature (M320 Grade)
TABLE 1: Recommended MSCR Testing Temperature (based on M320 Grade)

MSCR Test Temperature1, C

2 3
Grade States 46 52 58 64 67 70
PG 46-28 1 X

PG 52-28 3 X
PG 52-34 4 X

PG 58-22 9 X
PG 58-28 25 X
PG 58-34 12 X4 X4

PG 64-10 1 X
PG 64-16 4 X
PG 64-22 38 X
PG 64-28 31 X5 X5
4
PG 64-34 7 X X4

PG 67-22 5 X

PG 70-10 2 X
PG 70-16 3 X
PG 70-22 22 X
PG 70-28 22 X5 X5
PG 70-34 4 X4 X4

PG 76-16 1 X
PG 76-22 30 X
5
PG 76-28 12 X X5
PG 76-34 2 X4 X4

PG 82-16 1 X6 X6
PG 82-22 6 X
PG 82-28 2 X5 X5
1
All MSCR testing is performed on the asphalt binder after RTFO-aging.
2
AASHTO M320 Table 1. Premium grades (defined as those grades where
the temperature differential is 92 degrees or greater) are shown in red.
3
Number of states listing the grade in the Asphalt Institute binder specification
database (www.asphaltinstitute.org).
4
Test at either 52C or 58C depending on the climate of the project. Users can
test at both temperatures if desired.
5
Test at either 58C or 64C depending on the climate of the project. Users can
test at both temperatures if desired.
6
Test at either 64C or 70C depending on the climate of the project. Users can
test at both temperatures if desired.
Implementation

Importantly, AI recommends that if the MSCR test is

implemented to evaluate the delayed elastic response of
binders, then other PG Plus tests with a similar purpose -
such as Elastic Recovery, Force Ductility, and Toughness
and Tenacity tests - should be eliminated.
If you are conducting side-by-side testing for a while as a
precaution, keep in mind that these types of tests give
much more simplified results with a much higher degree of
error than the MSCR, so agencies should not expect a
strong correlation between them and MSCR results.
Why MSCR?

Why Use the MSCR Test and Spec?

Non-recoverable creep compliance, Jnr, is
better correlated with pavement rutting than
G*/sin
The high temperature parameter is truer to the
intent of the PG specification, that it be blind to
method of modification
Why MSCR?

Why Use the MSCR Test and Spec?

MSCR Recovery can be used to identify
elastomeric modification, thereby eliminating
the need for many PG-Plus tests like Elastic
Recovery
Much quicker test
Not directly tied to performance
Asphalt Institute TAC

Position of the Technical Advisory

Committee of the Asphalt Institute.
It is AIs opinion that the MSCR test and
specification represent a technical
advancement over the current performance-
graded (PG) asphalt binder specification,
AASHTO M320, which will allow for better
characterization of the high temperature
performance-related properties of an asphalt
binder.
 Thanks!
Contact Information:

R. Michael (Mike) Anderson, P.E.

Director of Research and Laboratory Services
Asphalt Institute
859.288.4984 office
manderson@asphaltinstitute.org
www.asphaltinstitute.org