Force ductility: a 5 year feedback of performance results

Abstract

The development of improved test protocols and procedures for modified bituminous binder materials is currently been pursued by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The determination of the cohesive strength of modified binders using the force ductility test is currently a requirement in the existing South African Technical Guideline 1 for Modified Bituminous Binders in Road Construction. A major drawback of this prerequisite when distinguishing between modified binders is the lack of collated force ductility data nationally. This paper tries to address this information gap through presenting a summary of test results for the force ductility test since 2007 as tested at the CSIR Bituminous Binders Laboratory. The paper also tries to propose specification routes in future revisions of this guideline document.