Chemical composition of commercial asphalt cement as determined by high pressure liquid chromatography

The chemical composition of asphalt cement will determine its quality, which in turn will ultimately influence the performance of bituminous roadways. This investigation was conducted to determine if the chemical composition of asphalts as measured by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) could be used to determine the significant differences between asphalts from good and bad roads. If so, perhaps this method could be used in a predictive manner for improved asphalt specification requirements. HPLC analysis of asphalt cements from roadways which varied in quality from good to bad showed highly significant differences. Using these differences, these roadways were classified into good, fair, poor and bad. Coupling these data with the relative amounts of asphalt sub-fractions and physical tests such as penetration at 77 deg. F and ductility at 40 degree F, a reasonable explanation for why a given roadway had reduced performance was established. Using HPLC analysis and sub-fraction quantities, a qualified prediction on the asplalt quality used in two newly constructed roadways has been advanced.