A high-viscosity modified asphalt material preparation performance tester and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a testing instrument and method for the preparation performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials, belonging to the technical field of asphalt material preparation performance testing. It includes a support assembly, an industrial microscope, a sample fixing assembly, a tapping assembly, and a data acquisition system. The industrial microscope is positioned above the support assembly, with the sample fixing assembly and tapping assembly positioned on its left and right sides, respectively. The sample fixing assembly includes a chuck, whose position is adjustable left and right, and can rotate 360° and be locked. The tapping assembly includes a tapping stage, a force display, and a tapping pin. The position of the tapping stage is adjustable forward and backward and up and down. The force display is positioned on the tapping stage and its left and right movement can be controlled. The tapping pin is positioned on the side of the force display closest to the chuck. The force display is electrically connected to the data acquisition system. This invention features a simple testing structure, low cost, high efficiency, and high practical value, making it easy to promote.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a testing instrument and method for the preparation performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials, belonging to the technical field of asphalt material preparation performance testing. Background Technology

[0002] Large-void asphalt pavement, as a pavement structure type that provides high skid resistance, is widely used in road engineering, improving pavement operation safety. Simultaneously, due to its high porosity (generally above 20%), large-void asphalt pavement can achieve rapid drainage, reducing traffic accidents caused by adverse rainy conditions, and also improves road noise, exhibiting overall good social and environmental benefits. Despite its significant advantages, the durability of large-void asphalt pavement is limited by its large-void structure. Therefore, to extend the service life of large-void asphalt pavement, it is typically reinforced with high-viscosity modified asphalt materials that have good adhesion to aggregates, ensuring its long-term stability under harsh traffic conditions. Simultaneously, it is necessary to test the preparation performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials to ensure they meet standard requirements, guaranteeing optimal road performance in practical engineering applications, thereby achieving the best long-term benefits of high skid resistance in asphalt pavement. According to the "Technical Specification for Construction of Highway Asphalt Pavement" (JTGF40-2004), the technical requirements for high-viscosity modified asphalt for large-void asphalt pavement in my country are as follows: Test item indicators require: penetration (25℃, 0.1mm) ≥40, softening point (℃) ≥80, ductility (15℃, cm) ≥50, flash point (℃) ≥260, film heating mass change (%) ≤0.6, film heating residual penetration ratio (%) ≥65, viscosity-toughness (25℃, Nm) ≥20, toughness (25℃, Nm) ≥15, dynamic viscosity (60℃, Pa.s) ≥20000, and Brinell viscosity (135℃, Pa.s) ≤3. The evaluation criteria for high-viscosity modified asphalt differ significantly from those for polymer-modified asphalt. While polymer-modified asphalt is evaluated using three main indicators, the criteria for evaluating high-viscosity modified asphalt, in addition to meeting the technical requirements of polymer-modified asphalt, primarily require meeting indicators such as dynamic viscosity at 60℃. This is due to the special requirements of large-void asphalt pavement for asphalt binders in the mixture.

[0003] Currently, most methods for detecting aggregate interlocking involve measuring the asphalt content in the asphalt mixture (such as the combustion method), and then determining the strength of the interlocking effect based on the mix design parameters and skeleton type. However, there are no concrete, visual test results to substantiate these findings. Furthermore, these methods are complex and time-consuming.

[0004] To ensure the road performance of drainage asphalt pavements, evaluating the bonding performance of the binder in high-viscosity modified asphalt mixtures is crucial. However, existing testing methods are complex, time-consuming, and yield relatively limited results. While the penetration test can characterize asphalt viscosity, it is time-consuming from sample preparation to final penetration measurement, and the only evaluation result is the penetration distance. Furthermore, human error is a significant factor. Although existing tests can effectively characterize the viscosity of high-viscosity modified asphalt, it primarily exists in the mixture as mortar, forming a bond with fine aggregates and fillers. Therefore, evaluating the bonding performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar materials better reflects its actual road performance within the mixture.

[0005] To address the complex and cumbersome engineering challenges in testing the performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials, this invention innovatively proposes a testing instrument and method for the performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials. This method can not only characterize the bonding performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar materials, but also evaluate the interlocking effect of aggregates in high-viscosity modified asphalt mixtures. Summary of the Invention

[0006] (a) Technical problems to be solved The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to address the complex and cumbersome nature of existing performance testing methods for high-viscosity modified asphalt materials. The goal is to provide a simple, low-cost, efficient, and highly practical technical solution for evaluating the performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a performance testing instrument for the preparation of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials. The instrument includes a support assembly, an industrial microscope, a sample fixing assembly, a tapping assembly, and a data acquisition system. The industrial microscope is positioned above the support assembly, and the sample fixing assembly and the tapping assembly are respectively located below the left and right sides of the industrial microscope. The sample fixing assembly includes a chuck for clamping the test sample. The chuck's position is adjustable left and right, and it can rotate 360° and be locked. The tapping assembly includes a tapping stage, a force display, and a tapping pin. The tapping stage's position is adjustable forward and backward as well as up and down. The force display is positioned on the tapping stage and its left and right movement can be controlled. The tapping pin is located on the side of the force display closest to the chuck. The force display is electrically connected to the data acquisition system. During testing, the tapping pin is controlled to tap the test sample clamped on the chuck. An industrial microscope is used to observe the tapping position (e.g., to observe the specific location of the tapping pin, which also allows for more precise and detailed tapping, resulting in more accurate test results and better serving subsequent research). A force display shows the maximum force value transmitted during each tapping process, and the data acquisition system plots a maximum force curve based on the maximum force value detected by the force display.

[0008] By integrating support components, an industrial microscope, sample fixing components, a tapping component, and a data acquisition system, an integrated testing platform encompassing "visual observation, precise positioning, quantitative loading, and automatic data acquisition" was constructed. The industrial microscope enables real-time visualization of the tapping process, avoiding positioning deviations caused by blind testing. The 360° rotating and left-right adjustable chuck design supports rapid switching between multiple testing points, eliminating the need for repeated clamping and significantly improving testing efficiency. The multi-directional adjustment of the tapping stage and the linkage design with the force display ensure that the tapping needle accurately aligns with the target point, supporting rapid switching between multiple testing levels. The force display is electrically connected to the data acquisition system, automatically recording the maximum force value and plotting evaluation curves, achieving objective quantification of test data, effectively reducing human reading errors, and improving the accuracy, repeatability, and engineering guidance value of performance evaluation for high-viscosity modified asphalt materials.

[0009] Furthermore, this testing instrument also includes a device mounting plate, on which the support assembly, sample fixing assembly, and insertion assembly are all mounted. By uniformly mounting the support assembly, sample fixing assembly, and insertion assembly onto the device mounting plate, a rigid integrated base is formed, effectively suppressing vibration and relative displacement caused by component dispersion during testing. The unified reference surface improves the spatial alignment accuracy between components, simplifies the overall assembly and debugging process, facilitates equipment handling and on-site deployment, and ensures the long-term stability and measurement consistency of the testing system.

[0010] Furthermore, the device mounting plate is a perforated plate. The perforated plate structure utilizes regularly distributed mounting holes to enable tool-free, rapid assembly and disassembly of components and fine-tuning of their positions. This significantly enhances the modularity and spatial layout flexibility of the testing platform, allowing for rapid reconfiguration of component relative positions according to different sample sizes or special testing requirements, reducing non-standard customization costs, and facilitating later maintenance and functional expansion. Assembly is also simple, requiring no specialized technicians, saving both cost and time.

[0011] Furthermore, the sample fixing assembly also includes a left-right adjustment component and a fixing sleeve. The left-right adjustment component is a lead screw assembly with a left-right adjustment handle at one end of the lead screw. The fixing sleeve is fixedly mounted on the nut seat of the lead screw assembly. The chuck is rotatably mounted on the fixing sleeve, and a locking handle is provided on the fixing sleeve. The locking handle is threadedly connected to the fixing sleeve and passes through the fixing sleeve, abutting against the chuck. The chuck's left-right position can be flexibly adjusted, and the sample can rotate 306°. There are no restrictions on sample testing in the left-right direction or at various angles on the same plane, adapting to various specific test conditions. The left-right adjustment component uses lead screw drive, which, together with the adjustment handle, achieves micron-level fine adjustment of the chuck's lateral position. The threaded abutment structure between the fixing sleeve and the locking handle ensures that the chuck is rigidly locked at any rotation angle, preventing deflection or slippage during insertion. This design balances adjustment accuracy and clamping stability, shortens sample centering time, and effectively prevents data distortion caused by loose clamping during testing.

[0012] Furthermore, the chuck is a three-jaw chuck. Three-jaw chucks have strong automatic centering capabilities, fast clamping speed, simple operation, uniform clamping force, good stability, simple structure, and low maintenance costs.

[0013] Furthermore, the support assembly includes a bottom sleeve, a support rod, and a locking rod. The bottom sleeve is fixedly installed, the support rod is inserted into the bottom sleeve, and the locking rod is threaded onto the bottom sleeve. The locking rod passes through the bottom sleeve and abuts against the support rod, and the industrial microscope is mounted on the support rod. The locking rod provides radial preload to prevent microscope field of view drift caused by test vibrations, ensuring continuous and clear observation of the contact state between the tip of the probe and the sample surface.

[0014] Furthermore, the attacking assembly also includes a front-to-back adjustment assembly and a vertical adjustment assembly. The front-to-back adjustment assembly uses a lead screw assembly, with a front-to-back adjustment handle at one end of the lead screw. The vertical adjustment assembly is fixedly mounted on the nut seat of the lead screw assembly. The vertical adjustment assembly uses a worm gear lead screw lifting mechanism, and the attacking platform is located at the lifting end of the worm gear lead screw lifting mechanism, which is equipped with a lifting control handle. The front-to-back adjustment assembly uses lead screw transmission to achieve precise longitudinal positioning of the attacking platform. The vertical adjustment assembly uses a worm gear lead screw lifting mechanism, utilizing its self-locking characteristic to prevent the attacking platform from accidentally sinking or rebounding under load. This combined structure achieves high-precision and high-stability positioning of the attacking platform in both vertical and depth directions, making it particularly suitable for the layered testing requirements of asphalt materials.

[0015] Furthermore, a screw is rotatably mounted on the tapping platform, with a tapping control handle at one end of the screw. The force display is slidably connected to the tapping platform, and the screw is threadedly connected to the force display. The screw and tapping control handle on the tapping platform, along with the threaded connection, provide sliding guidance to the force display, converting the rotational motion of the handle into a minute lateral displacement of the force display (and the tapping needle). The sliding connection reduces mechanical friction and return clearance, enabling smooth fine-tuning of the tapping needle in the left-right direction. Combined with the front-back and up-down adjustment mechanisms, this constitutes a complete three-dimensional fine-tuning positioning system, ensuring precise alignment of the needle tip with the preset test point on the sample, meeting the stringent alignment requirements for micromechanical testing of high-viscosity asphalt materials.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for testing the performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials based on the aforementioned performance testing instrument, which includes the following steps: S1: Prepare samples of high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar or mixture; S2: Place the sample in the chuck and clamp the sample; S3: Electrically connect the force display to the data acquisition system; S4: Adjust the sample fixing assembly and the tapping assembly so that the tapping pin is aligned with one of the upper, middle, or lower layers of the sample. S5: Observe the image of the tapping needle in the industrial microscope, and make the tip of the tapping needle just contact the test point on the sample surface. S6: Operate the attack control handle to attack the sample at a speed of 0.01 mm / s, and observe the attack status in real time through an industrial microscope. The maximum force and attack distance data are automatically recorded during the test. After the test at this point is completed, rotate the sample to test the maximum force and attack distance at different points in the same layer. Measure a set of data for the upper, middle and lower layers of the sample in this way, for a total of 3 sets of data. S7: When the difference between a data point and the average value of the data set is greater than ±5%, the data point is discarded, and the average value of the remaining data is taken as the result of the test. S8: After discarding invalid data, calculate the standard deviation of each data set or all data. The mathematical expression for the standard deviation is:

[0017] in, Indicates standard deviation, Indicates the first One measured value, This represents the mean of the measured values. This represents the total number of measured values; S9: The average value and standard deviation of the measured data are used as evaluation indicators. If the sample is a high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar, it is used to evaluate its bonding performance; if the sample is a high-viscosity modified asphalt mixture, it is used to evaluate the interlocking effect of its aggregates.

[0018] This testing method establishes a standardized and repeatable experimental procedure: a constant low-speed approach of 0.01 mm / s is used to avoid dynamic impact interference; layered (upper, middle, and lower) and rotating multi-point testing strategies effectively capture the internal heterogeneity characteristics of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials; a ±5% outlier elimination rule combined with standard deviation calculation eliminates random errors from a statistical perspective and quantifies the degree of data dispersion; finally, the mean and standard deviation are mapped to the "bonding performance" of the mortar material and the "aggregate interlocking effect" of the mixture, respectively, realizing the direct connection between test data and engineering mechanical evaluation indicators, and providing a scientific and intuitive basis for material ratio optimization and construction quality control.

[0019] Furthermore, in S6, the number of data points for each group can be selected as 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. Limiting the number of data points to 4 to 8 per group strikes a balance between statistical significance and testing efficiency: too few data points are easily affected by local defects, resulting in insufficient representativeness, while too many data points significantly prolong the experimental cycle; this range satisfies the stability requirements of basic statistics (mean, standard deviation) while also taking into account the timeliness of routine laboratory testing, thus improving the universality and engineering operability of the method.

[0020] (III) Beneficial Effects The above-described technical solution of the present invention has the following advantages: (1) The principle and structure of this invention are simple, and the material can be high-quality metal, which is sturdy and durable. The device can be assembled at will, is easy to maintain, does not require professional technicians, can save costs and time, has high practical value, and is very easy to promote.

[0021] (2) The testing process is fast and efficient, requiring no complicated operations, only adjustments to the sample, the injection stage, and the injection pin. Data acquisition is electronic and can automatically record multiple sets of data.

[0022] (3) The evaluation index is force value, which is easy to quantify and characterize the preparation performance of high viscosity modified asphalt mortar materials, and can also evaluate the interlocking effect of aggregates in high viscosity modified asphalt mixtures.

[0023] (4) The tapping needle of this invention can be prefabricated to different thicknesses, and the chuck and tapping stage support adjustment in multiple orientations, which can adapt to different types of samples and various test conditions, making it widely applicable. At the same time, it is equipped with an industrial microscope, which can observe the tapping status of the tapping needle in real time.

[0024] (5) This method is based on the bonding performance test of asphalt mortar materials, which can more realistically reflect the preparation performance of high viscosity modified asphalt materials in actual road structures compared with asphalt binder.

[0025] In addition to the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical features of the technical solutions constituted by the present invention, and the advantages brought about by the technical features of these technical solutions as described above, other technical features of the present invention and the advantages brought about by these technical features will be further explained in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structural layout of the tester of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the force display and the tapping needle of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the display interface of the data acquisition system of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lead screw assembly included / used in the sample fixing assembly and the tapping assembly of the present invention.

[0031] In the diagram: 1. Support assembly; 11. Bottom sleeve; 12. Support rod; 13. Locking rod; 2. Industrial microscope; 21. Focusing knob; 3. Sample fixing assembly; 31. Three-jaw chuck; 32. Left and right adjustment assembly; 33. Fixing sleeve; 34. Left and right adjustment handle; 35. Locking handle; 4. Tapping assembly; 41. Tapping stage; 42. Force display; 43. Tapping pin; 44. Front and rear adjustment assembly; 45. Up and down adjustment assembly; 46. Front and rear adjustment handle; 47. Lifting control handle; 48. Screw; 49. Tapping control handle; 5. Data acquisition system; 6. Device fixing plate; 7. Base; 8. Slider; 9. Lead screw. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] Example 1 like Figure 1-3As shown in the attached figure (threads are not shown), a high-viscosity modified asphalt material preparation performance testing instrument includes a device fixing plate 6, a support assembly 1, an industrial microscope 2, a sample fixing assembly 3, a tapping assembly 4, and a data acquisition system 5. The support assembly 1, sample fixing assembly 3, and tapping assembly 4 are all mounted on the device fixing plate 6. Support feet are also provided at the four corners of the device fixing plate 6. These support feet can be designed with an adjustable height, such as a structure using a screw 48 and a threaded sleeve, or other structures achievable with existing technology. The device fixing plate 6 is a perforated plate. The industrial microscope 2 is positioned above the support assembly 1, and the sample fixing assembly 3 and tapping assembly 4 are respectively positioned below the left and right sides of the industrial microscope 2. The sample fixing assembly 3 includes a chuck for clamping the test sample. The chuck's position is adjustable left and right, and it can rotate 360° and lock, thereby adjusting the position of the sample on it. The attack assembly 4 includes an attack stage 41, a force display 42, and an attack pin 43. The position of the attack stage 41 is adjustable forward and backward as well as up and down. The force display 42 is mounted on the attack stage 41 and its left and right movement can be controlled. The attack pin 43 is located on the side of the force display 42 near the chuck, so the position of the attack pin 43 can be adjusted forward and backward, up and down, and left and right. The force display 42 is electrically connected to the data acquisition system 5. During testing, the sample fixing assembly 3, the attack assembly 4, and the industrial microscope 2 are all fixed on the device fixing plate 6. After the sample is fixed with the chuck, the sample is adjusted to the optimal testing position by left and right adjustment and rotation adjustment of the chuck. Then, the vertical height and forward and backward distance of the attack stage 41 are adjusted so that the attack pin 43 is in the optimal position for attacking the sample. Then, the tapping pin 43 is controlled to tap the test sample clamped on the chuck. The industrial microscope 2 is used to observe the situation at the tapping position (during the test, the operator can clearly observe the tapping state of the tapping pin 43 by focusing the industrial microscope 2, and observe the image in the microscope while operating the tapping pin). The force display 42 is used to display the maximum force value returned during each tapping of the tapping pin 43 (which can judge the aggregate structure inside the sample and better study the interlocking effect of the aggregate). The data acquisition system 5 plots a curve based on the maximum force value detected by the force display 42. Figure 3 The data acquisition system 5 is used as the test display interface. A curve is plotted based on the maximum force value returned by the force display 42. Figure 3 Taking a single layer with eight data points as an example, if the image tends to be circular, it indicates that the uniformity of the sample layer system is good.

[0035] More specifically, the support assembly 1 includes a bottom sleeve 11, a support rod 12, and a locking rod 13. The bottom sleeve 11 is fixedly mounted on the device fixing plate 6, specifically in the middle of the rear side of the device fixing plate 6. The support rod 12 is inserted into the bottom sleeve 11, and the locking rod 13 is threaded onto the bottom sleeve 11. The locking rod 13 passes through the bottom sleeve 11 and abuts against the support rod 12 to fix the support rod 12 and restrict its rotation. The industrial microscope 2 is mounted on the support rod 12, which can be directly locked onto it using bolts or other fixing methods, such as clamps or direct insertion.

[0036] It should be noted that the "high viscosity" in high viscosity modified asphalt is mainly defined by key indicators such as dynamic viscosity at 60℃ and softening point. It usually means that its dynamic viscosity at 60℃ is significantly higher than that of conventional modified asphalt, reaching more than 20,000 Pa·s, and its softening point is not lower than 80℃.

[0037] Example 2 This embodiment is a further optimization and refinement of the testing instrument based on Embodiment 1. The adjustable structure of the chuck and the adjustable structure of the tapping stage 41 can be implemented using various existing technologies. This embodiment provides a structure that enables each of them to perform their functions.

[0038] The sample fixing assembly 3 further includes a left-right adjustment assembly 32 and a fixing sleeve 33. The left-right adjustment assembly 32 is a lead screw assembly, with a left-right adjustment handle 34 at one end of the lead screw 9. The fixing sleeve 33 is fixedly mounted on the nut seat of the lead screw assembly. The chuck is rotatably mounted on the fixing sleeve 33. For example, the fixing sleeve 33 may have a cylindrical inner cavity, and the lower end of the chuck may have a connecting post, which can be inserted into the cylindrical inner cavity to achieve a rotatable connection. Alternatively, the upper end of the fixing sleeve 33 may have a cylindrical groove, and the lower part of the chuck (circular structure) can be placed in the cylindrical groove to achieve a rotatable connection. The fixing sleeve 33 is provided with a locking handle 35, which is threadedly connected to the fixing sleeve 33 and passes through the fixing sleeve 33 to abut against the chuck. The chuck is a three-jaw chuck 31 (existing technology).

[0039] The advancing component 4 further includes a front-to-back adjustment component 44 and a vertical adjustment component 45. The front-to-back adjustment component 44 is a lead screw assembly, with a front-to-back adjustment handle 46 at one end of the lead screw 9. The vertical adjustment component 45 is fixedly mounted on the nut seat of the lead screw assembly. The vertical adjustment component 45 employs a worm gear lead screw lifting mechanism (existing technology). The advancing platform 41 is located at the lifting end of the worm gear lead screw lifting mechanism, which is equipped with a lifting control handle 47. A screw 48 is rotatably mounted on the advancing platform 41, with an advancing control handle 49 at one end. The force display 42 is slidably connected to the advancing platform 41, for example, it can be a structure where a T-shaped groove connects to a slider 8. The screw 48 is threadedly connected to the force display 42, similar to the lead screw assembly structure.

[0040] It should be noted that most of the above structures are existing technologies. The innovation of this application lies in the integrated structure and its use as a performance testing device for high-viscosity modified asphalt materials. For example, the industrial microscope 2, force display 42, tapping needle 43, lead screw assembly, and worm gear lead screw lifting mechanism directly adopt existing technologies and are implemented according to the appendix. Figure 1 The structural layout can be constructed directly. Furthermore, the data acquisition system 5 can also utilize existing technologies (such as a host computer paired with a PLC (or equivalent controller), providing a human-machine interface for data display, processing, and visualization). The industrial microscope 2 typically includes a focusing knob 21 and an industrial microscope lens. The former is used to adjust the microscope's optical focus, ensuring the latter can clearly observe the specific state of the attacking needle 43 inside the sample, enabling precise observation and timely adjustment of the attacking speed. The attacking needle 43 can be prefabricated to different thicknesses, allowing for direct replacement of different models. The attacking needle 43 is made of high-strength steel to ensure it is not damaged during testing or to reduce wear. The force display 42 generally includes a force sensor (such as a thrust gauge / force sensor) rigidly connected to the attacking needle 43 structure, used to sense the resistance encountered during the attacking process in real time. The lead screw assembly included in / used by the sample fixing assembly 3 and the tapping assembly 4 can be the same existing technology structure. For example, it can include a base 7, a slider 8 (equivalent to a nut seat) slidably mounted on the base 7, and a lead screw 9 rotatably mounted on the base 7, with the lead screw 9 threadedly connected to the slider 8. Figure 4 As shown; or a linear module can be used directly.

[0041] The testing instrument in this application has the following advantages: (1) The position of the chuck can be adjusted left and right and rotated 360°, so that there are no dead angles in the test position of the sample. By adjusting the spacing of the chuck clamps, samples of any shape and size can be fixed.

[0042] (2) By adjusting the vertical position of the infeeding stage 41, the viscosity test can be performed on each layer of the sample. By adjusting the front and rear position of the infeeding stage 41, the viscosity test can be performed on different positions of the same layer of the sample.

[0043] (3) The force display 42 above the attack platform displays the maximum test force value returned by the attacking needle 43 in each test stage to represent the viscosity of the sample, and the unit is N.

[0044] (4) The speed of the attacking needle 43 is adjustable and the accuracy is 0.01 mm. When combined with the industrial microscope 2 used in conjunction, the specific position of the attacking needle 43 inside the sample can be observed to ensure that the attacking needle 43 (force measuring needle) reaches the designated position and obtains accurate data.

[0045] The testing instrument involved in this application has a simple principle and structure, low processing cost, and is very easy to promote and apply, while also possessing high testing efficiency and accurate results. To obtain accurate data on the evaluation indicators of the preparation properties of high-viscosity modified asphalt, a force display 42 is added to the upper part of the penetration platform 41 to display the specific force value data when the force-measuring needle penetrates to a certain point inside the sample. Simultaneously, this application can test the preparation performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar materials or mixtures with different mix proportions (expressed through force values); it can also compare the penetration distance of high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar materials or mixtures with different gradations under a determined force value. By using this application, the bonding performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar materials with different gradations and the aggregate interlocking effect of the mixture can be better studied, further revealing different aggregate gradations required for pavements with different design requirements.

[0046] Example 3 This embodiment provides a method for testing the performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials using the performance testing instrument described in the above embodiment, which includes the following steps: S1: Prepare high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar material or mixture samples (hereinafter referred to as samples); there are no fixed requirements for the type of sample, but its size should be smaller than the maximum size that the chuck clamping mechanism can hold to ensure that the sample can be placed; S2: Place the sample in the chuck and clamp it; at the same time, check the tapping pin and replace it immediately if it is damaged. S3: Connect the force display 42 to the data acquisition system 5 electrically; in order to record data correctly, the penetration speed of the tapping needle 43 should be 0.01 mm / s during the test; S4: Adjust the sample fixing assembly 3 and the tapping assembly 4 so that the tapping needle 43 is aligned with one of the upper, middle, or lower layers of the sample; then focus the industrial microscope 2 to ensure that the state of the tapping needle 43 can be clearly observed. S5: Observe the image of the tapping needle 43 in the industrial microscope 2, and make the tip of the tapping needle 43 just contact the test point on the sample surface. S6: Operate the attack control handle 49 to attack the sample at a speed of 0.01 mm / s (the attack speed is adjusted in 0.01 mm increments; the attack distance is very small, requiring the use of an industrial microscope 2 to observe the attack position). Observe the attack status in real time through the industrial microscope 2. The maximum force and attack distance data will be automatically recorded during the test. After the test at this point is completed, rotate the sample (chuck) to test the maximum force and attack distance at different points on the same layer. Measure a set of data for the upper, middle, and lower layers of the sample using this method, for a total of 3 sets of data. The number of data points in each set can be selected as 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8. S7: Complete three sets of measurements (including maximum force and penetration distance) for the upper, middle, and lower layers of the sample. The number of measurement points in each set should be consistent. If the difference between any data point in a set and the average value of that set is greater than ±5%, that data point should be discarded, and the average value of the remaining data should be used as the result of that set of tests. If too many measurements are discarded, it indicates poor uniformity of the sample. The average force value of the three sets of tests can be used to evaluate the preparation performance of the high-viscosity modified asphalt material. S8: After discarding invalid data, calculate the standard deviation of each data set or all data. The standard deviation value can be used to characterize the homogeneity among the measured values. The mathematical expression for the standard deviation is:

[0047] in, Indicates standard deviation, Indicates the first One measured value, This represents the mean of the measured values. This represents the total number of measured values; S9: Based on the measured data, its average value and standard deviation, etc., as evaluation indicators, if the sample is a high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar material, it is used to evaluate its bonding performance; if the sample is a high-viscosity modified asphalt mixture, it is used to evaluate the interlocking effect of its aggregates.

[0048] The main inventive features of this application are as follows: (1) A test method directly targeting the surface bonding performance of asphalt mixtures is proposed. In actual engineering, the surface of asphalt mixtures is directly exposed to the environment and traffic loads, and its bonding performance differs significantly from that of the interior. Traditional test methods, even after aging or damage treatment, mainly evaluate the internal bonding performance of the material and fail to directly reflect the surface bonding state. However, surface bonding performance directly determines whether the aggregate adheres firmly and is a key indicator affecting pavement durability. Therefore, this invention creatively uses surface bonding performance as an independent evaluation indicator, realizing a performance testing shift from "internal" to "surface".

[0049] (2) A progressive approach test method is proposed for evaluating surface adhesion performance. Based on the principle of action and reaction forces, this method directly measures the adhesion force of the asphalt mixture surface adhesive in a progressive manner to obtain real-time response force values. This accurately reflects the surface's ability to resist continuous environmental effects such as vehicle loads and rainwater erosion. It can obtain representative characteristic values ​​(maximum values, etc.) as well as continuous data during the process. This method not only updates the surface performance testing methods but also provides direct and reliable performance data for the design and construction of asphalt mixtures with higher durability, demonstrating significant technological advancement.

[0050] (3) This invention enables direct testing of the bonding performance of asphalt mixture surface adhesive, eliminating the interference of aggregate interlocking. Compared with traditional tensile or destructive tests, the method of this invention avoids the influence of aggregate interlocking and directly evaluates the bonding performance of the asphalt adhesive itself. Traditional methods either only test the asphalt material itself (ignoring the influence of mineral powder and fine aggregate powder) or test the overall mixture performance (affected by aggregate interlocking), neither of which can accurately characterize the true bonding state of the surface adhesive. Therefore, the preparation and testing method proposed in this invention has irreplaceable inventiveness in the evaluation system.

[0051] It should be noted that asphalt binder is a viscoelastic material made by mixing asphalt binder with mineral powder (or filler). It acts as a bonding medium in asphalt mixtures, forming a micro-dispersed structure.

[0052] Furthermore, in the description of the invention, unless otherwise stated, the use of terms such as “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” and “outer” to indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings is merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0053] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A performance testing instrument for the preparation of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials, characterized in that: It includes a support assembly, an industrial microscope, a sample fixing assembly, a tapping assembly, and a data acquisition system. The industrial microscope is mounted on top of the support assembly, and the sample fixing assembly and the tapping assembly are respectively mounted on the lower left and right sides of the industrial microscope. The sample fixing assembly includes a chuck for clamping the sample to be tested. The position of the chuck is adjustable left and right, and the chuck can rotate 360° and be locked. The tapping assembly includes a tapping stage, a force display, and a tapping pin. The position of the tapping stage is adjustable forward and backward and up and down. The force display is mounted on the tapping stage and its left and right movement can be controlled. The tapping pin is located on the side of the force display near the chuck. The force display is electrically connected to the data acquisition system. During testing, the tapping pin is controlled to tap the test sample clamped on the chuck. An industrial microscope is used to observe the situation at the tapping position, and a force display is used to display the maximum force value returned during each tapping process. The data acquisition system plots a curve based on the maximum force value detected by the force display.

2. The performance testing instrument for preparing high-viscosity modified asphalt materials according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a device fixing plate, on which the support assembly, sample fixing assembly and attack assembly are all disposed.

3. The performance testing instrument for preparing high-viscosity modified asphalt materials according to claim 2, characterized in that: The device mounting plate is a perforated plate.

4. The performance testing instrument for preparing high-viscosity modified asphalt materials according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The sample fixing assembly further includes a left-right adjustment assembly and a fixing sleeve. The left-right adjustment assembly is a lead screw assembly. One end of the lead screw of the lead screw assembly is provided with a left-right adjustment handle. The fixing sleeve is fixedly mounted on the nut seat of the lead screw assembly. The chuck is rotatably mounted on the fixing sleeve. The fixing sleeve is provided with a locking handle. The locking handle is threadedly connected to the fixing sleeve and passes through the fixing sleeve to abut against the chuck.

5. The performance testing instrument for preparing high-viscosity modified asphalt materials according to claim 4, characterized in that: The chuck is a three-jaw chuck.

6. The performance testing instrument for preparing high-viscosity modified asphalt materials according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support assembly includes a bottom sleeve, a support rod, and a locking rod. The bottom sleeve is fixedly installed, the support rod is inserted into the bottom sleeve, and the locking rod is threaded onto the bottom sleeve. The locking rod passes through the bottom sleeve and abuts against the support rod. The industrial microscope is mounted on the support rod.

7. The performance testing instrument for preparing high-viscosity modified asphalt materials according to claim 6, characterized in that: The attacking component also includes a front-to-back adjustment component and a vertical adjustment component. The front-to-back adjustment component is a lead screw assembly, and one end of the lead screw of the lead screw assembly is provided with a front-to-back adjustment handle. The vertical adjustment component is fixedly installed on the nut seat of the lead screw assembly. The vertical adjustment component is a worm gear lead screw lifting mechanism. The attacking platform is located at the lifting end of the worm gear lead screw lifting mechanism, and the worm gear lead screw lifting mechanism is provided with a lifting control handle.

8. The performance testing instrument for preparing high-viscosity modified asphalt materials according to claim 7, characterized in that: A screw is rotatably mounted on the attack platform, and an attack control handle is provided at one end of the screw. The force measuring display is slidably connected to the attack platform, and the screw is threadedly connected to the force measuring display.

9. A method for testing the performance of high-viscosity modified asphalt materials using the performance testing instrument described in claim 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1: Prepare samples of high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar or mixture; S2: Place the sample in the chuck and clamp the sample; S3: Electrically connect the force display to the data acquisition system; S4: Adjust the sample fixing assembly and the tapping assembly so that the tapping pin is aligned with one of the upper, middle, or lower layers of the sample. S5: Observe the image of the tapping needle in the industrial microscope, and make the tip of the tapping needle just contact the test point on the sample surface. S6: Operate the attack control handle to attack the sample at a speed of 0.01 mm / s, and observe the attack status in real time through an industrial microscope. The maximum force and attack distance data are automatically recorded during the test. After the test at this point is completed, rotate the sample to test the maximum force and attack distance at different points in the same layer. Measure a set of data for the upper, middle and lower layers of the sample in this way, for a total of 3 sets of data. S7: When the difference between a data point and the average value of the data set is greater than ±5%, the data point is discarded, and the average value of the remaining data is taken as the result of the test. S8: After discarding invalid data, calculate the standard deviation of each data set or all data. The mathematical expression for the standard deviation is: in, Indicates standard deviation, Indicates the first One measured value, This represents the mean of the measured values. This represents the total number of measured values; S9: The average value and standard deviation of the measured data are used as evaluation indicators. If the sample is a high-viscosity modified asphalt mortar, it is used to evaluate its bonding performance; if the sample is a high-viscosity modified asphalt mixture, it is used to evaluate the interlocking effect of its aggregates.

10. The test method according to claim 9, characterized in that: In S6, the number of data points for each group can be selected as 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.

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