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ASPHALT BINDER CRACKING DEVICE
MODERN TESTING, CLEAR RESULTS
Simplicity
and
accuracy
are
the
Asphalt
Binder
Cracking
Device’s
unique advantages in low-temperature binder testing technology.
Asphalt
binders
have
changed
considerably
since
the
inception
of
the
Performance-Graded
(PG)
Asphalt
Binder
specification.
Wider,
more
varied
ranges
of
crude
oil
sources
are
being
used
to
produce
asphalt
binders,
and
materials
such
as
polymers,
polyphosphoric
acid,
re-refined
REOB,
bio
binders,
and
GTR
are
increasingly
being
added
to
improve
asphalt
binders.
RAP
is
being
used
in
ever-increasing
percentages.
Today’s
asphalt
binders
generally
continue
to
meet
the
requirements
of
the
PG
specifications,
but
highway agencies continue to experience premature failures.
NCHRP
09-60
has
looked
at
the
shortcomings
of
the
PG
specification
and
made
various
recommendations,
which
include
proposing
the
ABCD
test
as
one which should be added to the PG specifications.
MAIN FEATURES
The
ABCD
device
is
engineered
with
a
simple
yet
highly
effective
construction.
Unlike
many
traditional
test
systems,
it
eliminates
complicated
mechanical
loading
components
that
require
frequent
calibration
and
maintenance.
The
system
also
operates
without
the
need
for
liquid
nitrogen
or
temperature-controlled
liquid
baths,
significantly
reducing
operational
complexity
and
safety
concerns.
Its
straightforward
testing
procedure requires minimal operator intervention, which helps reduce errors associated with specimen handling.
One
of
the
unique
advantages
of
the
ABCD
method
is
the
complete
removal
of
alignment
issues.
The
binder
specimen
is
molded
directly
onto
the
ABCD
ring
and
remains
undisturbed
for
the
duration
of
the
test,
ensuring
consistent
and
reliable
measurements.
Extensive
ruggedness
evaluations
conducted
at
the
North
Central
Superpave
Center,
the
University
of
Wisconsin–Madison,
and
EZ
Asphalt
have
shown
that
variations
in
sample
preparation
have
minimal
impact
on
test
results,
highlighting
the
robustness
and
repeatability
of
the
method.
Additionally,
the
system
allows
simultaneous
testing
of
multiple
specimens—4
or
8
in
the
current
model,
with
custom
configurations
capable
of
testing
16
or
more—providing exceptional flexibility and efficiency for both laboratory and production environments.
MAIN APPLICATIONS
The
ABCD
test
is
primarily
used
to
evaluate
the
low-temperature
cracking
susceptibility
of
asphalt
binders,
making
it
an
essential
tool
for
pavement
performance
assessment.
It
also
serves
as
an
effective
quality
control
method
for
ensuring
material
consistency
and
reliability
in
asphalt production.
RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
We
actively
welcome
collaboration
with
research
institutes
across
the
globe.
Whether
the
goal
is
to
explore
fundamental
binder
behavior,
develop
new
testing
methodologies,
or
tackle
unconventional
research
questions,
the
ABCD
platform
offers
a
versatile
foundation.
If
you
are
looking
to
pursue
innovative
or
advanced
research
in
this
evolving
field,
we
would
be
excited
to
partner
with
you—challenging
projects
are
always welcome.
SOFTWARE
During the ABCD test, intuitive and easy-to-use software provides real-time plots displaying four specimens being tested
simultaneously within the cooling chamber.
As the temperature steadily decreases, the asphalt binder strain remains relatively constant for the first 90 minutes, then begins to drop as the
binder contracts. When the binder cracks, the strain abruptly increases—this point marks the cracking temperature, which is automatically
recorded by the system.
After the test, the software performs comprehensive data analysis, presenting results as a graph of strain versus temperature and summarizing
them in an Excel worksheet for convenient inclusion in reports and presentations. The summary table includes cracking temperatures, strain
jumps, averages, and standard deviations—making interpretation clear and results easy to share.
Calibration,
Annual
Service
and
Maintenance
Contracts
are
available
for
this
device.
UKAS
accreditation
to
satisfy
typed
testing as described in EN 13108.
Please enquire for further details.
Note
This device should be checked and calibrated annually.
CALIBRATION & MAINTENANCE
Number of ABCD Rings
4
Number of Silicone Sample Molds
4
Sensors in Each Ring
RTD and Bi-Axial Strain Gauge
A/D Conversion
8 channels (two per ring) standard
Data Output
Tabular and graphical outputs in Microsoft Excel format
Capacity
One shelf for up to 4 ABCD rings
Interior Volume
1.2 cubic feet (34 liters)
Live Load Capacity (Watts)
Approximately 175 Watts
Operating Software
LabVIEW-compiled software
Accessories Included
Power supply, cables, and connectors
Heat Rejection (BTU/hr)
5500 BTU/hr maximum (during cooling operation)
Temperature Range (°C)
−73 °C to +190 °C
Temperature Stability (°C)
±0.5 °C from −50 °C to +190 °C; ±1 °C below −50 °C (steady-
state conditions after stabilization)
TEMPERATURE SPECS
MACHINE SPECIFICATION
Electrical Requirements
115 Volt, single phase, 60 Hz, 20 Amp service
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATION
SPECIFICATIONS
The content of this website, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, logos, and software, is the property of Cooper Research
Technology or its content suppliers and is protected by international copyright laws. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, or
modification of any material on this site is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from Cooper Research Technology.
All trademarks, product names, and company names or logos cited herein are the property of their respective owners.
© Cooper Research Technology. All rights reserved.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
OUR CUSTOMERS
ASPHALT BINDER CRACKING DEVICE
MODERN TESTING, CLEAR RESULTS
Simplicity
and
accuracy
are
the
Asphalt
Binder
Cracking
Device’s
unique advantages in low-temperature binder testing technology.
Asphalt
binders
have
changed
considerably
since
the
inception
of
the
Performance-Graded
(PG)
Asphalt
Binder
specification.
Wider,
more
varied
ranges
of
crude
oil
sources
are
being
used
to
produce
asphalt
binders,
and
materials
such
as
polymers,
polyphosphoric
acid,
re-
refined
REOB,
bio
binders,
and
GTR
are
increasingly
being
added
to
improve
asphalt
binders.
RAP
is
being
used
in
ever-increasing
percentages.
Today’s
asphalt
binders
generally
continue
to
meet
the
requirements
of
the
PG
specifications,
but
highway
agencies
continue
to experience premature failures.
NCHRP
09-60
has
looked
at
the
shortcomings
of
the
PG
specification
and
made
various
recommendations,
which
include
proposing
the
ABCD test as one which should be added to the PG specifications.
MAIN FEATURES
The
ABCD
device
is
engineered
with
a
simple
yet
highly
effective
construction.
Unlike
many
traditional
test
systems,
it
eliminates
complicated
mechanical
loading
components
that
require
frequent
calibration
and
maintenance.
The
system
also
operates
without
the
need
for
liquid
nitrogen
or
temperature-controlled
liquid
baths,
significantly
reducing
operational
complexity
and
safety
concerns.
Its
straightforward
testing
procedure
requires
minimal
operator
intervention,
which
helps
reduce
errors
associated
with
specimen
handling.
One
of
the
unique
advantages
of
the
ABCD
method
is
the
complete
removal
of
alignment
issues.
The
binder
specimen
is
molded
directly
onto
the
ABCD
ring
and
remains
undisturbed
for
the
duration
of
the
test,
ensuring
consistent
and
reliable
measurements.
Extensive
ruggedness
evaluations
conducted
at
the
North
Central
Superpave
Center,
the
University
of
Wisconsin–Madison,
and
EZ
Asphalt
have
shown
that
variations
in
sample
preparation
have
minimal
impact
on
test
results,
highlighting
the
robustness
and
repeatability
of
the
method.
Additionally,
the
system
allows
simultaneous
testing
of
multiple
specimens—4
or
8
in
the
current
model,
with
custom
configurations
capable
of
testing
16
or
more—providing
exceptional
flexibility
and
efficiency
for
both
laboratory
and
production
environments.
MAIN APPLICATIONS
The
ABCD
test
is
primarily
used
to
evaluate
the
low-temperature
cracking
susceptibility
of
asphalt
binders,
making
it
an
essential
tool
for
pavement
performance
assessment.
It
also
serves
as
an
effective
quality
control
method
for
ensuring
material
consistency
and
reliability in asphalt production.
RESEARCH APPLICATIONS
We
actively
welcome
collaboration
with
research
institutes
across
the
globe.
Whether
the
goal
is
to
explore
fundamental
binder
behavior,
develop
new
testing
methodologies,
or
tackle
unconventional
research
questions,
the
ABCD
platform
offers
a
versatile
foundation.
If
you
are
looking
to
pursue
innovative
or
advanced
research
in
this
evolving
field,
we
would
be
excited
to
partner
with
you—challenging
projects
are always welcome.
SOFTWARE
During the ABCD test, intuitive and easy-to-use software provides
real-time plots displaying four specimens being tested
simultaneously within the cooling chamber.
As the temperature steadily decreases, the asphalt binder strain
remains relatively constant for the first 90 minutes, then begins to
drop as the binder contracts. When the binder cracks, the strain
abruptly increases—this point marks the cracking temperature, which
is automatically recorded by the system.
After the test, the software performs comprehensive data analysis,
presenting results as a graph of strain versus temperature and
summarizing them in an Excel worksheet for convenient inclusion in
reports and presentations. The summary table includes cracking
temperatures, strain jumps, averages, and standard
deviations—making interpretation clear and results easy to share.
The content of this website, including but not limited to text, graphics, images,
logos, and software, is the property of Cooper Research Technology or its content
suppliers and is protected by international copyright laws. Unauthorized use,
reproduction, distribution, or modification of any material on this site is strictly
prohibited without prior written consent from Cooper Research Technology.
All trademarks, product names, and company names or logos cited herein are the
property of their respective owners.
© Cooper Research Technology. All rights reserved.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
OUR CUSTOMERS
BITUMEN LABORATORY TESTING
BITUMEN AGING
UNIVERSAL MATERIAL TESTING
FRENCH MIX DESIGN (EME)
UNBOUND MATERIALS TESTING
WHEEL TRACKING
LOW TEMPERATURE TESTING
BALANCE MIX DESIGN
ASPHALT COMPACTION
BENDING BEAM TESTING
SPECIMEN CUTTING AND PREPARATION
ROAD QUALITY TESTING/SLIP RESISTANCE
