ASPHALTopics | Summer 2021 | VOL 34 | NO 2

WHAT IS UPTiM?
UPTiM stands for Unified Performance Testing using incremental Method. The UPTiM
tests are performed using MCR (modular compact rheometer) UPTiM from Anton
Paar and UPTiM software. UPTiM tests are for low, intermediate (fatigue), and high
temperature properties of asphalt binder, emulsion, and composite mastic. The tests
are based on a unified concept of incremental testing, meaning that they are conducted
in several increments of stress or temperature. In other words, multiple tests are
performed on one sample. All UPTiM properties, including iCCL low-temperature
properties, are determined using m*, which is the permanent strain rate at the steady
state of deformation.
iCCL TEST DESCRIPTION
Similar to BBR, iCCL is a creep test, performed on a DSR. It uses an 8 mm plate and
0.5 mm gap and is performed at a fixed temperature of -5 °C. Using a library of 30,000+
iCCL results at multiple stresses/temperatures as a reference database and optimized
Artificial Intelligence Neural Network (ANN), iCCL creeps are built at critical temperatures
of PG+10 and PG+4 °C. Using another large dataset of iCCL and BBR results for over 1,500
binders and the ANN process, BBR creeps are built for the same critical temperatures.
AASHTO T 313 and R 29 formulas are then used to calculate m-value, S, PG and Delta Tc
from the BBR curves. ››
Figure 1. UPTiM device
FEATURES OF THE iCCL TEST
iCCL HAS SEVERAL USEFUL FEATURES FOR IMPROVED
SAFETY, COST-EFFECTIVENESS, TIME-SAVING, AND
PRODUCTIVITY IN MATERIALS TESTING:
• iCCL provides continuous low-temperature PG (LTPG),
as well as m-value, S, and ΔTc.
• Results of iCCL are statistically equivalent to BBR
(AASHTO T 313, R 29, ASTM D6648, D7643) as verified
using the ASTM E2935 and AASHTO PP 112 (2021) Standard
Practices.
• iCCL is at least two times more precise than BBR as
shown from the test precision estimates determined from
a round robin testing in seven laboratories.
• iCCL is significantly faster since test results are ready in
about half an hour.
• iCCL is significantly safer since chemical solvents
are not used for cleaning.
• Sample preparation is easy since samples do not need
to be molded/demolded or degassed.
• iCCL can be performed on a variety of materials (aged
or unaged binder and mastic).
• iCCL is suitable for screening, quality control and quality
acceptance (QC/QA), purchase specification, field testing,
as well as research.
• All steps of the tests including sample trimming/
mounting/conditioning and data postprocessing are
automated for reduced time and increased precision.
• Performing the iCCL test requires minimal training and
does not need trained technicians.
• iCCL is cost effective — savings from using iCCL are
estimated to be $50K/year.
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