Abstract: An improved method for simulating an oxidative aging of an asphalt sample comprises accumulating a number of samples from the asphalt load under test. The samples are initially heated by convection and microwave units to a common temperature. Subsequently, the samples are incrementally, as heated in a “ramp” control heating, from 27° C. to 147° C. over a 60-minute period. Subsequently, the samples are microwave heated for three successive 60-minute periods and one 30-minute period under a pressure of 440 psi. Upon pressure release, a subsequent short convection heating and subsequent degassing, a resulting aged residue is presented which is equivalent to residue provided by known conventional tests but at a reduced time period.

Abstract: A clamping device for use with or without a support saddle includes upper and lower filler bars adapted to extend along the upper and lower surfaces of a tongue like connecting member on an upstream deck panel. A pair of clamping bars are operable by a pair of bolts which extend though the filler bars and tongue like member upon placement of the panel atop the underlying support beams. Upon tightening the bolt, the free ends of the clamping bars bear against the underside of the support beam with the bolt head urging the tongue like member against the top of the beam so as to mechanically connect the panel to the beam. A support saddle has a pair of sidewalls of a selected height to space the overlying deck panel from the support beam. The top wall of the support saddle may be inclined to cant the deck panel relative to the support beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a crack in a bituminous road surface utilizes a beam embedded in the road surface. A slot is cut in the road with the crack centered therein. A fiber reinforced plastic composite beam has a plurality of fingers extending from one end thereof. The beam is placed on a sand base in the slot with a straight end of the beam on one side of the crack and a serrated/finger end on the opposed side of the crack. A panel having apertures therein is positioned over the finger end of the crack. A course aggregate material is placed atop the sand base within epoxy material then filling the slot so as to anchor the beam therein. Upon curing, the road material is placed atop the beam and flush with the original road surface. The fingers are coated with a release agent to preclude binding with the surrounding epoxy material which allows for movement of the beam relative to the surrounding material upon forces acting upon the beam.