Abstract: A composition for promoting the release of bituminous materials and other adhesive materials from a substrate and methods of use thereof. More particularly, a composition comprising a silicone oil-in-water emulsion, which is stabilized by an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant, for use as a release agent that can be applied to a substrate, such as a truck bed, prior to use for promoting the free release of a bituminous material, such as asphalt, from the substrate.

Abstract: A gyratory compactor apparatus adapted to interact with a mold that defines a mold axis is provided. The gyratory compactor apparatus includes a frame defining a frame axis, a pivoted support carried by the frame, and a mold-engaging device carried by the pivoted support and having a carriage plate spaced-apart from the pivoted support for receiving the mold. The carriage plate is movable relative to the frame axis by rotation of the pivoted support. At least one actuator is in engagement with the carriage plate for imparting translation to the carriage plate relative to the frame axis.

Abstract: Water-soluble solvent compositions, including from about 10% to about 60% by weight of an aromatic ester; from about 30% to about 60% by weight of an aliphatic ester; from 0% to about 15% by weight of a co-solvent; from 0% to about 20% of one of a cyclic terpene and a terpenoid; from 0% to about 1% by weight of an odor-masking agent; and from 0% to about 20% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, for removing petroleum residue from a substrate, and methods of use thereof. The composition can further comprise water. The composition also can comprise an aqueous solution. The method for removing petroleum residue from a substrate can further comprise recycling the solvent composition by using a countercurrent separation column charged with compressed ammonia and/or carbon dioxide and a spinning band distillation column to separate the solvent composition from the petroleum residue.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a volume of a construction material sample is provided. At least one sample-interacting device is configured to interact with the construction material sample so as to determine at least one surface characteristic thereof. A computer device is configured to be capable of receiving the at least one surface characteristic from the at least one sample-interacting device, and to manipulate the at least one surface characteristic so as to form a three-dimensional representation of the construction material sample. The computer device is further configured to determine the volume of the construction material sample from the three-dimensional representation thereof. By determining the mass of the construction material sample, the density of the construction material sample can be provided. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A composition for promoting the release of bituminous materials and other adhesive materials from a substrate and methods of use thereof. More particularly, a composition comprising a silicone oil-in-water emulsion, which is stabilized by an alkoxylated polysiloxane surfactant, for use as a release agent that can be applied to a substrate, such as a truck bed, prior to use for promoting the free release of a bituminous material, such as asphalt, from the substrate.

Abstract: Water-soluble solvent compositions, including from about 10% to about 60% by weight of an aromatic ester; from about 30% to about 60% by weight of an aliphatic ester; from 0% to about 15% by weight of a co-solvent; from 0% to about 20% of one of a cyclic terpene and a terpenoid; from 0% to about 1% by weight of an odor-masking agent; and from 0% to about 20% by weight of a nonionic surfactant, for removing petroleum residue from a substrate, and methods of use thereof. The composition can further comprise water. The composition also can comprise an aqueous solution. The method for removing petroleum residue from a substrate can further comprise recycling the solvent composition by using a countercurrent separation column charged with compressed ammonia and/or carbon dioxide and a spinning band distillation column to separate the solvent composition from the petroleum residue.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assaying an asphalt-containing composite material by irradiating the sample using a radiation source having a tunable preselected wavelength selected to closely approximate the absorbance wavelength of a particular material or materials found in the composite material to reduce the overall time and temperatures ordinarily needed to combust and assay such samples.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing rutting susceptibility of test specimens. The apparatus includes a specimen holder having cavities for receiving one or more test specimens having an exposed surface for testing. A load bearing surface is positioned above the specimens to prevent friction from effecting the rutting analysis. A load device including at least one loading wheel is positioned adjacent the specimen holder wherein the loading wheels matingly engage the load bearing device. A motive sources provides relative rotational movement between the specimen holder and the loading wheels whereby a load is repeatedly applied to the test specimens under a constant velocity. The method includes testing rutting susceptibility of test specimens by providing a rotational load thereupon whereby the load reflects a linear or constant load across the predetermined path of travel of the loading wheels over the exposed surface of the test specimens.