Abstract: A hybrid additive for use in construction materials such as asphalt and concrete is disclosed. The additive includes pellets formed of a plastic or polymer material, and one or more of fibers, pozzolans, nano-carbon tubes, glass, recycled asphalt shingles (RAS), liquid anti-strip, hydrated lime, rejuvenators, cementitious material, and ground tire rubber. Also disclosed are hybrid composite materials useful as paving and building materials, and methods of making the same. The hybrid additives were found to maintain the positive performance aspects of typical asphalt and concrete mixtures, while improving the performance of the mixtures by increasing bonding and strength within the mixture—and therefore increasing useable life and lowering costs.

Abstract: A system for conducting a maximum specific gravity test includes a sealable container for receiving and holding an asphalt mixture sample, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the container for evacuating the container, a valve in fluid communication with the container, a shaker for shaking the container, and a controller. The controller can operate the system in a test mode by: (i) turning on the vacuum pump; (ii) automatically monitoring a vacuum pressure in the container with the vacuum pump on; (iii) automatically turning on the shaker when the monitored vacuum pressure reaches a target vacuum pressure value; (iv) automatically opening or closing the valve such that the monitored vacuum pressure in the container is maintained within a target vacuum pressure range for a predetermined period of time with the shaker on; and (v) automatically turning the shaker off at the end of the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A system for conducting a maximum specific gravity test includes a sealable container for receiving and holding an asphalt mixture sample, a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the container for evacuating the container, a valve in fluid communication with the container, a shaker for shaking the container, and a controller. The controller can operate the system in a test mode by: (i) turning on the vacuum pump; (ii) automatically monitoring a vacuum pressure in the container with the vacuum pump on; (iii) automatically turning on the shaker when the monitored vacuum pressure reaches a target vacuum pressure value; (iv) automatically opening or closing the valve such that the monitored vacuum pressure in the container is maintained within a target vacuum pressure range for a predetermined period of time with the shaker on; and (v) automatically turning the shaker off at the end of the predetermined period of time.