Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT)
Background:
The AMPT is a computer-controlled hydraulic testing machine capable of subjecting a compacted asphalt mixture specimen to cyclic loading over a range of temperatures and frequencies. The device evaluates asphalt mixture properties to assess potential performance. Transportation agencies can use the AMPT to develop inputs for the structural design of flexible pavements and to obtain information helpful in monitoring mixes and performing quality assurance. The AMPT builds upon past efforts to develop a testing device for determining fundamental asphalt mixture performance properties. The current equipment and test methods have been developed to optimize both testing time and cost. The AMPT has also been known as the Simple Performance Tester (SPT) in earlier research work and references.
References:
- Asphalt Pavement Performance Analysis Software
- Research Work
- NCHRP 9-19 Superpave Support and Performance Models Management
- NCHRP 9-29 Simple Performance Tester for Superpave Mix Design: Appendix E of NCHRP Report 629 (PDF, 6.20 MB) from this project contains detailed equipment specifications for the AMPT.
- AASHTO Standards
- R 83 - Standard Practice for Preparation of Cylindrical Performance Test Specimens Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) (formerly PP 60)
- T 378 - Determining the Dynamic Modulus and Flow Number for Asphalt Mixtures Using the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) (formerly TP 79)
- R 84 - Developing Dynamic Modulus Master Curves for Asphalt Mixtures Using the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) (formerly PP 61)
- PP 99 - Preparation of Small Cylindrical Performance Test Specimens Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) or Field Cores
- TP 107 - Determining the Damage Characteristic Curve and Failure Criterion Using the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) Cyclic Fatigue Test
- TP 132 - Determining the Dynamic Modulus for Asphalt Mixtures Using Small Specimens in the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT)
- TP 133 - Determining the Damage Characteristic Curve and Failure Criterion Using Small Specimens in the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) Cyclic Fatigue Test
- TP 134 - Stress Sweep Rutting (SSR) Test Using Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT)
- Articles
- New FHWA Course Introduces the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester in FOCUS, January/February 2011, page 3.
TechBriefs
- FHWA Cyclic Fatigue Index Parameter for Asphalt Performance Engineered Mixture Design Tech Brief
- Testing for Fatigue Cracking in the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester
- Asphalt Material Characterization for AASHTOWare® Pavement ME Design Using an Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT)
- Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT)
Activities:
- Pooled Fund Study TPF-5(178): Implementation of the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) for Superpave Validation
- Pooled Fund proposal memo
- Pooled fund study webpage
- Includes pooled fund scope, participation, and quarterly updates