Quality Control on Gilsonite Paving Projects

A gilsonite-modified pavement is only as good as the quality control behind it.

At the plant

• Verify gilsonite delivery and COA
• Check dosage (weigh bags or calibrate feeders)
• Monitor mixing time and temperature
• Sample mix for lab testing

In the lab

• Binder content and gradation
• Marshall or volumetric properties
• Extracted binder softening point (to confirm gilsonite content)

On site

• Mix temperature at delivery
• Mat temperature and compaction
• Core density and thickness

Records

Keep batch numbers of gilsonite used for each day’s production.

Verifying gilsonite content

Extract binder from mix samples and measure softening point or penetration. A significant drop compared with the design value may indicate missed additions or poor dispersion.

Plant checklist

Field acceptance

Density, thickness and smoothness measurements according to the contract.

Sun Gilsonite provides batch-traceable asphalt modifier gilsonite with COA. See gilsonite quality control tests.