SmartPave Series Expands Bitumen Insights

Anton Paar has launched the new SmartPave series, bringing a broader approach to bitumen testing that combines standards-based methods with advanced rheological analysis.

Standards remain the foundation for most laboratories. Daily work relies on established methods such as Superpave grading (AASHTO T315 / ASTM D7175), viscosity testing (AASHTO T316 / ASTM D4402), multiple stress creep recovery (AASHTO T350 / ASTM D7405), and temperature-dependent characterisation (DIN EN 14770). SmartPave supports these workflows with predefined, step-by-step procedures designed to ensure consistency and reliability in routine QC environments.

At the same time, modern binders are becoming more complex. Polymer-modified bitumen and evolving formulations cannot always be fully described by pass/fail criteria alone. As materials transition from elastic solids at low temperatures to viscous fluids at higher temperatures, deeper rheological insight becomes essential, particularly for formulation, troubleshooting, and performance-related investigations.

The SmartPave series is designed to address both needs. SmartPave 93 focuses on routine quality control, while SmartPave 303 enables more advanced analysis – extending beyond standard SOP workflows to support additional rheological testing, including tribology, master curve generation, and measurements on solid bitumen and asphalt mortar. This shifts DSR testing from routine grading toward comprehensive material characterisation.

Temperature control remains critical across all applications. Even small variations can significantly affect results. SmartPave integrates dry Peltier-based temperature control, automatic calibration, and guided workflows to support repeatability, especially when comparing original, short-term aged, and long-term aged binders across a wide temperature range.

With the SmartPave series, bitumen laboratories can maintain full compliance with international standards while gaining a practical pathway to deeper material understanding.