Asphalt Plus NCAT Performance Testing
NCAT Performance Testing for Elastiko® ECR
Independent test-track data helps agencies, producers, and pavement engineers understand and measure how well Elastiko® Engineered Crumb Rubber performs as a dry-process asphalt mix modifier. The NCAT/MnROAD 2025 sponsor meeting materials document Elastiko® ECR’s field performance in test sections with special attention focused on cracking, rutting, and surface roughness performance.
Why NCAT Matters
Independent Test-Track Research for Real Pavement Decisions
NCAT test-track research gives pavement teams a controlled way to evaluate asphalt mixture performance under accelerated traffic. For agencies and producers considering dry-process engineered crumb rubber, this type of testing helps connect laboratory mix design results with field performance observations.
This page brings together the current NCAT updates related to Elastiko® ECR so technical audiences can review the data, understand the test context, and access deeper report-specific summaries.
Mix Modifier, Not Binder Modifier
Elastiko® ECR Is Evaluated Through the Asphalt Mixture System
Elastiko® Engineered Crumb Rubber is not a binder modifier. It is a dry-process asphalt mix modifier introduced during production and evaluated through mixture-level performance testing.
That distinction matters because ECR performance should be understood through the asphalt mixture system, including mix design, aggregate structure, volumetrics, cracking resistance, rutting resistance, field performance, and constructability context.
NCAT Report Highlights
Current NCAT Updates Related to Elastiko® ECR
Review key findings from the OKDOT N9 and VDOT S12/N4 updates, including BMD context, ECR dosage, cracking observations, rutting, IRI, and early field performance.
OKDOT N9
Long-Term BMD-Designed ECR Section
The OKDOT N9 section evaluated a ECR mix designed using a Balanced Mix Design approach. The section used 12% ECR Elastiko® ECR by weight of total binder, added dry during production, in a 1.5-inch mill/inlay.
Key report points:
- Designed using a BMD approach
- 12% ECR Elastiko® ECR added dry during production
- Report states the mix outperformed the previous-cycle N9 mix with the same gradation and PG 76-22 after one Test Track cycle, 10 MESALs
- At 11.8 MESALs, cracking was reported as slowly progressing at 2% and low severity
- Rutting and IRI were reported as steady
- Continued long-term monitoring was recommended
VDOT S12/N4
DGA Mix Evaluation With Dry ECR
The update evaluated dense-graded asphalt mixtures with dry ECR and an SBS-modified binder control section. The S12-ECR mix used PG 64-22 plus 12% ECR Elastiko® ECR by weight of virgin binder.
Key report points:
- VDOT 12.5 NMAS DGA mixture
- S12-ECR mix used 12% ECR Elastiko® ECR
- ECR mix design CTIndex: 94.9 against a threshold of 70
- ECR production mix CTIndex: 124.8 against a threshold of 70
- ECR mix design HT-IDT: 116.5 kPa against a threshold of 100 kPa
- Production mix HT-IDT: 191.7 kPa, reported as “report only”
- At 1.8 MESALs, the report states no cracking
Technical CTA
Need help evaluating whether Elastiko® ECR fits an upcoming mix design, specification, or plant setup?
Asphalt Plus supports agencies, producers, contractors, and pavement engineers with dry-process ECR education, mix design guidance, implementation support, and technical documentation. Our approach is built for real-world production, allowing teams to improve durability, extend pavement life, and meet performance specifications while maintaining efficient plant operations and consistent mix quality.
FAQ
Questions About NCAT Testing and Elastiko® ECR
Is Elastiko® ECR a binder modifier or a mix modifier?
Elastiko® ECR is a mix modifier. It is introduced dry during asphalt production and evaluated through mixture-level performance testing.
What did the OKDOT N9 NCAT update show?
The OKDOT N9 update documented a BMD-designed ECR section using 12% ECR Elastiko® ECR added dry during production. At 11.8 MESALs, cracking was reported as slowly progressing at 2% and low severity, while rutting and IRI were reported as steady.
What did the VDOT S12/N4 NCAT update show?
The VDOT update documented DGA mix evaluation with dry ECR and SBS control sections. The ECR mix met reported BMD thresholds, including a production CTIndex of 124.8 against a threshold of 70, and the report states no cracking at 1.8 MESALs.
Why does mixture-level testing matter for ECR?
Because Elastiko® ECR is a mix modifier, performance should be evaluated through the asphalt mixture system, including cracking, rutting, volumetrics, ride, and field performance data.