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QCML Criteria for Anti-Strip Additives

This criteria was qualified by MassDOT as of the date posted: September 20, 2023

For an Anti-Strip Additive (ASA) to be listed on the Qualified Construction Materials List (QCML), a product must meet the requirements of Subsection M3.01.5 of MassDOT’s Standard Specifications. This includes a requirement for a product to be evaluated by AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions (formerly known as NTPEP).

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Material Properties

An anti-stripping additive may be required in a HMA mixture to increase the resistance of the asphalt binder coating to stripping in the presence of water. An anti-stripping additive may be a liquid anti-strip or hydrated lime. 

  • The manufacturer of the ASA must provide a certification that their product is compatible with polyphosphoric acid modified binders, polymer modified binders, and asphalt rubber binders. 
  • The Manufacturer shall submit a COC in accordance with Division 1 Section 6.0. The CoC shall include:
    • Brand name and designation.
    • Composition or description of the anti-strip additive.
    • Manner in which the material will be identified on the containers. 

Submittal and Testing Requirements

MassDOT Research & Materials (RMS) shall evaluate the AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions Testing data. The following criteria must be met as part of the product submission: 

  • AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions testing shall show that the product does not negatively affect: 
    • The performance grade of the asphalt binder.
      • The ASA shall not alter the continuous high or low temperatures of the control by more than 1 degree. 
    • The mixture’s Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) on Granite samples. 
      • The ASA TSR shall be a minimum of 80% greater than the control TSR.
      • The ASA wet strength shall be a minimum of 100% greater the control wet strength.
    • The mixture’s Hamburg rutting or stripping results on Granite samples. 
      • The ASA stripping inflection point shall be a minimum of 25% greater than the control stripping inflection point.
    • The mixture’s boil test on Granite samples.
      • The ASA percent of uncoated particles shall be a maximum of 5%.

Manufacturers may request MassDOT evaluation once the AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions Testing testing cycle is complete.

Product Listing, Expiration, and Re-Approval

Once approved, the ASA will be listed on the MassDOT QCML. The product shall remain on the approved list for seven (7) years unless one of the following occurs: 

  • If the manufacturer does not have the product reevaluated by AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions Testing in accordance with the AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions Testing ASA workplan. 
  • If the product’s technology changes.
    • If the product formulation or technology changes, the manufacturer shall notify MassDOT RMS. 
    • Manufacturers must resubmit products to AASHTO Product Evaluation & Audit Solutions Testing for testing upon any reformulation of the product.
  • MassDOT RMS determines that the product no longer meets the minimum requirements. 

A written request for re-approval must be submitted to the Department at least 60 days prior to the expiration date for the product to remain on the QCML.

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