National Test Methods and Specification Limits for Binders
Tender ID: 592552
Tender Details
Tender Description
Purpose:
The purpose of this project is to conduct research aimed at developing updated Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) test methods for Consistency 6% and Stress Ratio properties.
Austroads technical report Development of the Dynamic Shear Rheometer Consistency 6% Test Method for Polymer Modified Binders (AP-T358) proposed a draft testing methodology to measure Consistency 6% on a DSR, however this has not been converted into an Austroads test method.
In addition, there are currently three main DSR suppliers in Australia: Anton Paar, TA Instruments, and Kinexus. However, differences in the design and functionality of these instruments have led to inconsistencies in test results.
This project seeks to address these discrepancies by developing standardised DSR-based test methods, ensuring that results are consistent across the different DSR brands, and ultimately supporting the reliable specification and performance evaluation of polymer modified binders (PMBs).
Deliverables:
This project will produce the following final deliverables:
• Technical report
• Test methods for Consistency 6% and Stress Ratio
• Updated ATS 3110 Supply of Polymer Modified Binders
• A webinar
• Project data with populated metadata spreadsheet.
The intended end users of the final technical report include:
• Austroads transport member agencies
• Local government
• Binder suppliers
• Asphalt/sealing contractors
• Academia.
Also included as part of this tender are the following documents:
• Master Services Agreement outlining our Terms and Conditions. Please note that our Terms and Conditions are not negotiable.
All submissions that are research project based must adhere to the Austroads style requirements and the Australian Government Style Manual
Summary of Austroads Publication Requirements for Research Reports:
Consultants engaged to deliver research reports for Austroads are required to use a standard report template designed to ensure clarity, consistency, and accessibility across all published outputs. While the full template will be provided upon contract commencement, the following outlines the key requirements tenderers should be aware of:
General Formatting and Style
• Reports must follow the Australian Government Style Manual, particularly in relation to:
o Inclusive and accessible language
o Grammar, punctuation, and capitalisation (e.g. sentence case for most headings)
o Referencing and attribution
• Use pre-defined Austroads styles for all headings, body text, tables, figures, and captions. Manual formatting (e.g. changing fonts or colours directly) is not permitted.
• The Table of Contents must be auto-generated and kept updated.
• The report should be:
o Logically structured: Each section must contribute to the report's purpose.
o Consistent: No conflicting information or contradictions.
o Thorough: All aspects of the agreed scope must be fully addressed and justified.
Content Development Guidelines
• The Summary and Section 1 (Introduction) are mandatory for all reports.
• Reports must include appropriate referencing for external sources, data, and studies.
• Any copyrighted material used must have documented permission and be properly acknowledged.
• A qualified editor must review the report before submission to ensure correct grammar, spelling, and readability.
Figures and Tables
• All figures and tables must:
o Be sequentially numbered
o Include a clear caption inserted using the Microsoft Word Insert Caption tool
• Images and diagrams must be clear, relevant, and referred to in the text.
Technical Details
• Specific instructions are included for each section within the template (e.g. expected content, structure, and formatting).
• Reports must avoid "style corruption" often caused by copying and pasting formatted text—authors must verify styles remain consistent with Austroads' format.
• Reports should be reviewed to ensure there is no duplication, ambiguity, or omission of scope elements.
All submissions are to be submitted as a PDF at a maximum size of 10MB.
All submissions are to include a completed Tender Proposal Coversheet.
The naming convention for submissions is: [your Company name] – [Project No.] – [any internal reference numbers].
Location
New South Wales : Central West : Far North Coast : Far West : Hunter : Illawarra : Mid North Coast : Murray : New England : Orana : Riverina : Southern Highlands : Sydney
Queensland : Cairns & Far North Queensland : Gladstone : Mackay Whitsunday Region : Mount Isa & North West Region : Rockhampton : South East Queensland : South West & Darling Downs : The Central West : Townsville : Wide Bay Burnett
Victoria : Barwon South West : Gippsland : Grampians : Hume : Loddon Mallee : Melbourne
South Australia : Adelaide : Eyre & Western : Far North : Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island : Limestone Coast : Murray & Mallee : York & Mid North
Northern Territory : Barkly : Big Rivers : Central Australia : East Arnhem : Greater Darwin : Top End
Australian Capital Territory
Tasmania