Abstract
Asphalt mixtures are subjected to short-term aging during the production, placement, and compaction processes. Proper evaluation of asphalt pavement performance relies on the accurate characterization of asphalt mixtures during the design stage. In this study, three different loose asphalt mixtures often used in Qatar were evaluated to develop a laboratory short-term aging procedure. Sample mixtures 1 and 3 were collected from a construction site, while mixture 2 was obtained from an asphalt plant. Virgin aggregates and binders were also collected to reproduce the mixtures in the laboratory. Laboratory-produced mixtures were conditioned at 135 °C using various time durations. The mechanical properties of laboratory-produced mixtures were compared to those of mixtures produced on site. The results of the mechanical and binder testing demonstrated that the proper short-term aging protocol for asphalt mixtures often used in road construction in the State of Qatar would involve heating asphalt mixtures for 4 h at 135 °C before laboratory compaction.
Highlights
The State of Qatar is investing heavily in infrastructure and construction projects and almost 95%of these investments are spent in developing road transport infrastructures [1]
The same tests were conducted on original binders (OB) and rolling thin film oven (RTFO)-conditioned samples
Short-term aging occurs during mixing in the plant, transportation to the site, and laying and compaction of asphalt mixtures
Summary
The State of Qatar is investing heavily in infrastructure and construction projects and almost 95%of these investments are spent in developing road transport infrastructures [1]. The asphalt mixture is transported to the construction site, laid down, and compacted to prepare an asphalt pavement layer. Aggregates are coated by a very thin film of asphalt binder. These films are exposed to air at high temperature for several hours, leading to a significant change in the rheological properties of the asphalt binder. This change in the rheological properties of the asphalt mixture during production, hauling/storage, and compaction is known as short-term aging. Binders are subjected to aging due to oxidation, which causes significant changes in the physical and mechanical properties of asphalt A significant increase in modulus and decrease in phase angle were observed by Cui et al [15].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
