Experimental and theoretical investigations on the viscosity of heterogeneous asphalt binders

Abstract

The inherent multiphase structure of heterogeneous asphalt binders (additives containing binders) may complicate viscosity understanding and predictions in the Newtonian or non-Newtonian response. The objective of this article is to understand the viscosity characteristics of heterogeneous asphalt binders based on experimental and theoretical investigations over a wide range of conditions the matter may encounter in the field (temperatures and oxidative aging). Selected materials representing the generic additives commonly used for pavement construction including styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer and ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer, crumb rubber, and two mineral fillers, namely hydrated lime and fly ash, were utilized separately at different concentrations to produce the heterogeneous materials under study. The effects of varied temperatures as well as short- and long-term aging processes were studied for the materials over a wide range of shear rates. A further theoretical investigation was carried out by addressing the capability of Tscheuschner model to predict the flow behavior under the aforementioned conditions. In addition, the zero shear viscosity said to be an intrinsic characteristic of asphalt binders was evaluated using the regression analysis of data predicted from Tscheuschner model. Overall, the shear thinning behavior of heterogeneous asphalt binders occurred at low shear rates as compared to the base binder, especially at low temperatures. Emphasis was placed on the repeatability of the model predictions under different conditions, which could be an initiative to provide a simple but accurate representation of the viscosity of heterogeneous asphalt binders.