Abstract
The ageing behavior of bitumen is a complex phenomenon which is tackled by many studies in the laboratory and on the field. While ageing parameters like temperature, moisture, reactive gasses or UV light have been utilized in the laboratory, the impact of visible light has not been addressed yet. Thus, this study investigates the impact of UV–visible light in the range of 365–770 nm on the oxidation behavior of bitumen. Furthermore, a correlation to solar spectral data was conducted, which should link the ageing experiments run in the lab to the conditions on earth’s surface. FTIR spectroscopy on the sample surfaces was conducted to determine the extent of ageing. The results show that when considering solar spectral data, blue light in the range of 405 nm contributes significantly towards oxidation of bitumen. Additionally, an unexpected, characteristic oxidation profile shows higher oxidation levels around light in the blue (405 nm) and green (525 nm) wavelength ranges. This provides first evidence on how visible light can cause significant oxidation for bitumen in asphalt pavements. The obtained knowledge can be used to better understand which parameters contribute towards the ageing process in the field and to provide suitable solutions for laboratory ageing.
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.
