Abstract
The quality of road bitumen in asphalt mixtures is one of the most important factors affecting performance of the entire pavement structure during its service. In particular, the type and refining technology of the crude oil are the most significant aspects influencing bitumen properties. As the same time it is still necessary to assess other aspects that contribute to the changes in bitumen properties, such as bitumen aging during asphalt mixing, storage, transportation, laying and a gradually increasing oxidation in asphalt pavement structure during pavement service life. Bitumen originating from different producers and supplied to Lithuanian market satisfies the requirements of European standards concerning the basic physical properties, albeit certain instability processes in bitumen properties can be observed: bitumen is more liquid and less sticky at a laying temperature; reduced cohesion, increased cracking during compaction; reduced adhesion between bitumen and mineral materials; changes in perceptible properties (odour, colour), and others. These observations have led to numerous discussions on the potential ways of improving bitumen quality, selection of proper methods for bitumen quality assessment and determination of the recommended threshold values. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the effect of bitumen chemical composition and associated structure on asphalt pavement performance. Performance was expressed in terms of susceptibility to rutting measured by the Performance Grade system developed in the US. Based on the results obtained during this experimental study the limit values of bitumen fractional composition were identified.
Highlights
Crude oil is the fundamental energy source of the world economy
As the same time it is still necessary to assess other aspects that contribute to the changes in bitumen properties, such as bitumen aging during asphalt mixing, storage, transportation, laying and a gradually increasing oxidation in asphalt pavement structure during pavement service life
The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the effect of bitumen chemical composition and associated structure on asphalt pavement performance
Summary
Crude oil is the fundamental energy source of the world economy. In earlier times, the process of oil refining was much more simple compared to the present days when refining requires more complex production technologies. Determination of the relationship between chemical and mechanical properties of bitumen and identification of the recommended values for its fractional composition, ensure that bitumen and at the same time asphalt pavement is resistant to rutting. Relationship between bitumen chemical composition and asphalt pavement performance, different proposals for the structure of bitumen have been published over the last 100 years. Scientists are still trying to figure out the most reliable test method for the determination of bitumen chemical composition and influence to bitumen physical, mechanical properties and whole asphalt pavement performance (Redelius, Soenen 2014; Wang et al 2015). The chemical composition, the structure and the properties of bitumen differ significantly since in the process of bitumen production, depending on the market situation and demand for petroleum products, crude oil may be refined by using different techniques. Fractional composition of bitumen expressed by molecular structure: a – asphaltenes; b – resins; c – aromatics; d – saturates
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
