Ultraviolet ageing of bituminous materials: A comprehensive literature review from 2011 to 2022

Abstract

• UV radiation causes photo-oxidation on the bituminous materials. • UV ageing is one of the main phenomena that deteriorate bituminous materials. • Most studies focus on analyzing bitumen, leaving aside bituminous mixtures. • PR China is the country that has developed the most research on this topic. The transport infrastructure is crucial to maintaining the interconnection of urban, rural, and commercial centres, thus allowing the socioeconomic growth of populations and communities. Nevertheless, due to the ageing phenomenon, the useful life of asphalt pavements is significantly reduced. Therefore, a greater consumption of financial resources is necessary to carry out maintenance and rehabilitation activities that guarantee the functionality of the pavement structures. Accordingly, it is essential to understand the complexity of the ageing of bituminous materials to deal with this problem. Unfortunately, although there is extensive reference literature on thermal ageing, relatively few research efforts have been carried out to understand ultraviolet (UV) ageing. The preceding is of particular concern because UV ageing is one of the predominant ageing processes during the in-service time of these materials. In this way, the present investigation intends to perform an exhaustive review of state of the art to establish the level of scientific development, the knowledge gaps and the aspects that are still necessary to explore more in-depth regarding the UV ageing of bituminous materials. Consequently, throughout this manuscript, the UV ageing mechanisms of the bitumen and bituminous mixtures are explained, as the laboratory protocols used to simulate, evaluate, and mitigate it.