Bituminous Binders Research Articles

Geleneksel bitümlü sıcak karışım üstyapı tabakalarının dinamik rijitlik modülünün tahmini ve marshall dizayn yöntemi verileriyle karşılaştırılması

The mechanistic and empirical design method of bituminous hot mixes, which is tried to be applied in our country, is allowed to estimate the dynamic stiffness modulus for second and third level projects. It is thought that examining the relationship between the dynamic stiffness module, which is one of the most important mechanical properties of bituminous hot mix, and Marshall design data, which is widely used in our country, will contribute to the designers' analysis of coating performance and life cycle costs. In this study, the relationship of the dynamic stiffness modules estimated by the 1999 Witczak Model with the design data of the aggregate produced from the limestone quarry and the bituminous base, binder, abrasion mixtures at the temperatures and frequencies determined according to the bitumen change of Marshall design was evaluated. In order to determine the change of dynamic modulus of the mixtures according to the loading time, the master curves of the layer mixtures were drawn at the optimum bitumen reference temperature of 21.1 oC. It has been determined that the maximum grain size and temperature change are more effective in the estimated dynamic stiffness modules of the mixtures, changes can be made in the superstructure layer thicknesses according to the change in loading time within the project, and the dynamic modulus estimated in the optimum bitumen is approached with some bitumen reduction in bituminous foundation and binder mixtures.

Improved Performance of Asphalt Concretes using Bottom Ash as an Alternative Aggregate

Road networks are major infrastructures that support the economic development in both developed and developing countries. Bottom ash (BA) is a by-product from coal-fired powerplants, which is composed of a lipophilic molecule with effective reactivity to bituminous binder. BA was adopted in this research, as a green fine aggregate, to improve the mechanistic performance of asphalt concretes in this research. The effect of BA-replacement ratio (0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%, by total weight of natural fine aggregate) on the Marshall stability and flow, indirect tensile strength (ITS), and mechanistic performance of BA-asphalt concrete, were examined. The mechanistic performance tests included the indirect-tensile condition (indirect tensile resilient modulus (IT Mr), indirect tensile fatigue life (ITFL)) and compressive condition (permanent deformation (PD), rut depth, and skid resistance). BA replacement improves the Marshall stability and flow, strength index, and ITS, up to the optimum BA-replacement ratio, of 5%. The change in IT Mr was found to be linearly proportional to the change in ITS, for all BA-replacement ratios. The ITFL is dependent upon the repeated stress level and can be estimated in terms of IT Mr. For the compressive condition, the PD, rutting, and skid resistances were found to be improved by the BA replacement. The lowest PD and rut depth as well as the highest skid resistance, for IT Mr and ITFL, were found at the optimum BA-replacement ratio, of 5%. The outcome of this research will promote the usage of BA as a cleaner additive in asphalt concrete pavement, which is useful in terms of engineering and environmental perspectives.

Crystallinity of Bitumen via WAXD and DSC and Its Effect on the Surface Microstructure

It is well documented that most bituminous binders contain crystallisable material. This crystallisable fraction, often referred to as paraffinic or natural wax, is associated with the bitumen’s origin and has an influence on its rheological performance. In the literature, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is the primary technique used to determine the melting and crystallisation behaviour of this waxy fraction. However, in bitumen, thermal transitions in DSC are typically very broad and can be combined with recrystallisation effects upon reheating. This work explores the potential crystallisation and melting process of a waxy and a wax-free bitumen via three different approaches: DSC, Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD) and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM). The findings reveal that the DSC transitions of the waxy bitumen are in good agreement with the corresponding occurrence of WAXD signals and to some extent with the formation and disappearance of the surface microstructures which were followed at two cooling and heating rates. WAXD results additionally demonstrate that the crystalline material in bitumen is organised in an orthorhombic unit cell, typical for straight chain aliphatic structures. On the other hand, DSC and WAXD support the lack of crystallinity for the wax-free bitumen which could explain its featureless CLSM surface. Overall, the originality of this work resides in the disclosure of connections between crystallographic properties, thermal transitions and the surface micromorphology of bitumen.

Suitability of Saw Dust Ash and Quarry Dust as Mineral fillers in Asphalt Concrete

This study attempts to justify how suitable a conventional mineral filler and a non-conventional mineral filler can replace fractions of the aggregates in an asphalt concrete in order to reduce cost and encourage reuse of waste materials. Asphalt concrete mix proportions were generated with 3% Quarry Dust and 3% Saw Dust Ash replacements of aggregates. The binder contents were 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7% for a 60/70 penetration grade asphalt binder. Briquette specimens were formed using the asphalt concrete mix proportions carried out. Standard laboratory experiments were carried out on the aggregates, Quarry Dust, Saw Dust Ash, bituminous binder and asphalt concrete specimens based on the relevant codes and standards. The Marshall method was used for the asphalt concrete design procedure. The optimum binder content was found to be 4.85% using the standard Marshall curves. At optimum binder content, using 4% design air void for medium traffic and maximum aggregate of 10mm, the Stability, Flow, VMA and VFA were 5.83kN, 15.73(0.25mm), 15.28% and 73.25% respectively. These were within the Asphalt Institute design criteria.

Evaluation of rubberised asphalt mixture including natural Zeolite as a warm mix asphalt (WMA) additive

ABSTRACT One of the ways to modify bitumen and asphalt mixture characteristics is to use recycled Crumb Rubber (CR). Although using CR improves the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures and rheological behavior of bituminous binders, it increases binder viscosity. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) is a practical technology to ameliorate the disadvantage of Rubberized-Asphalt (RA) mixtures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of zeolite as a WMA additive on Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) and RA mixtures. These modifiers' effect on the properties of asphalt mixtures and binders was studied utilizing different tests such as resilient modulus, indirect tensile fatigue, dynamic creep, moisture susceptibility (TSR and RMR), and rotational viscosity (RV). The findings indicate that the addition of zeolite and CR improved mechanical properties. 16% CR along with 6% zeolite is the optimum dosage to enhance durability. Moreover, the addition of CR to mixtures without zeolite decreased the TSR, RMR, and workability of mixtures, while zeolite increased the durability and workability of HMA and RA mixtures. The cost-effective analysis results also indicated that not only does the simultaneous proper use of zeolite and CR decreases energy consumption, but it also decreases the production cost of modified asphalt mixture.

Oxidation of Vacuum Residue with the Addition of Crumb Rubber

The actual problem of the oil refining industry is to improve the process of oxidation of heavy oil residues and the properties of oil bitumen. One way to solve the problem is to add modifiers. The addition of modifiers leads to an intensification of the oxidation process and an increase in the characteristics of the bituminous binders. The work aims to study the effect of adding rubber crumb on the process of vacuum residue oxidation and the properties of the obtained rubber-bitumen binders (RBB). The influence of the size of crumb rubber and its content, the mixing stage and oxidation modes on the properties of rubber-bitumen binders are determined. Vacuum residue from the Omsk oil refinery was used as a raw material, which was modified with crumb rubber with a dispersion of 0.6‒1.0 mm and less than 0.6 mm. The novelty of the research is the addition of crumb rubber to the vacuum residue and the oxidation process to obtain bitumen. The product of vacuum residue oxidation for 2 h at 260 °С with preliminary mixing of 2 wt.% crumb rubber with particle sizes less than 0.6 mm at 180 °С and additional mixing of 8 wt.% crumb rubber after oxidation corresponds to the brand of rubber-bitumen binder RBB 60/90. The rubber-bitumen binder is characterized by high elasticity and low Fraas point. Рrepared аsphalt concrete mixture based on RBB corresponded to type B according to physical and mechanical parameters. The complex shear modulus of the samples decreases with the temperature increase. Short-term aging resulted in increased shear modulus for all samples.

On the analysis of uniaxial cyclic strain sweep test results to bituminous binders: stiffness-phase angle curve

On the analysis of uniaxial cyclic strain sweep test results to bituminous binders: stiffness-phase angle curve

Practical experience with modified bitumen and bituminous binders

To date, the issue of polymer waste recycling becomes relevant, because every year the amount of plastic and polyethylene waste increases, which leads to devastating effects on flora and fauna everywhere. One of the ways to solve this problem of polymer waste recycling is to use them to modify asphalt-concrete mixture and bitumen. Thus, two problems are solved at once: reuse of plastic, polyethylene, and other polymer wastes and improvement of asphalt concrete pavement with an increase in its service life. The paper presents a discussion of the use of modified bitumen in the construction of highways and roads, the design and technological solutions, features of the technology of modified bitumen, as well as the results of laboratory tests of modified bitumen, based on which was decided on the advisability of using. The use of the combined approach of the road pavement allows increasing the service life of the road.

Performance of waste plastic bio-oil as a rejuvenator for asphalt binder

Pavement recycling is actively applied on asphalt roads due to ageing problems associated with bituminous binders when exposed to weathering and trafficking during their service life. Recycling of asphalt occurs through rejuvenator agents. This study utilised bio-oil produced from hydrothermal liquefaction of waste plastic films (linear low-density polyethylene - LLDPE) to rejuvenate laboratory-aged bitumen. Initially, the neat bitumen was aged through thermal ageing (Pressure Ageing Vessel – PAV) and then the aged binder was mixed with bio-oil from waste plastics at 5% and 8% bio-oil (BO) by weight of aged binder. All four binders including neat bitumen, aged bitumen, aged bitumen/BO-5% and aged bitumen/BO-8% were analysed for thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier Transform Infra-Red analysis, rheology in the linear viscoelastic region, multiple stress creep and recovery analysis, and linear amplitude sweep analysis. The ageing of neat binder resulted in hardening of the binder; however, the bio-oil rejuvenator softened the aged binder significantly. The thermo-chemical and rheological performance of aged binder was significantly improved after the addition of bio-oil. The outcomes suggest how bio-oil produced from hydrothermal liquefaction of waste plastics (possibly non-recyclable) may serve as potential rejuvenator for aged asphalt binders in an effort to recycle more using non-recyclable material.

Using Plastic Waste in a Circular Economy Approach to Improve the Properties of Bituminous Binders

This work aims to use wax to modify a binder employed in the paving industry. This wax can be obtained either directly or as a by-product from plastic waste′s thermal cracking (pyrolysis). The study characterizes this sustainable material and the binders resulting from blending it with conventional or modified bitumen with other additives applied in the manufacture of bituminous mixtures. Different tests were used: thermogravimetric and spectroscopic analysis; consistency tests; testing of dynamic viscosity at various temperatures; and assessment of the rheologic properties of binders. As a result, several crucial findings were reached: this sustainable wax promotes changes in the viscosity of the binders, their handling temperatures can be reduced, and it contributes to some goals of the U.N. 2030 Agenda. In summary, this work allowed us to conclude that the positive effects of a suitable modification of the bituminous binders, which incorporated this wax and other additives, led to improved consistency and rheological behaviour, having provided, for example, lower temperature susceptibility and higher permanent deformation resistance.

МИНЕРАЛЬНЫЙ ПОРОШОК В СОВРЕМЕННОЙ СИСТЕМЕ ПРОЕКТИРОВАНИЯ АСФАЛЬТОБЕТОННЫХ СИСТЕМ

Within the framework of this article, the potential raw material base for obtaining mineral powders for the production of asphalt concrete mixtures is analyzed. The main stages of structure formation in asphalt concrete in the process of interaction of a bitumen binder with mineral materials are considered. Within the boundaries of modern approaches to the design of asphalt concrete mixtures, an assessment of the current regulatory framework is carried out in relation to the requirements for the indicators of the properties of mineral powders and the sampling methodology for assessing their quality. According to the research, despite the increased attention to the characteristics of mineral powders, the requirements for the methodological approach to sampling mineral powder and the quality assessment of the binary system "bituminous binder - mineral powder" or asphalt binder, which is the most significant component of asphalt concrete, is currently weak elaborated in the normative documentation. In the light of modern approaches to the design system of asphalt concrete mixtures, including the methodology of volumetric-functional design, it is of interest to develop a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the effect of mineral powders of different nature on the structuring of bituminous binders and, as a consequence, a change in their rheological properties.

Evaluating the Rheological Performance of Bituminous Binder Containing Nano Al2O3

The study reported herein investigates the effectiveness of nano aluminum trioxide (Al2O3) as a bituminous binder modifier. The study assesses the high- and intermediate-temperature performance of bituminous binders modified with three different percentages (0.5%, 1%, and 2%) of nano Al2O3. A field emission scanning electron microscope was utilized to study the dispersion of nano Al2O3 in bituminous binder. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis was used to understand the nature of the interaction between nano Al2O3 particles and bituminous binder. Different rheological approaches, like the Superpave rutting parameter, multiple stress creep and recovery test, and time-temperature sweep, were used to study the high-temperature performance of nano Al2O3–modified bituminous binders. All the methods undertaken in the current study to evaluate rutting susceptibility showed that nano Al2O3 showed modified binders had a very low propensity to accumulate permanent deformation. Fatigue performance evaluated using the Linear Amplitude Sweep test showed that the incorporation of nano Al2O3 enhanced fatigue performance. Nano Al2O3–modified bituminous binders were found to be storage stable as revealed by the storage stability test. The high-temperature thermal stability of the bituminous binders measured using thermogravimetric analysis showed an improvement after nano Al2O3 incorporation.

Physical properties of palm oil boiler ash modified bitumen with Rediset

This study examines the physical properties of a 60/70 penetration grade bitumen modified using warm mix asphalt (WMA) additive, Rediset and palm oil boiler ash (POBA) as a modifier. Modified binders were prepared by adding 2% of Rediset with different POBA contents (3, 5, 7, and 9%) through wet mixing process. Physical properties of modified bituminous binder were obtained from penetration, softening point, rotational viscosity and ductility tests. The addition of 7% POBA in WMA binder has the best characteristics in term of its physical properties. The penetration values, softening point temperatures and ductility characteristics show inconsistent patterns. However, the rotational viscosity of each combination had decreased with the increment of temperature even though the trend was not significantly constant. Penetration index (PI) showed an increment with 3 and 5% and decrement pattern on 7 and 9% as well as penetration viscosity number (PVN) showing an inconsistent decrement with the addition of POBA. From the results, it can be concluded that using POBA in WMA binder for pavement construction is a viable option and can be further investigated.

POLYMERIC MODIFIERS FOR BITUMINOUS BINDERS

Polymer-modified binders (PMB) have found wide application in improving the durability and performance properties of asphalt pavement. To establish the prospects for modifying bituminous binders with polymers, it is necessary to study the basic physical and chemical characteristics of these materials. This paper presents the results of studying the main structural and thermophysical properties of polyethylene terephthalic waste. It was revealed that the presence of functional groups and the corresponding thermal characteristics of the polymer waste open the possibility of using them as modifiers in road construction.

Fourier-transform infrared analysis and interpretation for bituminous binders

InfraRed spectrometry is a powerful technique to characterise bituminous binders. The methodology is not fully harmonised and may lead to variability. The RILEM-272-PIM-TG1, evaluated seven complex bituminous, for which eleven laboratories performed FTIR. While, the spectra showed similar trends, further analysis was needed to improve comparison. A specific approach was applied on two binders, unmodified and polymer modified bitumen, and two ageing conditioning. Combining a Gaussian distribution and derivative analysis confirmed a good alignments of laboratory results. A two-step model was developed improving further interpretation. It consists of a baseline adjustment with eight points and normalisation over the maximum aliphatic peak. Furthermore, a specific fingerprint model was determined with the main absorption peaks defined by their location and shape. Only the intensity varies from laboratory to laboratory and binders. This general approach can be used as a platform to characterise aging or binder complexity.

Microwave Heating as an Innovative Road Maintenance Technology: Aging Effect on Binder and Feasibility Evaluation

The microwave heating/healing technique is regarded as a green maintenance approach for asphalt pavements thanks to its promising environmental and economic benefits. However, the main concern about this technology is represented by the possible aging effect generated on bituminous binders. Currently, there is a significant lack of studies dealing with this topic. Based on these premises, the main purpose of this study is to appraise the feasibility of implementing microwave-based maintenance operations considering the associated aging effect. The assessment of fatigue life after cyclic microwave heating (MH) based on a linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test and the changes in the chemical groups detected through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy document the aging phenomenon. The results indicate that the microwave aging degree on bituminous binder is nonlinear with MH cycles. The microwave radiation causes a distinct aging impact on binders during the first 10 cycles, then the values become constant. Furthermore, a feasibility analysis of MH technology is developed, encompassing four main multidisciplinary aspects: evaluation of microwave aging degree, working mechanism of MH equipment, safety assessment, and economic and ecological considerations. Despite the associated aging issue, the MH method is an efficient technology, considering its various advantages (i.e., rapidity of execution, uniform and non-pollutant treatment, and deep penetration). Meanwhile, the use of steel slag as a microwave absorber bolsters the sustainability of MH technology. This study provides a new perspective to evaluate the microwave heating technique in road engineering comprising the generated aging effect. Practice-oriented recommendations are also formulated regarding the safe implementation of MH technical operations.

Синергетический эффект в модификации окисленных дорожных битумов различного группового состава

The physico-chemical-rheological properties of the asphalt binder are critical to the long-term performance of the asphalt pavement infrastructure. The objectives of this investigation are to characterize the physico-rheological properties of unmodified pure and polymer-modified bituminous binders using rheological performance tests. The rheological properties of three pure oxidized bitumen, three SBS with sulfur-modified bituminous binders, and three bituminous binders modified with SBS+S+PPA were studied in this work. Various amounts of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), sulfur (S) and polyphosphoric acid (PPA) modifiers were added to the pure binder for this purpose. The tested physical properties of the bituminous binder include traditional penetration and softening temperature. Group composition studies (saturates, aromatics, tars and asphaltenes; SARA) were respectively conducted to quantify the chemical composition and structural properties of pure oxidized bitumen. A dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) was used to evaluate the durability (PG) of virgin, thin film oxidized (RTFO-aged) and pressure vessel (PAV-aged) bitumens. The resistance to rutting and fatigue failure was evaluated using the test for creep recovery after repeated loading (MSCR). A bending beam rheometer (BBR) was used to study the low temperature properties of bituminous binders. All modifiers have been found to improve the high temperature properties of clean asphalt. In addition, these modifiers have not been found to have a significant effect on the low temperature continuous grade of the binders.

RILEM TC 279 WMR round robin study on waste polyethylene modified bituminous binders: advantages and challenges

ABSTRACT Inter-laboratory experiments were designed to evaluate the impact of plastic waste blended directly in bitumen and to assess the properties, using conventional and advanced bituminous binder testing. The blends targeted 5% of plastic waste in 95% bitumen, using two types of polyethylene (PE) primary (pellets) and secondary (shreds) waste. The experiments showed that the addition of PE waste to bitumen does not alter the chemistry of the bitumen, the blending is physical. The DSR results indicate a strong dependency on the testing temperature as at low temperatures the composite material bitumen and PE behave both elastically whereas, at higher temperatures, the bitumen becomes viscoelastic. The MSCR tests indicated that the neat binder is more sensitive to permanent deformation compared to the blends with PE. The fatigue performance using the Linear Amplitude Sweep test showed a better performance in terms of stress and fatigue life for the PE blends.

Alternative Bituminous Binder for Sustainable Flexible Pavement: A Review

Bituminous binders used for flexible pavement materials are primarily obtained from refinement of petroleum. Since petroleum is non-renewable resource, there is an urgent need to produce alternative binders from bio-renewable resources. Standard alternative binders include pyrolyzed materials, jatropha curcas oil, waste cooking oil, pine resin, etc. This article presents an overview on the application of various types of alternative binders as a modifier for virgin asphalt, rejuvenator for aging asphalt, and recycling agent for reclaimed asphalt pavement. This review discusses the effect of using alternative binders on the physical and rheological properties of asphalt 60/70 and shows that alternative binders’ in appropriate dosage can enhance the physical properties of virgin asphalt and restore the properties of the aged binders. It is also concluded that rutting resistance and fatigue performance are affected by an alternative binder. The possibility of using alternative bituminous binder from economics point of view is also discussed for consideration of its applications in the paving industry.

Investigation of effects of Cocamide Diethanolamide chemical on physical and rheological properties of bituminous binder

Investigation of effects of Cocamide Diethanolamide chemical on physical and rheological properties of bituminous binder