Study of Rheological Properties of Bituminous Binders in Middle and High Temperatures

Abstract

The bitumen binders in road pavements are exposed traffic loading effect at different climatic conditions. A resistance to these stresses depends on bitumen properties as well. The paper presents rheological properties (G*, δ, ν*) determined and compared for four bituminous binders (unmodified and polymer modified bitumen) at temperature 46 – 60 (80) °C and dynamic viscosity at temperature 130 – 190 °C (Brookfield viscometer). On the basis of viscosity results it is possible to set optimal production and compaction temperatures. Elastic and viscous behavior of binder in the middle temperature is determined in rheometers. The higher value of complex modulus, the stiffer bitumen binder is able to resist deformation. The greater content of elastic components (e.g. polymer in bitumen) varies mainly elastic-viscous properties of primary bitumen.

Keywords

• bitumen
• complex shear modulus
• viscosity
• rheology
• temperature