Advanced rheological characterization of traditional and modified bitumens currently employed in Chile

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to achieve an advanced rheological characterization and classification for a set of modified and non-modified asphaltic bitumens currently employed in Chile. Six asphaltic bitumens were employed, which are locally produced by three asphalt manufacturer companies. Each company provided a traditional bitumen and a modified bitumen. The three traditional bitumens were classified as CA 24 and, SBS-modified bitumens were classified as 60-80. Rheological characterization tests were carried out by employing a dynamic shear rheometer and a bending beam rheometer on bitumens under original condition; primary ageing (RTFOT) and secondary ageing (PAV). Consequently, performance level, creep and recovery tests, master curves and Black´s diagrams were determined for each bitumens. Besides, diverse and complete traditional tests were performed to the whole set of bitumens, in accordance to the aforementioned ageing levels. The rheological characterization enabled the determination of bitumen essential properties at high temperatures, intermediate temperatures and low temperatures. These properties together with an adequate climatologically zoning of Chile could be employed to elaborate an updated specification for bitumens in our country. It was also demonstrated that traditional tests are only useful if they are carried out under the following conditions: high temperatures, intermediate temperatures, low temperatures, original binder, primary aged binder (RTFOT) and secondary aged binder (PAV). Only by executing tests under the aforementioned conditions, it is actually possible to achieve information and results comparable to the ones provided by Superpave.