Abstract

Firstly, the performance-based properties of rejuvenated aged asphalt binders, i.e., the blends of aged binders containing a rejuvenator at various percentages, were investigated under high, intermediate and low temperatures. The tests were conducted on the blends at three stages as follows: no aging, rolling thin film oven (RTFO) residuals and as well RTFO + pressure aging vessel (PAV) residuals through dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests. Optimum concentrations of the rejuvenator needed for the blends to reach a target PG grade were obtained from the blending charts of the rejuvenated aged binders in terms of performance properties. The rejuvenator is a soft binder containing a low asphaltene content of 2 wt%. Secondly, selected performance-based properties were conducted on hot mix asphalt (HMA) using the rejuvenated aged binder and a virgin HMA as a control mixture. Results showed that the rejuvenator affected significantly the performance-based properties of both the rejuvenated aged binders and the mixtures containing the rejuvenated aged binders. It was possible to get optimum concentrations of the rejuvenator using the blending charts so that the rejuvenated binders reach a target PG grade. The mean value of the concentrations was proved to be more reliable through the performance-based properties of the mixtures if it is used for a design value for recycling. The properties of the asphalt paving mixtures with the rejuvenated binders were even improved or in the same level as the properties of the virgin mixtures.

Keywords: Asphalt binder; Hot mix asphalt; Rheological characteristics; Rejuvenator; Performance-based properties

Article Outline

1. Background and objectives of the study

1.1. Background and literature

1.2. Objectives and scope

2. Materials and testing procedures

2.1. Materials

2.2. Test methods

3. Results and discussions

3.1. Performance-properties of the blends of aged binders containing a rejuvenator

3.2. Rutting resistance – wheel tracking test

3.3. Fracture properties – thermal stress of refrained specimen test

4. Summary and conclusions

References