Quantifying oxygen diffusion in bitumen films using molecular dynamics simulations

Bitumen in asphalt pavements reacts slowly with atmospheric oxygen, resulting in oxidative ageing. This oxidative reaction is strongly dependent on the physical diffusion of the oxygen into the bitumen. This study aims to use molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to investigate the oxygen diffusion into the bitumen film and analyse the effects...

Effect of recycling agents on rheological properties of epoxy bitumen

The rejuvenation of epoxy modified bituminous binders is a topic of much debate because such binders may not be able to melt at high temperatures and restore their properties using recycling agents. This paper presents the results of an experimental program developed to evaluate the re-usability of an epoxy modified bitumen, or epoxy bitumen, by...

Rheological, fatigue and relaxation properties of aged bitumen

Bitumen ageing has a significant impact on the mechanical performance of asphalt concrete. This study utilises dynamic mechanical tests (frequency sweep, fatigue, and relaxation) to investigate the effect of ageing on the viscoelastic characteristics of bitumen. As ageing progressed, a shift of the Black diagrams curves towards lower phase...

Ageing effect on chemo-mechanics of bitumen

Ageing has a significant impact on the chemical and mechanical behavior of bituminous materials. In this study, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests were utilized to investigate the effect of ageing on the chemical and mechanical properties of bitumen. Bitumen films with thickness of 2 mm were...