Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Bitumen; Pavement materials'

Thesis (MSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The increasing awareness of climate change causes a growing interest in pavement rehabilitation. Pavement rehabilitation by in-situ stabilisation with bitumen reduces the extraction of natural aggregate resources while enhancing flexibility and durability properties, which lowers maintenance costs over the design-life of the pavement structure. Incorporating Bitumen Stabilised Materials (BSMs) into a pavement structure can therefore have economic and environmental benefits, but more research is needed to fully understand the behaviour and potential of these materials. Stabilising materials with bitumen provides useful properties to pavement layers. The “TG2 2nd Edition, Bitumen Stabilised Materials” was published by the Academy of South Africa in May 2009, which provides a good understanding of the usage of Bitumen Stabilised Materials (BSMs). However, the shrinkage and flexible behaviour of these materials are still not fully understood and therefore more research on these materials is needed. The aim of this project is thus to determine the shrinkage and flexible behaviour of BSMs to incorporate these behavioural types in the revised design method for flexible pavements in the SAPDM. In addition, the influence of several additives on the shrinkage and flexible behaviour of BSMs have been evaluated to get an improved understanding of these properties. The additives included cement (1% and 2% content) and both bitumen emulsion (0.9% and 2.4% content) and foamed bitumen (only 2.4% content). Two linear shrinkage testing methods have been designed to test the shrinkage potential of BSMs, including a beam testing method and a cylindrical testing method. Based on the usage of the shrinkage measurements the applicable method can be used to determine the shrinkage potential of a BSM. The flexibility is a more complex property and was tested using a simple monotonic beam test. The strain-at-break parameter obtained from this test provided an indication of the material flexibility. Slight differences in the trends were observed between beam and cylindrical shrinkage due to specimen geometry, exposed surface area and shrinkage testing direction. Beam specimens initially show swelling when bitumen is added to the mixture and shrinks thereafter. Cylindrical specimens on the other hand show initial shrinkage followed by a slight length increase, where after shrinkage continues. The additives had the same influence on the shrinkage for both the beam and cylindrical specimens. Although all shrinkage measurements were small, an increase in bitumen reduced shrinkage and an increase in cement increased shrinkage. Stabilisation with foamed bitumen rather than bitumen emulsion proved to show less shrinkage, but only in combination with 2% cement. The strain-at-break, dissipated energy and material stiffness calculated from the monotonic beam tests provided a good indication of the flexibility behaviour of BSMs. Higher bitumen content increased the flexibility potential and an increase in cement decreased the flexibility potential of BSMs. This project has provided good insight on both the shrinkage and flexibility behaviour of BSMs, which can be used in the revised copy of the SAPDM. Increased bitumen contents decreases the shrinkage potential and increases the flexibility of a BSM. Increased cement contents on the other hand, increases shrinkage and decreases flexibility of BSMs. The correct combination of cement and bitumen in a BSM can thus provide a material with the wanted flexibility while keeping the shrinkage to a minimum.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die toenemende bewustheid van klimaatsverandering veroorsaak toenemende belangstelling in die rehabilitasie van plaveisels. Plaveisel rehabilitasie deur in-veld stabilisasie met bitumen verminder die ontginning van natuurlike hulpbronne, terwyl die verbetering van buigsaamheid en duursaamheid eienskappe die onderhoudskoste verlaag oor die ontwerp-lewe van die plaveiselstruktuur. Die inkorporasie van Bitumen Gestabiliseerde Materiale (BGM) in 'n plaveisel struktuur kan dus omgewings en ekonomiese voordele inhou. Meer navorsing word wel benodig om die gedrag van hierdie materiale beter te verstaan. Die stabilisering van materiale met bitumen verskaf nuttige eienskappe aan 'n plaveisellaag. Die "TG2 2de Uitgawe, Bitumen Gestabiliseerde Materiale" is gepubliseer deur die Akademie van Suid-Afrika in Mei 2009 en verskaf 'n goeie begrip van Bitumen Gestabiliseerde Materiale (BGM). Die krimpings en buigsaamheid gedrag van die materiaal word wel nog nie ten volle verstaan nie en daarom word meer navorsing oor hierdie materiaal benodig. Die doel van hierdie projek is dus om die krimpings gedrag sowel as die buigsaamheid gedrag van 'n BGM te bepaal en sodoende die kennis te gebruik in die hersiende ontwerp metode vir buigsame plaveisels in die SAPDM. Die invloed van verskeie bymiddels op die krimpings en buigsaamheid gedrag van 'n BGM is ook geëvalueer om 'n beter begrip van hierdie eienskappe te verkry. Die bymiddels sluit sement in (1% en 2% inhoud) asook beide emulsie bitumen (0,9% en 2,4% inhoud) en skuim bitumen (slegs 2.4% inhoud). Twee lineêre krimpings toets metodes was ontwerp om die krimping potensiaal van BGM's te bepaal, wat 'n balk toets metode en 'n silindriese toets metode insluit. Die metode wat gebruik sal word om die krimping van 'n BGM te bepaal moet baseer word op die toepassing waarvoor die krimpings resultate gebruik gaan word. Die buigsaamheid is 'n meer komplekse eienskap en was getoets met behulp van 'n eenvoudige monotoniese balk toets. Die spanning-by-breekpunt waardes wat verkry was vanuit die balktoetse, het 'n goeie aanduiding van die buigsaamheid van die materiaal verskaf. Klein verskille in krimpingstendense tussen balk en silindriese proefstukke is opgemerk tydens die projek en is veroorsaak deur die geometrie van die proefstuk, die blotgestelde oppervlakte asook die rigting van kimp toetsing. Balk proefstukke toon aanvanklike swelling wanneer bitumen bygevoeg is, gevolg deur krimping. Silindriese proefstukke aan die ander kant toon aanvanklike krimping gevolg deur 'n effense toename in lengte, waarna krimping weer plaasvind. Die bymiddles het dieselfde invloed op die krimping van beide die balk en silindriese proefstukke. Alhoewel al die krimpingswaardes baie klein was, het 'n toename in bitumen 'n vermindering in krimping voortgebring en 'n toename in sement het 'n toename in krimping voortgebring. Stabilisasie met skuim bitumen in plaas van emulsie bitumen toon verlaagde krimping, maar slegs in kombinasie met 2% sement. Die spanning-by-breekpunt, verkose energie en materiaal styfheid wat bereken is vanaf die monotoniese balk toets resultate, het 'n goeie aanduiding van die buigsaamheid gedrag van BGM's verskaf. 'n Hoër bitumen inhoud verhoog die buigsaamheid potensiaal van BGM‟s terwyl 'n toename in sement die buigsaamheid potensiaal van BGM's verlaag. Hierdie projek bied goeie insigte vir beide die krimpings en buigsaamheid gedrag van BGM's, wat in die hersiende ontwerp metode van die SAPDM gebruik kan word. Verhoogde bitumen inhoud verminder die krimping potensiaal en verhoog die buigsaamheid van 'n BGM. Verhoogde sement inhoud aan die ander kant, verhoog krimping en verminder buigsaamheid van BGM's. Die korrekte kombinasie van sement en bitumen in 'n BGM kan dus 'n materiaal produseer met die gewenste buigsaamheidseienskappe en terselfde tyd die krimping tot 'n minimum beperk.

Thesis (PhD (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In both developing and developed countries, to ensure sustained economic growth the quest for optimal roads performance is an extremely high priority. A global increase in the use of foamed bitumen and bitumen emulsion materials (BSMs) as a solution to roads maintenance, rehabilitation, and upgrading has become evident. This is driven by environmental policies aimed at conserving energy and limiting the exploitation of new borrows pits. It has therefore become imperative that BSMs are used optimally, and, in order to achieve this, practitioners need to understand the mechanisms that influence durability and long-term performance. The changes in the behaviour of materials and the failure mechanisms of BSM mixes are long-term phenomena. This implies that the study of the physicochemical and mechanical properties of the mixes is vital. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the moisture damage and age-hardening characteristics, which are related to materials’ properties, is required. The main objective of this study is to advance BSM technology by assessing the influence of the selected materials on durability behaviour and long-term performance in all phases of application (i.e. mix design, construction, and in-service condition). This study begins with a comprehensive literature review of research dealing with the interactions of binder and mineral aggregates. The properties of bitumen (foamed bitumen or bitumen emulsion) and mineral aggregates were reviewed. This was followed by review into the colloidal behaviour of foam and emulsion and physicochemical and mechanical interaction with mineral aggregates. Factors influencing the interaction of BSMs were then identified. Finally, the fundamental theories on thermodynamics, hydrodynamics, and electrokinetics were used to describe the step-by-step process by which adhesive bonding and cohesion occur in BSMs. The mixture durability in terms of moisture damage was investigated. To achieve this aim, the physical and mechanical moisture-induced damage process was analysed. The test control parameters were established and a laboratory device to quantify these parameters designed. New moisture conditioning procedures were developed and demonstrated in this study. From the moisture induction simulation test (MIST) procedure, it became evident that pulsing water pressures into compacted and cured BSM mixes simulates the hydrodynamic effect that occurs in the field due to dynamic traffic loading. The different mix matrices typically applicable to the recycling processes – such as Hornfels-RAP and Quartzite crushed stone, stabilised with either foamed bitumen or bitumen emulsion and the addition of active filler (cement or lime) – were investigated. It was found that a new moisture-conditioning procedure using the MIST device and monotonic triaxial testing can distinguish those BSM mixes that are resistant to moisture damage from those that are less resistant. The validation of the MIST and monotonic test results was done using the APT device, which is the MMLS3 wet trafficking test. The results on both tests showed good correlations in evaluating and screening BSMs in terms of moisture susceptibility. Field temperature data was collected and a model to accurately simulate the curing of BSMs was identified and proposed for further investigation and validation. It was found from the field temperature data collected in this study that the temperature gradient on the study site varied according to the depth of the BSMs (that is, 10oC-17oC during winter and 17oC– 47oC during summer). Understanding the influence of the temperature conductivity and rate of evaporation is important for inferring moisture damage and age-hardening behaviour and proper selection of BSMs. The age-hardening behaviour of BSMs is linked to the durability properties and longterm performance of these materials. The fundamental characteristics associated with shortand long-term age hardening were investigated in this study. The short-term dimension involved assessing the age-hardening characteristics of the binder (foamed bitumen colloids and bitumen emulsion droplets) prior to the production of BSMs. The long-term study involved extracting and recovering the binder from the briquettes (made from different mixes) compacted in the laboratory and cores extracted from different field pavement sections which were in service for 8-10 years. The study found that the length of time bitumen is kept in circulation in the laboratory plant at elevated temperature (170oC–180oC) before making BSM-foam contributes to the ageing of the binder, especially after eight hours. The foaming process in itself was found not to alter the bitumen properties. It is recommended that a temperature range between 160oC- 165oC be used for the production of foamed bitumen with softer bitumen. This will not compromise its quality. In addition, the time of circulation of bitumen in laboratory plant should not be longer than three (3) hours. The rheological properties of the bitumen recovered from laboratory briquettes and cores from field pavement show that age hardening on foamed bitumen and bitumen emulsion during in-service life occurred. The ageing also seemed to be dependent on the effect of traffic, with trafficked areas (i.e. on-wheel path and inner-wheel path) experiencing more ageing than untrafficked areas (i.e. between-wheel path). However, the extraction and recovery process was found to be complex, and produce uncertain results. Although the results show that binders in BSMs undergo age hardening, its distinct behaviour in BSM performance was not obvious from the extensive tests carried out in this study. The last part of the study contains its conclusions and recommendations. The study provides an insight into fundamental material durability properties, and this will assist in improving the current procedure for selection, combining and formulation of the mix matrices for BSMs. In addition, the study provides guidelines that will enable practitioners to confidently apply a mix that is durable and long-lasting. The specific durability-related issues addressed in this study are substance for future research. This novel solution to the application of BSMs will benefit all parties involved in the development of pavement recycling technology.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Om volgehoue ekonomiese groei te verseker in beide ontwikkelende en ontwikkelde lande, geniet die soeke na die optimale werkverrigting van paaie ’n baie hoë prioriteit. ‘n Wêreldwye toename in die gebruik van skuimbitumen en bitumen-emulsiemateriale (BSMs) as ’n oplossing vir padonderhoud, rehabilitasie en opgradering is merkbaar. Dit word meegebring deur die omgewingsbeleide wat die ontginning van nuwe leengroewe beperk en besparing van energie bevorder. Die korrekte gebruik van hierdie materiale vereis dat die meganismes wat die duursaamheid en langtermyn-werkverrigting daarvan beïnvloed, deeglik verstaan word. Die verandering in materiaalgedrag en falingsmeganismes van BSM materiale is langtermynverskynsels. Dit impliseer dat bestudering van die fisiochemiese en meganiese eienskappe van die mengsels uiters belangrik is. Dis dus voor die hand liggend hoe belangrik vogbeskadiging en verharding met tyd, wat verwant is aan materiaaleienskappe, is. Die hoofdoelwit met hierdie studie is om die vooruitgang van BSM tegnologie te versnel deur dit moontlik te maak om gekose materiale te evalueer op grond van hulle invloed op duursaamheid en langtermyn-werkverrigting in alle toepassingsfases (naamlik mengontwerp, konstruksie en dienstoestand). Hierdie studie begin met ’n uitgebreide literatuuroorsig oor fundamentele begrippe van die karakterisering van interaksie van die bindstof en die minerale-aggregate. Inligting oor bitumen (skuimbitumen en bitumen emulsies) en eienskappe van minerale aggregate is bestudeer. Dit is gevolg deur ’n studie van die fundamentele begrip van die kolloïdale gedrag van skuim en emulsie, asook fisiochemiese en meganiese interaksie met minerale aggregate. Faktore wat die interaksie van BSM-materiale beïnvloed is geïdentifiseer. Die basiese teorie van termodinamika, hidrodinamika en elektrokinetika is daarna gebruik om stap vir stap die proses en formulering van adhesie-binding en kohesie in die BSMs, wat in hierdie studie aangebied word, te beskryf. Die kwantifisering van mengsel-duursaamheid in terme van vogbeskadiging is ontwikkel. Om hierdie doel te bereik, is die fisiese en meganiese proses van beskadiging deur vogindringing geïdentifiseer. Die gekontroleerde parameters is bepaal en ’n laboratoriumapparaat is ontwerp om hierdie parameters te kwantifiseer. Nuwe vogkondisioneringsprosedures is ontwikkel en in hierdie studie gedemonstreer. Van prosedures van voggeïnduseerde sensitiwiteitstoetsing (Engels: moisture induction simulation test (MIST)) was dit duidelik dat pulsering van waterdruk in BSM materiale die hidrodinamiese effek naboots wat in die veld bestaan as gevolg van dinamiese verkeerslaste. Verskillende mengselmatrikse wat tipies is van hergebruik, soos byvoorbeeld hoornfels-hersikleerde asfalt produk (Engels: recycled asphalt product (RAP)) en vergruisde granietklip, met skuimbitumen of bitumenemulsie gestabiliseer en met byvoeging van aktiewe vulmateriaal (sement of kalksteen), is ondersoek. Daar is bevind dat nuwe vogkondisioneringsprosedures (soos bepaal deur MIST apparaat en drie-assige toets) kan onderskei tussen BSM materiale wat weerstandig is teen vogbeskadiging en dié wat minder weerstandig (vatbaar) is. Die geldigheid van die MIST en monotone toetsresultate is bepaal deur gebruik van die APT apparaat wat ’n MMLS3 nat verkeerstoets is. Die resultate van beide toetse toon goeie korrelasie in die keuring van BM materiale in terme van vogvatbaarheid. In hierdie ondersoek is veldtemperatuurdata versamel en die toepaslike model om verouderende BM lae akkuraat te simuleer is geïdentifiseer en voorgelê vir verdere ondersoek en verifikasie. Daar is uit veldtemperatuurdata bevind dat temperatuurgradiënt op die betrokke terrein gewissel het met die dikte van die BSM, naamlik 10oC-17oC gedurende die winter en 17oC-47oC gedurende die somer. Begrip vir die invloed van temperatuuroordragkoëffisiënt en verdampingstempo is belangrik by die afleiding van vogbeskadiging en verharding met ouderdom en die korrekte keuse van BSM materiale.Verouderingsverhardinggedrag van BSMs is verwant aan die duursaamheidseienskappe en langtermynwerkverrigting van hierdie materiale. Die basiese karakteristieke wat met kort- en langtermyn verouderingsverharding geassosieer word, is in hierdie studie ondersoek. Die klem op die kort termyn is geplaas op die verouderingsverhardingsgedrag van die bindstof (skuimbitumen kolloïdes en bitumen-emulsiedruppels) voordat BSMs vervaardig word. In die lang termyn evaluasie het die studie ekstraksie en herwinning van bindstof uit brikette wat in die laboratorium gekompakteer is (van verskillende mengsels) en uit kerns verkry vanaf verskeie plaveiselgedeeltes na 8-10 jaar diens ingesluit. Die ondersoek het bevind dat die tydsverloop waarin bitumen in sirkulasie gehou is by verhoogde temperatuur (170oC-180oC) in die laboratorium-aanleg voordat BSMs vervaardig is, veral indien na 8 uur, bydra tot die veroudering van die bindstof. Die skuimproses op sigself verander nie die bitumeneienskappe nie. Daar word aanbeveel dat temperature tussen die grense 160oC-165oC gehandhaaf word vir produksie van skuimbitumen met sagter bitumen sonder dat die kwaliteit benadeel word en dat die sirkulasietyd nie 2 tot 3 ure behoort te oorskry nie. Die reologiese eienskappe van die herwinde bitumen vanuit laboratoriumbrikette en kerns van plaveisels toon dat ouderdomsverharding van skuimbitumen en bitumen-emulsie tydens die diensleeftyd plaasvind. Die veroudering is skynbaar ook afhanklik van verkeerseffekte, met belaste areas (in wielspoor of binne wielspoor) wat ’n hoër mate van veroudering toon as onbelaste areas (tussen wielspore). Die ekstraksie- en herwinningsproses op sigself was egter bevind as baie kompleks met uiters onseker resultate. Dit het gelei tot onsekere gedrag in terme van ouderdomsverharding van die BSM bindmiddel (skuim of emulsie). Alhoewel resultate toon dat die bindmiddels ouderdomsverharding ondergaan het, is die BSM werkverrigting nie duidelik uit die uitgebreide toetse wat in hierdie studie uitgevoer is nie. Die laaste deel van die studie bevat gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings. Die studie lewer insig in die fundamentele duursaamheidseienskappe van die materiaal, wat bydra tot verbetering van die huidige prosedure van seleksie, saamstelling en formulering van die mengmatriks vir BSMs. Verder voorsien dit ’n metode wat in die praktyk gebruik kan word om met vertroue duursame mengsels met lang diensbaarheidsleeftye te vervaardig. ’n Nuwe oplossing en vooruitgang in die toepassing van BSMs is daargestel tot voordeel van alle partye betrokke by die ontwikkeling van herwinningstegnologie.

Several benefits are gained from using cold mix asphalt (CMA) instead of hot mix asphalt (HMA). The benefits include conservation of materials and reducing energy consumption, preservation of the environment and reduction in cost. One of the common types of CMA is cold bitumen emulsion mixture (CBEM) which is the mixture produced by mixing mineral aggregate with bitumen emulsion. Despite the efforts applied in the last few decades in order to improve and develop CBEM utilization, certain deficiencies remain that make it inferior to HMA, resulting in restricting or minimizing of its use. However, the development of CBEM for road construction, rehabilitation and maintenance is steadily gaining interest in both pavement engineering industrial and research sectors. The present study was primarily aimed at evaluating the effect of using different cementitious materials on the performance of CBEM. The idea of the research is to provide a sustainable filler from supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to be used as fillers to provide enhanced properties of CBEMs. By achieving this aim it is expected that the utilization of CBEM would increase, allowing them to be used as structural pavement materials with some confidence. Research was first undertaken to optimize the mix design of CBEM using a statistical approach known as response surface methodology (RSM), as an alternative approach to achieve acceptable engineering properties. The optimization of CBEM was investigated, to determine optimum proportions to gain suitable levels of both mechanical and volumetric properties. This optimization focussed on the mix design parameters, namely bitumen emulsion content (BEC), pre-wetting water content (PWC) and curing temperature (CT). This work also aimed to investigate the effect of the interaction between these parameters on the mechanical and volumetric properties of CBEMs. The results indicate that the interaction of BEC, PWC and CT influences the mechanical properties of CBEM. However, PWC tends to influence the volumetric properties more significantly than BEC. The individual effects of BEC and PWC are important, rather than simply the TFC which is used in conventional mix design of CBEM. Furthermore, the experimental results for the optimum mix design corresponded well with model predictions. It was concluded that optimization using RSM is an effective approach for mix design of CBEMs. The study also investigated in-depth the performance characteristics of CBEMs using different filler treatments. The study was extended to understand the performance enhancement through mineralogical and microstructural investigations. The research was designed to use cement, binary and ternary blended fillers (BBF and TBF). Fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) were used as BBF while silica fume (SF) was added to the BBF to obtain TBF. A significant improvement was achieved in mechanical and durability properties of CBEMs due to incorporation of both cement and blended fillers. Also, the results indicated that TBF was more suitable than BBF for the production of CBEMs. The microstructural assessment indicated that the effect of BBF on the internal microstructure of CBEMs was slightly negative and more noticeable in CBEMs containing FA. Mineralogical and microstructural assessments also suggested that the presence of bitumen emulsion might not affect the hydration of the silicates in treated CBEMs. The formation of additional CSH was observed due to the replacement of conventional limestone filler by cement, BBF and TBF. However, it seems that this can cause a delay in the formation of other hydration products (Ettringite) resulting from the hydration of aluminates in cement. Furthermore, it is proposed that the addition of SF to BBF mixtures can eliminate the delay in formation of hydration products caused by the bitumen emulsion. The present work was also aimed at better understanding the curing mechanism of CBEMs and to bridge the gap between laboratory curing and field evolution of these mixtures. This was achieved by evaluating the effect of the curing process on CBEM performance and developing a prediction model to assess in-situ CBEM performance using maturity relationships. Different contributory factors affecting the curing process were investigated such as curing temperature and relative humidity (RH) in addition to the impact of curing time and the presence of cement/active fillers. The results indicated that high curing temperature is responsible for additional stiffness gain by increasing the binder stiffness due to ageing and by increasing the moisture loss by evaporation during the curing process. However, at high curing temperature the moisture loss by evaporation may hinder the hydration of cement/active fillers. Moreover, the results also indicated that the high RH level influences the stiffness modulus of CBEMs negatively. The laboratory results were then used to develop a tool to assess in-situ curing of CBEMs using the maturity approach, which is widely used to estimate in-situ concrete properties. A strong correlation was found between maturity and the stiffness values obtained from the laboratory tests, which resulted in development of maturity-stiffness relationship. The application of this relationship to assess the in-situ stiffness of CBEMs is presented using three hypothetical pavement sections in the United Kingdom, Italy and Qatar; to simulate different curing regimes. A pavement analysis and design study was conducted to evaluate the incorporation of treated CBEMs into a pavement structure. CBEMs are suggested to be used in two scenarios: the first is as a surface course and the second is as a base course. The scope of the study is limited here to design based on the fatigue criterion only. Although, the structural design was based on practical hypothetical layer thicknesses, the results provided useful insight into the structural capabilities of CBEMs.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research investigates the flexibility and the performance properties of bitumen stabilised materials under the influence of mix variables. The laboratory testing consisted of two main phases. During the first phase (mix design), the strength and the flexibility of the mixes were assessed through ITS (Indirect Tensile Strength), UCS (Unconfined Compressive Strength), displacement at break, strain at break and fracture energy. The second phase consisted of a series of triaxial tests done to assess the performance properties (shear strength: cohesion and angle of internal friction; and stiffness: resilient modulus) of the mixes. The mineral aggregates used in this study were milled from different locations of the R35, near Bethal. This was a blend of granular material (dolerite, from various locations of the existing base and subbase layer of the R35) and Reclaimed Asphalt (RA) milled from the existing surfacing. During the mix design phase, two types of bituminous binders were used (bitumen emulsion and foamed bitumen) at bitumen content ranges of 2%, 2.4% and 2.8% each. Two types of active filler were used separately and in combination at a proportion of 1% and 2%. Finally, specimens were tested in wet and dry conditions for each mix combination. During the triaxial testing phase, only the optimum bitumen content of 2.4% was used, both for bitumen emulsion and foamed bitumen, with only cement as active filler in a proportion 1% and 2%. The specimens were tested at different ranges of densities and saturation levels. The flexibility of the mix was assessed through the fracture energy, the strain and the displacement at break parameters. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted on the data to assess the significance of experimental variables on this property. This property was found to be very sensitive to bitumen and cement content added to the mix. When assessing the combined effect and the significance of the variables on the flexibility of the mixes, it was found that fracture energy is mostly influenced by the cement content, followed by the bitumen content, then the type of treatment and finally the testing condition. However, the level of significance was not in the same order for the other two parameters (displacement and strain at break). It was also found that the combined effect of some independent variables (cement content + testing condition, type of treatment + cement content + bitumen content) had a significant effect on the fracture energy and the strain at break respectively. From the ITS and UCS tests, an increase in strength was noticed with the increase of cement content. On the other hand, the increase in bitumen content led to a decrease in strength of the material. The statistical analysis on the ITS and UCS values show that the independent variable with the most significant effect on the ITS is the cement content, followed by the testing conditions, then the bitumen content and finally the type of treatment. The combined effect of cement content + bitumen content was found to be significant both for ITS and UCS. In the second phase triaxial tests were performed in order to evaluate the performance properties of the mixes. It was found that the increase of the active filler content significantly improves the shear strength of the material. It was also found that at a fixed cement content, specimens tested at low density and/or high level of saturation show low shear strength. The Mr-θ model was used to model the resilient modulus of the mixes and the model coefficients used to evaluate the effect of experimental variables on the resilient modulus. It was found that the resilient modulus of the mixes increases as the bulk stress increases. This confirms the stress dependent behaviour of bitumen stabilised materials. The analysis show that increasing the percentage of active fillers content results in a significant increase in the resilient modulus values. An increase in relative density also resulted in an increase in the resilient modulus of the mixes, while the opposite effect was observed with the increased of the saturation level. Besides the engineering properties and the mechanical test parameters, other parameters such as the Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) was calculated in order to evaluate the moisture sensitivity of the mixes. Weakening due to moisture was found to be more predominant in the mixes with less active filler. In addition, bitumen emulsion mixes were found to have a better resistance to moisture weakening effects compared to foamed bitumen. In addition, a comparison between the rapid curing and the accelerated curing was done. Higher ITS and UCS results were obtained for specimens cured using long term curing compared to specimens cured using the accelerated curing method. In conclusion, flexibility is an important property of bitumen road construction material (bitumen stabilised material include) however, it is not an easy property to measure. Although, displacement/strain at break and fracture energy from ITS and UCS were able to give us some indications on the main factors governing the flexibility of bitumen stabilised materials (the bitumen and active filler content), more accurate and adequate tests are required to evaluate the parameter.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die buigsaamheid en gedragseienskappe van bitumen gestabiliseerde materiale was getoets om sodoende die invloed van verskeie mengselveranderlikes te evalueer. Die ondersoek het uit twee fases bestaan. Tydens die eerste fase (mengfase) is die sterkte en buigsaamheid deur middel van indirekte treksterkte toetse (ITS), onbegrensde druksterkte toetse (UCS), verplasing – en vervorming by breekpunt sowel as breek-energie toetse gedoen en ondersoek. Die tweede fase het bestaan uit ʼn reeks drie-assige triaksiaal toetse. Triaksiaaltoetse is uitgevoer om die gedragseienskappe soos die skuifsterkte, kohesie, hoek van interne wrywing, styfheid en weerstand modulus te ondersoek. Die gemaalde mineraal-aggregaat wat in hierdie ondersoek gebruik is, was verkry op verskeie areas van die R35, geleë naby Bethal. Die materiaal is ʼn mengsel van granulêre materiaal (van die bestaande kroonlaag en stutlaag van die pad) en herwonne asfalt (RA). Tydens die mengontwerp fase is twee tipes bitumen gebruik naamlik bitumenemulsie en skuimbitumen in hoeveelhede van 2%, 2.4% en 2.8%. Twee tipes aktiewe vulstof (hoeveelhede van onderskeidelik 1% en 2%) was saam met elk van die verskeie bitumen-hoeveelhede gebruik. Proefstukke van elk van hierdie mengsel kombinasies is onder beide nat en droë kondisies getoets. Tydens die tweede fase, is slegs die optimum binder inhoud (2.4%) gebruik vir beide emulsie- en skuimbitumen, gekombineer met 1% en 2% aktiewe vulstof. Proefstukke was getoets by ʼn reeks van verskillende digthede en versadigingvlakke. Die buigsaamheid was ondersoek deur middel van breek-energie, vervorming en die verplasing by breekpunt. ʼn Analise van variasie (ANOVA) is uitgevoer op die toetsdata om sodoende die te evalueer of die veranderlikes beduidend is ten opsigte van buigsaamheid. Daar is gevind dat die buigsaamheideienskap sensitief is vir beide bitumen en sement inhoud. Met assessering van die gekombineerde effek en betekenis van die veranderlikes op die buigsaamheid van die mengsels, is daar gevind dat die hoogste beduidende veranderlike t.o.v breek-energie die sement inhoud is, gevolg deur die bitumeninhoud, tipe behandeling en laastens die toetskondisie. Die orde van belangrikheid verskil vir die ander twee parameters (verplasing en vervorming by breekpunt). Daar is ook gevind dat die gekombineerde effek van sommige veranderlikes (sement inhoud en toets kondisie, tipe behandeling en sement inhoud tesame met bitumen inhoud) ook beduidend was t.o.v breek-energie en vervorming by breekpunt. Vanuit die ITS en UCS toetse was daar ʼn toename in sterkte waargeneem soos die sementinhoud toeneem. Aan die anderkant, het ʼn toename in bitumeninhoud ‘n afname in sterkte veroorsaak. Die statistiese analise van ITS en UCS resultate, toon dat die grootste beduidende onafhanklike t.o.v ITS waardes ook die sement inhoud was, gevolg deur toets kondisies die grootste effek, bitumen inhoud en die tipe behandeling. Die gekombineerde effek van sementinhoud en bitumeninhoud, was betekenisvol vir beide ITS en UCS. Drie-assige triaksiaaltoetse was uitgevoer om die gedragseienskappe van die mengsels te evalueer. Daar is gevind dat die toename in sement inhoud, die skuif sterkte van die materiaal grootliks verbeter. By ʼn konstante sementinhoud, wys toetsresultate van proefstukke wat getoets is by lae digthede en hoë vlakke van versadiging, lae skuif sterkte. Die Mr – θ model was gebruik om die veerkragsmodulus van die mengsels te moduleer en die modelkoëffisiënte is gebruik om die effek van eksperimentele veranderlikes op die weerstand modulus te evalueer. Met toename in die omhullende spanning is ‘n toename in die veerkragsmodulus waargeneem, wat bevestig dat die gedrag van bitumen gestabiliseerde materiale spannings afhanklik is. ʼn Toename in die sement en relatiewe digtheid het ʼn merkwaardige toename in die veerkragsmodulus tot gevolg gehad, terwyl die teenoorgestelde waargeneem is met toename in versadigingsvlakke. Buiten die ingenieurseienskap en meganiese toetsfaktore, is ander faktore (soos die trekspanning verhouding) bereken om die vogsensitiwiteit van die mengsels te evalueer. Mengsels met laer sement inhoud het groter verswakking ervaar met blootstelling aan water. Bitumenemulsie proefstukke toon beter weerstand teen water as skuimbitumen. Vergelyking tussen versnelde en korttermyn nabehandelingsprosedure van proefstukke, toon hoër ITS en UCS waardes vir die versnelde nabehandelingsprosedure prosedure. Buigsaamheid is ‘n belangrike eienskap van bitumen in padkonstruksie materiale (insluitend bitumen gestabiliseerde materiale), maar word moeilik gemeet. Alhoewel verplasing/vervorming by breekpunt en breek energie, bepaal vanaf ITS en UCS, ‘n indikasie toon van die hooffaktore (binder en sement) wat buigsaamheid van bitumen gestabiliseerde materiaal beïnvloed, word meer akkurate toetse benodig om die eienskap te ondersoek.

Thesis (MScEng (Civil Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
The need for a more reliable testing procedure for the characterisation and Quality Assurance/ Control of Bitumen Stabilised Materials (BSMs), besides UCS and ITS testing, has long been recognised by the roads industry. In fact, at CAPSA 2004 and CAPSA 2007, discussions of improved test methods for granular materials, i.e. possible replacement tests for CBR procedures, were conducted in workshops. Triaxial testing for the evaluation of shear parameters is widely recognised as a reliable method of measuring these critical performance properties of granular and Bitumen Stabilised Materials (BSMs). However, the triaxial test in its current state as a research test has little chance of extensive use by practitioners and commercial laboratories, because of complexity, cost and time issues. Major adaptations to the research triaxial test are necessary, before this useful test can have a chance of being accepted by road practitioners. The main aim of this study is to investigate possibilities of developing a simple, affordable, reliable and robust test for characterizing granular and bitumen stabilized materials thus linking test outcome with in-situ performance. This is achieved through the innovative design and manufacture of a prototype triaxial cell capable of accommodating 150 mm diameter by 300 mm deep specimens. The cell is simpler than the research (geotechnical) triaxial cell and the operational protocols have been streamlined, thereby reducing the time and steps required in assembling specimens and testing them. In order to ensure the development of an appropriate triaxial cell for industry, a survey was conducted aimed at investigating currently available facilities, testing capacity and resources within civil engineering laboratories in South Africa. Findings of the survey (Appendix 4) have provided guidance with regard to the nature and sophistication of any new tests to be developed. The survey highlighted some of the limitations and lack of sophistication of the current loading frames used for CBR and UCS testing such as lack of electronic LVDTs, limited overhead space, limited loading capacity and others. Most laboratories would need to invest in new loading facilities to carry out triaxial tests. A review of the test procedure for monotonic triaxial test showed that two main factors contribute to the complexity of the research (geotechnical) triaxial cell namely, time taken to assemble the specimen accurately in the cell and secondly the inherent design of the cell which makes it water and/or air tight at relatively high pressures. The design of the Simple Triaxial Test, therefore, was aimed at overcoming the drawbacks of research triaxial test e.g. fitting a membrane to each specimen to be tested, through considerable simplification by means of a new structure design and procedure of assembly of specimen into the cell. The advantage of addressing these issues would be reduction in the number of steps required in the test procedure and therefore reduction in testing time. The design of the cell particularly was preceded by a conceptualization process that involved investigation of numerous options. Concepts such as the bottle, encapsulated-tube, bottle and sandwich concepts were considered and given reality checks. In addition, available triaxial procedures of a similar nature e.g. Texas Triaxial, were evaluated and analyzed. Ultimately, with some trials and innovation, a design was developed for a simple triaxial cell comprising a steel casing with a latex tube which is then introduced around the specimen sitting on a base plate. It is based on the ‘tube concept’ in which the specimen acts like a ‘rim’ and the cell acts like a ‘tyre’ providing confinement to the triaxial specimens for testing, within the tube. This approach eliminates the use of O-rings and membranes for the specimen and tie-rods for the triaxial cell, thus reducing testing time considerably. The overall dimensions of the cell are 244 mm diameter by 372 mm height (Appendix 5). The cell was manufactured at Stellenbosch University Civil Engineering workshop and preliminary tests were conducted under this study. Parallel tests were also conducted with the Research Triaxial Test setup at Stellenbosch University in order to determine if preliminary results obtained with the Simple Triaxial Test setup were comparable therefore providing a means of validating the data. Results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) show that variability between Simple Triaxial Test (STT) and Research Triaxial Test (RTT) results is less significant whilst that within samples of STT and RTT results is quite significant. Comparisons also show that good correlation were obtained from Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) Hornfels + 3.3 % Emulsion + 0 % Cement mix and mixes with the G2 base course aggregate whilst completely different correlation was obtained from RAP + 3.3 % Emulsion + 1% Cement. It is evident however that the differences observed stem from material variability i.e. random variability to one degree or the other and not to the STT apparatus. It is recommended for future research that more STT versus RTT testing be done especially on a mix with known mechanical properties when compacted to a specified dry density, e.g. graded crushed stone (G1) compacted to 100% mod. AASHTO. In summary, a locally made, low cost, relatively durable triaxial cell with relatively easy and quick specimen assembly procedures has been developed. It is now possible to perform triaxial tests on 150 mm diameter by 300 mm high specimen relatively easily and quickly. However, the challenge of validating results obtained, as well as improving the manufacture process of its main component, the tube, still remains.

Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Flexible pavement designers have a choice of two wearing course: either asphalt concrete or surfacing seals. The latter have been widely used by several countries as their preferred wearing course over other methods, especially countries with a limited number of average inhabitants per square kilometre. Moreover, the surfacing seals were identified as an efficient cost effective road preventive maintenance technique. Surfacing seals in New Zealand, South Africa and Australia cover about 65%, 80% and 90% of their surfaced road networks respectively. The preference of surfacing seals is due to their competitive initial cost and ease of construction. In South Africa, the life expectancy of surfacing seals varies between 8 and 12 years with an average of 10 years. This has not been the case in a number of surfacing seals constructed in winter, especially when the night recorded temperature is below 10oC. The dominant failure mechanism is ravelling (chip loss) soon after construction due to traffic loading. This chip loss is linked to the poor adhesion bond development rate in the bitumen-aggregate system during winter adverse conditions. In order to address the issue of premature chip loss the need for the development of a robust adhesion test method was identified. For that purpose, recently, researchers in the bitumen industry developed the Bitumen Bond Strength test method. This method was used in this study. This study intends to contribute to the understanding of binder-aggregate adhesion bond development for winter surfacing seals using the BBS test. Binder type, precoat type and conditioning, aggregate type and curing time are amongst the factors influencing winter seals adhesion bond performance. An experimental matrix involving three types of binder, two types of aggregate, four different precoating fluids, two precoat conditionings and two binder-curing times were then developed and investigated. Winter weather parameters affecting adhesion properties were also taken into consideration during the course of the investigation. Throughout the test, the procedure described in AASHTO TP 91-11 was followed. However, in order to enhance the control of the binder application temperature, a new method for hot applied binder sample preparation was developed as part of this study. The findings show that there is a significant difference between adhesion properties of the hot applied binders (70/100 and S-E1) and the emulsion (SC-E1). In most of the cases, the hot applied binders performed better than the emulsion. The failure mode observed was found to be linked to the condition of the precoating. The influence of the precoat type and conditioning, and effect of binder curing time were significantly highlighted. The use of a dry precoat benefited the adhesion bond strength up to around 50% relatively to the corresponding non-precoated combination. However, a decrement in the bond strength due to precoating of up to 28.7% was also observed. A statistical analysis using ANOVA did not illustrate any statistical significant effect of the aggregate type. The interaction effects analysis using ANOVA revealed the aggregate type interacting with precoat type to be the most influential interaction at level two. The precoat conditioning implication to the adhesion development rate, which influences the time for opening to traffic after construction, was illustrated. Insightful aspects on the compatibility between the binder type and precoat type and conditioning during the aggregate precoating practices and on the time for opening to traffic are highlighted. Finally, the repeatability analysis proved the BBS test to be a repeatable testing method with caution. Recommendations for further studies that could support the conclusions drawn in this study were provided.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Buigbare plaveiselontwerpers het 'n keuse van twee deklae: óf Asfalt of oppervlak seëls. Laasgenoemde word algemeen gebruik deur verskeie lande as hul voorkeur deklaag, veral die lande met beperkte aantal gemiddelde inwoners per vierkante kilometer. Verder, is die seëls geïdentifiseer as 'n doeltreffende koste-effektiewe deklaag tegniek. Oppervlakseëls in Nieu-Seeland, Suid-Afrika en Australië dek ongeveer 65%, 80% en 90% van hul padnetwerke onderskeidelik. Die seëls se voorkeur is te danke aan hul mededingende aanvanklike koste en eenvoudige vorm van die konstruksie. In Suid-Afrika wissel die seël se lewensverwagting tussen 8 en 12 jaar met 'n gemiddeld van 10 jaar. Dit is egter nie die geval van 'n aantal seëls wat in die winter gebou word nie, veral wanneer die aangetekende nagtemperatuur onder 10o C daal nie. Die dominante swigtingsmeganisme is stroping (klipverlies) kort na konstruksie. Hierdie klipverlies is gekoppel aan die power kleef-ontwikkeling van bitumen gedurende die winter. Ten einde die probleem van voortydige klipverlies aan te spreek het die behoefte vir die ontwikkeling van 'n robuuste toetsmetode ontstaan. Om hierdie rede het navorsers onlangs in die bitumenbedryf die “BBS toetsmetode” ontwikkel en is dié toetsmetode in hierdie studie gebruik. Hierdie studie beoog om by te dra tot die begrip van bindmiddel-klip kleefontwikkeling vir die winter seëls dmv die BBS toets. Die faktore, insluitend maar nie beperk tot bindmiddeltipe, voorafdekking (“PRECOAT”) -tipe en kondisionering, aggregaattipe en kuurtyd beïnvloed winter seëls se kleefeienskappe. 'n Eksperimentele matriks met drie tipes bindmiddels, twee tipes aggregate, vier verskillende voorafdekking-vloeistowwe, twee voorafdekking kondisionering en twee bindmiddel kuurtye is toe ontwikkel en ondersoek. Winter weer parameters wat kleefeienskappe beïnvloed is ook in ag geneem tydens die verloop van die ondersoek. Regdeur die studie is die prosedure AASHTO TP 91-11 gevolg, maar ten einde die beheer van die bindmiddel spuittemperatuur te verbeter, is ‘n nuwe metode vir warmspuit-bindmonsters voorbereiding ontwikkel as deel van hierdie studie. Die bevindinge toon dat daar 'n beduidende verskil tussen die kleefeienskappe van die warm aangewende bindmiddels (70/100 en S-E1) en die emulsie (SC-E1) is. In die meeste van die gevalle het die warmspuit-bindmiddels beter as emulsie gevaar. Daar is gevind dat die swigtingsmeganisme verbind word met die toestand van die voorafdekking. Die invloed van voorafdekkingtipe, kondisionering, en die effek van bindmiddelkuurtyd is duidelik uitgelig. Die gebruik van droë voorafdekking het die kleefkrag tot sowat 50% verhoog relatief tot die ooreenstemmende onbedekte klipkombinasie. Daar is egter ook ‘n verlaging van die kleefkrag weens voorafdekking gevind van tot so hoog soos 28,7 persent. Die statistiese ontleding met behulp van ANOVA het geen statisties beduidende effek van die verksillende aggregaattipe te vore gebring nie. Die interaksie-effek analise, met behulp van ANOVA, het wel die interaksie met voorafdekkingtipe met aggregaat die mees invloedryke bevestig. Die voorafdekking kondisioneering het ver rykende kleefkrag implikasies bloot gelê, wat die tyd vir die opening van die verkeer na konstruksie beïnvloed. Insigwekkende aspekte oor die versoenbaarheid tussen die bindmiddeltipe, voorafdekkingtipe, kondisionering, voorafdekkingpraktyk en tyd tot opening vir verkeer word uitgelig. Ten slotte, die herhaalbaarheidsanalise het die BBS toets as 'n herhaalbare toetsmetode met omsigtigheid bewys. Daar is aanbevelings tot verdere studies, wat uit die gevolgtrekking gekom het, gemaak.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Surface seals are widely used in South Africa. There are a number of reasons which include affordability, versatility and durability. There are, however, in some cases problems with stone loss that can lead to a shortened lifespan of the pavement. The loss of aggregate chippings in surface seals poses a major problem in the seal pavement industry. This study aims to identify the influencing factors that lead to these adhesive failures as well as to find optimum combinations of binders and aggregates at various conditions. Various binders commonly used in South African surface seal construction will be tested using the Bitumen Bond Strength (BBS) test method. The binders used in the study include 80/100 penetration grade bitumen, elastomer modified bitumen, bitumen rubber, elastomer modified emulsion and cationic rapid setting emulsion. Aggregates used in the study include dolerite, granite and quartzite. The test samples were cured and tested at two temperatures, 15 °C and 35 °C. The samples were also cured for 2, 6 and 24 hours respectively. The study tackles a wide range of variables in order to obtain a good understanding of adhesion properties of surface seals used in South Africa. Tests were repeated at least once to ensure repeatability and in some cases up to four repeats were performed. The loading rate at which the tests were performed had a significant influence on the BBS results. This rate varied which complicated the process of comparing the results. It was therefore decided to unify the loading rates. The BBS results exposed the difference between hot applied binders and emulsions. The former having significant stronger adhesion properties. It was also confirmed by the results that temperature plays a key role in the BBS results due to the visco-elastic properties of bitumen. These influences will be discussed along with others such as aggregate types and curing times. The type of failure is also discussed. Failure can either be adhesive or cohesive, the former being a failure between the aggregate and the binder while the later refers to a failure in the binder itself. The results of other students will also be discussed and compared to the results of this study. These include results of predecessors that tested emulsions as well as results from tests done on fractured aggregate surfaces and precoated aggregates. This study showed very similar results as these from other students, except for tests done with emulsions. It was discovered that the method of curing of the emulsions must be adapted to ensure proper curing of the emulsions. It was found that aggregates did not influence the BBS properties to the same extent as temperature and binder application type. The BBS results of hot applied binders also did not significantly increase as the curing time increased, but the results of emulsions showed some increase. However, the emulsions needed more time to cure properly.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Oppervlak seëls word algemeen gebruik in Suid-Afrika. Daar is verskeie redes hiervoor waaronder bekostigbaarheid,veelsydigheid en duursaamheid. Daar is egter in sommige gevalle probleme met klipverlies wat kan lei tot n verkorte leeftyd. Hierdie klipverlies ontstaan as gevolg van verskeie redes of kombinasies daarvan. Die studie beoog om hierdie faktore wat die adhesie eienskappe beïnvloed te identifiseer sowel as om optimum kobinasies van bindmiddels en klipsoorte te bewerkstellig by verkeie kondisies. ‘n Verskeidenheid van bindmiddels wat algemeen in Suid-Afrika gebruik word, word in die studie getoets met die Bitumen Bond Sterkte (BBS) toets metode. Die bindmiddels wat in die studie gebruik word sluit 80/100 penetrasie graad bitumen, elastomeer gemodifiseerde bitumen, bitumen rubber, elastomeer gemodifiseerde emulsie en kationiese snel settende emulsie. Die klipsoorte wat vir die studie gebruikword is doleriet, graniet en kwartsiet. Hierdie gesteentes word algemeen in die praktyk gebruik. Die toets monsters word ook by twee temperature gekuur en getoets. Hierdie temperature is 15 °C en 35 °C. Die toets monsters word ook onderskeidelik vir 2, 6 en 24 uur gekuur. Die studie ondersoek 'n wye verskeidenheid van veranderlikes om sodoende 'n goeie begrip van adhesie eienskappe van die oppervlak seëls wat in Suid-Afrika gebruik word te verkry. Elke toets was ten minste een maal herhaal om herhaalbaarheid te verseker. Sommige toetse was tot 4 keer herhaal. Die belasting tempo van die toetse het ‘n beduidende uitwerking op die BBS resultate as gevolg van die visko-elastiese eienskappe van bitumen. Hierdie tempo het gewissel en dit moeilik gemaak om die resultate te vergelyk. Daarom was daar besluit om die tempo van die toetse te verander na ‘n gelykvormige tempo. Daar was ‘n duidelike verskil in BBS resultate van die warm toegepaste bindmiddels en die emulsies. Die warm bindmiddels het baie hoër BBS resultate gelwer. Dit was ook bevestig in die resultate dat temperatuur ‘n beduidende rol speel in die BBS. Hierdie invloede sal bespreek word tesame met ander, soos klipsoorte en kuring tye. Die tipe versaking word ook bespreek. Versaking kan plaasvind as gevolg van adhesie of cohesie, waar adhesie versaking 'n versaking is tussen die klip en die bindmiddel terwyl cohesie versaking verwys na 'n versaking in die bindmiddel self. Die uitslae van die ander studente sal ook bespreek word en vergelyking word met die resultate van hierdie studie. Dit sluit die resultate van voorgangers in wat emulsies getoets het sowel as die resultate van toetse wat gedoen is op gebreekte klipoppervlaktes en bitumen behandelde klippe. Hierdie studie het baie soortgelyke resultate getoon as dié van ander studente, behalwe vir die toetse wat gedoen was met emulsies. Daar is vasgestel dat die metode van kuring van die emulsies moet aangepas word om behoorlike kuring van die emulsies te verseker. Daar is ook gevind dat klipsoorte nie die BBS eienskappe in dieselfde mate as temperatuur en bindmiddel toepassingstipe beïnvloed het nie. Die BBS resultate van warm aangewende bindmiddels het ook nie aansienlik verhoog soos die kuringstyd toegeneem het nie, maar die resultate van emulsies het wel 'n toename getoon. Die emulsies het wel meer tyd nodig gehad om behoorlik te kuur.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The increased use of reclaimed asphalt (RA) in Bitumen Stabilised Materials (BSMs), shortcomings in the existing design guidelines and manuals and ongoing developments in the concepts and understanding of these materials require further research into the fundamental properties and behaviour of BSMs. The state-of-the-art of foamed bitumen techniques is reviewed in the literature study. Current best practices in the design of BSMs and pavements incorporating such materials are also included in this literature study. Shortcomings and areas for further improvement of the design practice have been identified. With new environmental legislation, the importance of BSM technology including RA as an environmentally-friendlier and more sustainable construction technique is set to increase in the coming years. Changes in the behaviour of materials and failure mechanisms of BSM mixes are long-term phenomena. This implies that the study of the physico-chemical and mechanical properties of the mixes with increasing amount of RA is vital. Therefore, fundamental understandings of moisture damage and thermo-physical characteristics, which are related to material properties, are required. The main objective of this study is to advance BSM technology by assessing the influence of the selected materials on durability behaviour, temperature distribution and long-term performance in all phases of application (i.e. mix design, construction, and in-service condition). This study begins with a comprehensive literature review of research dealing with the interactions between RA and mineral aggregates. The properties of RA and mineral aggregates were reviewed. This was followed by a review into the mechanical properties of BSM-foam mixes with high percentage of RA and its durability performance. Factors influencing the temperature gradient of BSMs were then identified. Achieving a better understanding of the fundamental performance properties and temperature influence on the behaviour of BSMs with high percentage of RA is one of the key factors of this research, with a view to using the extended knowledge for improvements to current mix design and structural design practices. Finally, the fundamental theories on thermo-conductivity and the mechanical properties of the BSM were used to create a relationship between temperature and mechanical properties in a pavement section. A laboratory testing programme was set up to study the properties and behaviour of BSMs and to establish links with the compositional factors, i.e. the type of binder used, the percentage of RA in the mix and the addition of a small amount of cement as active filler. BSMs were blended in three different proportions of RA and good quality crushed stone materials: 100% RA (with 2 % bitumen content), 50% RA and 50% G2 Hornfels crushed stone (with 2.1% bitumen content) and 100% G2 (with 2.3 % bitumen content). Tri-axial testing was carried out to determine shear parameters, resilient modulus and permanent deformation behaviour, while brushing testing was carried out to determine the possible durability performance of the BSMs. The mixture durability in terms of moisture damage was investigated. Temperature data were collected and a model to accurately simulate the temperature distribution in the BSMs was identified and proposed for further investigation and validation. It was found from the laboratory temperature data collected in this study that the temperature gradient varied according to the depth of the BSMs. A considerable part of the efforts of this study were dedicated to characterise and model the temperature distribution in a pavement section, taking into account the mechanical properties and performance of the BSMs at different temperature layers. The study provides an insight into fundamental mechanical performance, material durability properties, and the thermal capacity and conductivity of the BSM-foam mixes with high percentage of RA. This will assist in improving the current procedure for selection, combining and formulation of the mix matrices for BSMs. In addition, the study provides guidelines that will enable practitioners to confidently understand the relationship between temperature gradient and mechanical behaviours of BSM-foam pavement section. The specific durability-related issues addressed in this study are substance for future research.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die toenemende gebruik van herwonne asfalt (Engels: reclaimed asphalt (RA)) in bitumen gestabiliseerde materiaal (Engels: Bitumen Stabilised Materials (BSMs)), tekortkominge in die bestaande ontwerpriglyne- en handleidings en deurlopende verbeteringe in die konsepte en begrip van hierdie material vereis verdere navorsing oor die fundamentele eienskappe en gedrag van BSM. In die literatuurstudie word die huidige stand van kennis van die ontwerp van skuimbitumentegnieke ondersoek. Die literatuurstudie dek ook die huidige beste praktyke in die ontwerp van BSM en plaveisels wat hierdie materiale insluit. Tekortkominge en areas van verdere verbetering in die ontwerppraktyke is geïdentifiseer. Onlangse omgewingswetgewing verhoog die belangrikheid van BSM tegnologie, insluitend RA, as ‘n meer omgewingsvriendelike en volhoubare konstruksie-tegniek. Hierdie faktor sal in die toekoms al hoe belangriker word. Die verandering in die gedrag van materiaal en die falingsmeganismes van BSM mengsels is langtermynverskynsels. Dit impliseer dat die studie van die fisio-chemiese en meganiese eienskappe van mengsels met toenemende verhoudings van RA van kardinale belang is’n Fundamentele begrip van die vogskade en temo-fisiese eienskappe, wat verwant is aan die materiale se eienskappe, word vereis. Die primêre doelwit van die studie is die bevordering van BSM tegnologie deur die invloed van die geselekteerde materiale op duursaamheid, temperatuurverspreiding en langtermyn gedrag in al die fases van toepassing (mengselontwerp, konstruksie en in-dienstoestand) te bepaal. Die verhandeling begin met ‘n omvattende literatuuroorsig van navorsing oor die interaksie tussen RA en mineraalaggregate. Die eienskappe van RA en die mineraalaggregate word bespreek. Dit word gevolg deur ‘n oorsig van die meganiese eienskappe van die BSM-skuimbitumenmengsels met ‘n hoë persentasie RA en die duursaamheidgedrag daarvan. Faktore wat die temperatuurgradient van BSM beïnvloed word dan aangetoon. ‘n Beter begrip van die fundamentele gedragseienskappe en die invloed van temperatuur op die gedrag van BSM met ‘n hoë persentasie RA is een van die sleutelfaktore van hierdie navorsing. Dit het ten doel om die uitgebreide kennis te gebruik om huidige mengselontwerp en strukturele ontwerppraktyke te verbeter. Laastens is die fundamentele teorie van termogeleiding en die meganiese eienskappe van BSM gebruik om ‘n verhouding tussen temperature en meganiese eienskappe in ‘n plaveiselsnit te ontwikkel. ‘n Laboratoriumtoetsprogram is opgestel om die eienskappe en gedrag van BSM te bestudeer en om verwantskappe tussen samestellende faktore soos die tipe bindmiddel gebruik, die persentasie RA in die mengsel en die toediening van klein hoeveelhede sement as aktiewe vuller te bepaal. BSM is in drie verskillende verhoudings van RA en goeie gehalte gebreekte klipmateriaal vermeng: 100% RA met 2 % bitumen, 50% RA en 50 % G2 Hornfels gebreekte klip met 2.1 % bitumen en 100% G2 met 2.3 % bitumen. Drie-assige druktoetse is gebruik om skuifsterkteparameters, elastiese modulus en permanente vervormingsgedrag te bepaal. Borseltoetse is gebruik om die duursaamheidgedrag van BSM te bepaal. Die mengsels se duursaamheid is ook in terme van vogskade ondersoek.

Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The use of foamed bitumen and bitumen emulsion as binders for use in road rehabilitation is gaining favour globally. High-level road facilities through to unpaved roads requiring attention are being treated with these binders due to environmental, economic and practical benefits in the use of cold bituminous mixes. In addition, static and mobile plant with the capability of performing stabilisation using bitumenemulsion and foamed bitumen has become commercially available and widely utilised, as a result of development in recycling technology and lapse in patent rights on foam nozzles. An understanding of the behaviour and failure mechanisms of these cold mixes, as well as sound guidelines for the mix design procedures of cold mixes, especially foamed bitumen, and design guidelines for pavements structures incorporating these materials, are lacking however. Mix designs are carried out primarily on the basis of experience and pavement designs are empirically based. The main objective of this dissertation is to address the need for a fundamental understanding of foamed bitumen and foamed bitumen mixes, and in so doing to develop techniques for adjudicating mixes, optimising their composition and rationalising their design both as mixes and as layers in road pavements. At the same time the exploration of new applications for foamed bitumen and the possibilities for progressive related technology, is a priority. To commence, this study includes an appraisal of most of the literature available on foamed bitumen. This is followed by a fundamental investigation of the colloidal mass of foam that is produced when small quantities of cold water are added to hot bitumen. Factors influencing the quality of the foam are identified and a Foam Index is developed for characterisation and optimisation of the foam. The spatial composition of a cold foamed bitumen mix, including Interaction of the foam with moist mineral aggregate, is also addressed in this dissertation. In particular, the stiffening of the filler mastic using foamed bitumen as binder is analysed. Techniques of optimising the sand type and content in the mix are also developed and guidelines for desired aggregate structures for foam treatment are established. The temperature of the mineral aggregate has been shown to have a profound influence on the behaviour and performance of a foamed bitumen mix. This has been selected as a focal area of further investigation and the research has lead to the development of a new process called "The half-warm foamed bitumen treatment process" that can produce mixes with almost the quality of hot mix asphalt with up to 40% less energy consumption. Other processes developed in this research include the use of cold mix asphaltic blocks for construction of road pavements in developing areas. This technology enhances the use of a high labour component in road construction in an economically competitive manner. The dissertation provides details for mix design and construction of the cold mix blocks. Finally, the study includes models for the performance prediction of foamed bitumen mixes. In particular, foamed mixes that exhibit stress-dependent behaviour have been investigated and models established on the basis of triaxial testing and accelerated pavement testing for the prediction of permanent deformation of such layers under repeated loading. Practical applications of the research findings are summarised in Appendix F. This includes: • methods for optimisation of the foamed bitumen properties, • guidelines for the selection of the ideal aggregate structure for cold foamed mixes, • procedures for carrying out cold mix design in the laboratory (including mixing, compaction and curing), • procedures for manufacturing half-warm foamed mixes in the laboratory, • methods for manufacturing cold mix blocks, and • pavement design methods for road structures incorporating foamed mix layers. Appendix G outlines statistical techniques that are relevant to the design of experiments in pavement engineering including examples of applications of these procedures. The techniques are applied selectively in the relevant chapters of the dissertation.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebruik van skuim bitumen en bitumen emulsie as bindmidel in pad rehabilitasie begin groter voorkeur wêreldwyd geniet. Van hoë vlak padfasiliteite tot ongeplaveide paaie wat aandag benodig, word met hierdie binders behandel vanweë die omgewings-, ekonomiese en praktiese voordele wat hierdie koue bitumen mengsels inhou. Voorts is statiese en mobiele masjinerie wat die vermoë het om stabilisasie in die gebruik van bitumenemulsie en skuimbitumen te bewerkstellig, in die handel verkrygbaar. Dit word algemeen gebruik as 'n uitvloeisel van ontwikkelings in herwinningstegnologie en die verslapping van patenteregte op skuim sproeikoppe. 'n Leemte bestaan in die begrip van die gedrags- en swigtingsmeganismes van hierdie koue mengsels, asook goeie riglyne vir die mengselontwerp van koue mengsels en in besonder skuimbitumen, en ontwerpriglyne vir plaveisel strukture waar hierdie materiaal geinkorporeer is. Mengselontwerpe word hoofsaaklik uitgevoer op grond van ondervinding, terwyl plaveiselontwerpe empiries gebaseer is. Die hoofdoel van die verhandeling is om die behoefte vir 'n fundamentele begrip van skuim bitumen en skuimbitumen mengsels aan te spreek, en daardeur tegnieke te ontwikkel vir die be-oordeling van mengsels, optimsering van hul samestelling en rasionalisering van hulontwerp vir beide mengsels en plaveisellae. Terselfdertyd is die ondersoek na nuwe toepassings van skuim bitumen en die moontlikhede van nuwe tegnologie 'n prioriteit. As beginpunt sluit hierdie studie 'n waardeskatting van die meeste literatuur beskikbaar op skuim bitumen in. Dit word gevolg deur 'n basiese ondersoek na die kolloidale massa van skuim wat geproduseer word wanneer klein hoeveelhede koue water by warm bitumen gevoeg word. Faktore wat die gehalte van die skuim beinvloed word uitgewys en 'n Skuim Indeks is ontwikkel vir die karakterisering en optimisering van die skuim. Die ruimtelike samestelling van 'n koue bitumen mengsel, wat die interaksie van die skuim met vogtige minerale samevoegings (aggregate) insluit, word ook aangespreek. Besondere aandag word gewy aan die verharding van die vuiler mastiekgom wat gebruik word as bitumen binder. Tegnieke om die sandtipe en inhoud van die mengsel te optimiseer is ontwikkel en riglyne vir die verlangde samevoegingstrukture (aggregate strukture) vir skuimbehandeling is opgestel. Daar is bevind dat die temperatuur van die minerale aggregaat 'n duidelike invloed op die gedrag en verrigting van 'n skuimbitumen mengsel het. Dit is gekies as In fokuspunt vir verdere studie en die navorsingswerk daarop het gelei tot die ontwikkeling van In nuwe proses wat "Die half-warm skuim bitumen behandelings proses" genoem word. Hierdie proses produseer mengsels wat byna gelykstaande is aan die gehalte van warm gemengde asfalt, maar met tot 40% minder energie verbruik. Ander prosesse wat met dié navorsing ontwikkel is, sluit koue gemengde asfaltiese blokke in, wat gebruik word in die konstruksie van padplaveisel in ontwikkelende gebiede. Hierdie tegnologie bevorder die ekonomiese gebruik van 'n hoë arbeidskomponent in padkonstruksie. Die studie stel besonderhede vir die mengselontwerp en konstruksie vir koue gemengde blokke voor. Laastens sluit die studie modelle in vir die werkverrigtingsvoorspelling van skuimbitumen mengsels. Op basis van drie-assige proewe in die laboratorium en versnelde belasting van paaie is modelle ontwikkel vir skuim bitumen mengsels wat spanningsafhanklike gedrag vertoon (die sogenaamde "granulêre" groep) om die permanente deformasie in die lae as gevolg van herhaalde verkeersbelasting te voorspel. 'n Opsomming van al die praktiese toepassings van die ontwikkelings van die navorsing word in Appendix F verskaf. Dit sluit in: • optimesering van die eienskappe van skuimbitumen, • riglyne vir gewenste samestelling van aggregaat in skuimbitumen mengsels, • ontwerp metodes vir koue skuimbitumen mengsels in die laboratorium (meng, verdigting en curing), • produksie metodes vir half-warme mensels in die laboratorium, • produksie metodes vir blokke wat met koue mengsels gemaak word, en • plaveiselontwerp metodes van strukture wat skuimbitumen lae inkorporeer. Appendix G gee 'n oorsig van statistiese tegnieke wat relevant is vir die ontwerp van eksperimente, insluitend voorbeelde van toepassings van die prosedures in plaveiselingenieurswese. Die tegnieke word selektief toegepas in die relevante hoofstukke van die verhandeling.

Thesis(PhD (Civil Engineering))-- University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Bitumen based road surfacing seals and asphalt wearing courses have been used by society's Engineers "to counter the damage to the existing unsurfaced roadways by the newly developed automobile with its rubber driving wheels" since the early 1900's. Early experiments were conducted with both tar and bitumen to find a suitable material to alleviate the situation, and ongoing research has been carried out through the past century and into the new millennium, throughout the world, examining improvements, from materials used, to design and construction methods. However, there is still much to be understood, improved and refined, when considering road surfacing seal design. Pavement designers have the choice of utilizing either an asphalt (graded aggregate remanufactured with a bitumen binder and applied as a complete product) or a surfacing seal (including variations of bitumen binder sprayed onto the road surface, with the addition of single size stones, either in one or two layers of binder and aggregate, i.e. single or double seals) as a pavement wearing course. Current road surfacing seal design practice depends on empirical analysis and experience, being primarily a volumetric based assessment of bitumen application. This research project assesses South African seal design philosophy, investigates design areas where review or updating is required to accommodate changing bitumen sources and types, and traffic loading. Seal performance criteria are examined, with the development of a matrix of influences on seal performance. Using this, the need for a seal design method based on mechanistic material properties is proposed, and the prototype example of such a numerical model using finite element method is presented. To contribute further towards a performance related seal design method, the feasibility of modelling of road surfacing seals using mechanistic principles was examined. The potential of developing failure and fatigue criteria or relationships to enable assessment of the expected seal performance, with inclusion of different component material characteristics and variations, varying traffic and environmental conditions, was also examined. From assessment of literature, and understanding of the components of the seal, pavement, and influencing factors, a choice of numerical model of seal performance was made. The Finite Element Method (FEM) Analysis was selected for the purpose of modelling seal performance. The model was developed to enable examination of the interaction of individual seal components (i.e. stone and bitumen), at micro-mechanic scale. The prototype 3-dimensional numerical seal model was undertaken in 2002 and 2003 at Technical University Delft, using the CAPA research program. On the basis of the linear calculations the developed numerical prototype model is able to provide insight into seal behaviour and distinction between mechanical (seal geometry) and chemical (components) seal aspects, and insight into stress and strain development in the different seal types. Simulations of different seal, environmental and traffic scenarios are provided to demonstrate the potential of the model (excluding seal aggregate interlock and embedment effects at prototype stage). In order to provide data for the verification of the prototype numerical model, and to further contribute to the development of a performance related seal design method, performance tests were developed, with a new tool for assessment of comparative seal performance using the Model Mobile Load Simulator Accelerated Pavement Testing apparatus. The performance of each different seal binder type - Penetration grade Mumen, SBS, SBR, EVA and Bitumen Rubber - was undertaken. A methodology for the assessment of in-service seal performance was developed, and the performance of the respective seals reported. The results of this examination showed that each binder type has its unique contribution to seal performance. These new performance tests will be able to assist designers in the added determination of the fundamental binder properties on seal performance, and the seals' ability to contribute to the overall performance of the pavement. An additional comparative performance test method was developed to enable assessment of the effect of ageing and moisture, to complement the MMLS results. In summary, the performance testing has assisted in identifying the critical parameters a seal designer should consider during the design process. From this research, it is evident that the current seal design method requires further development to able designers to predict the effect of: Varying axle loads, tyre pressures and design speed; Varying characteristics of the different binders, (i.e. temperature - viscosity relationships, adhesion and visco-elastic behaviour); on the performance of seals. The major areas for suggested improvement in current seal design methods towards a performance based design method are: inclusion of variable traffic load and environmental characteristics, including temperature and moisture influences, and inclusion of mechanistic material characteristics into the design methodology.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Bitumengebaseerde padoppervlakseellae en asfaltslytlae is sedert die 1900's deur ingenieurs gebruik as teenwig teen die skade wat die pas ontwikkelde voertuig met sy rubberwiele aan bestaande ryvlakke sonder oppervlakbehandeling aangerig het. In vroeëre eksperimente wat daarop gemik was om 'n geskikte materiaal te vind om die probleem teen te werk, is 'n kombinasie van teer en bitumen gebruik. Sedertdien word voortgesette navorsing steeds wêreldwyd gedoen om verbeterings te ondersoek, nie net ten opsigte van materiale nie maar ook ontwerp- en konstruksiemetodes. Wat die ontwerp van padoppervlakseëling betref is daar egter heelwat wat reg begryp, verbeter en verfyn moet word. Plaveiselontwerpers het die keuse om of 'n asfalt te gebruik (gegradeerde aggregaat voorafvervaardig met 'n bitumen bindmiddel en aangewend as 'n klaarproduk), of 'n oppervlakseël (een laag of twee lae [m.a.w. enkel- of dubbelseël] bitumen bindmiddel met aggregaat [enkelgrootte klippies] bygevoeg, gespuit op die padoppervlak). In die praktyk berus die ontwerp van padoppervlakseëling tans op empiriese analise en ervaring (wat hoofsaaklik 'n volumetriesgebaseerde assessering van die aanwending van bitumen is). Hierdie navorsingsprojek doen 'n waardebepaling van die Suid-Afrikaanse filosofie van seëlontwerp, en ondersoek ontwerpterreine wat hersiening of bywerking benodig om vir veranderende bitumenbronne en -tipes, asook verkeerslading, voorsiening te maak. Met die ontwikkeling van 'n matriks van die invloede op seëlprestasie is die kriteria vir seëlprestasie ondersoek. Op grond daarvan word aangevoer dat daar 'n behoefte is aan 'n seëlontwerpmetode gebaseer op die meganistiese eienskappe van materiaal, en word 'n voorbeeld van 'n numeriese modelprototipe wat die eindige-element-metode gebruik, voorgelê. Ten einde 'n verdere bydrae te lewer tot die ontwikkeling van 'n prestasiegerigte seëlontwerpmetode, is die uitvoerbaarheid van die modellering van padoppervlakseëllae gebaseer op meganistiese beginsels, ondersoek. Daar is ook ondersoek ingestel na die potensiaal vir die ontwikkeling van kriteria vir die vasstel van mislukking en vermoeidheid of verhoudinge wat die assessering van die verwagte seëlprestasie (ingesluit die verskillende kenmerke en variasies van seëlkomponentmateriaal en wisselende verkeers- en omgewingsomstandighede) moontlik kan maak. Met oorweging van die bestudeerde literatuur en 'n begrip van die komponente van seël, plaveisel en inwerkende faktore, is 'n keuse van 'n numeriese model vir seëlprestasie gemaak. Die eindige-element-metode (Finite Element Method [FEM]) is gekies as die analitiese metode vir die modellering van seëlprestasie. Die model is ontwikkel om die ondersoek van die interaksie tussen individuele seëlkomponente (klip en bitumen) op mikromeganiese skaal moontlik te maak. Die ontwikkeling van die driedimensionele, numeriese, model-seëlprototipe is tussen 2002 en 2003 by die Delft Tegniese Universiteit gedoen, met gebruikmaking van die CAPA-navorsingsprogram. Wat lineêre berekenings betref, kan die ontwikkelde numeriese modelprototipe 'n insig gee in seëlgedrag en in die onderskeid tussen aspekte van seëlgeometrie (meganies) en seëlkomponente (chemies), asook in die spanning- en vervormingsontwikkeling van die verskillende tipes seël. Simulasies van verskillende seël-, omgewings- en verkeerscenario's word voorgestel om die potensiaal van die modelprototipe te demonstreer. Met die oog daarop om data vir die verifikasie van die numeriese modelprototipe te voorsien, en om verder tot die ontwikkeling van 'n prestasiegerigte seëlontwerpmetode by te dra, is prestasietoetse, met 'n nuwe instrument vir die assessering van vergelykende seëlprestasie met behulp van die Model Mobile Load Simulator Accelerated Pavement Testing apparaat, ontwikkel. Die prestasie van elke verskillende tipe seëlbindmiddel- penetrasiegraad bitumen, SBS, SBR, EVA en bitumenrubber - is getoets. 'n Metodologie vir die assessering van die ingebruiksprestasie van seëllae is ontwikkel, en daar is verslag gedoen oor die prestasie van die verskillende seëllae. Die resultate van die ondersoek het getoon dat elke tipe bindmiddel 'n eie unieke bydrae tot die prestasie van die seël lewer. Die nuwe prestasietoets sal ontwerpers help met die bepaling van die grondliggende bindmiddeleienskappe wat by seëlprestasie ter sprake is, asook van die seël se vermoë om tot die algehele prestasie van die plaveisel by te dra. 'n Bykomende prestasievergelykingstoetsmetode vir die assessering van die effek van veroudering en vogtigheid is ontwikkel om die MMLS-resultate aan te vul. Ter opsomming, die prestasietoetsing het bygedra tot die identifisering van die kritiese parameters wat die seëlontwerper tydens die ontwerpproses in gedagte behoort te hou. Die navorsing wat gedoen is, dui daarop dat die huidige seëlontwerpmetode verder ontwikkel moet word om ontwerpers in staat te stel om die effek van die volgende te kan voorspel: Wisselende aslas, banddruk en ontwerpspoed; Verskillende kenmerke van die verskillende bindmiddels (bv. temperatuur viskositeitsverhoudinge, vashegting en viskoëlastiese gedrag). Wat huidige seëlontwerpmetodes betref, is die hoofterreine waarop 'n verbetering voorgestel word, die insluiting van veranderlike verkeerslas- en omgewingskenmerke, ingesluit die invloed van temperatuur en vogtigheid, en insluiting van meganistiese kenmerke van materiaal in die ontwerpmetodologie.

Thesis (MScEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The pavement construction industry aims to reduce its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by investigating various energy efficient practices. The industry has focused on reducing energy consumption by producing Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) surfacing materials that are workable at lower temperatures in relation to Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), as a means to reduce carbon emissions. Half-Warm Foamed Bitumen Mixtures (HWF) is a relatively new material and is produced at temperatures below 100°C. This translates to large energy savings to overcome the latent heat of steam when exceeding 100°C. The characteristics of HWF mixes are a compromise between those of Foamed Bitumen Stabilised material (BSM-foam) and HMA characteristics. These include to a limited extent the improved tensile strength, particle coating and durability of HMA; and the shear strength of BSM-foam. The use of microwave technology as an efficient heating method to produce improved engineering properties of BSM-foam is proposed in this study. The benefits include energy saving due to its volumetric heating capability as well as rapid heating which improve productivity when using suitable materials. The aspect of recycling material brings forth further energy saving and emissions reduction when reusing materials. The portability of the in-plant recycling machines is an ideal candidate with logistical advantages to implement microwave generators to produce HWF mixes. This study is subdivided into four parts as it progressively investigates the potential to heat aggregates and produce HWF material. Firstly it investigates the heating potential of four aggregates, namely Hornfels, Quartzite, Eucrite, Granite and Reclaimed Asphalt (RA) at various moisture contents using a microwave apparatus. The second part discusses the thermodynamics of the preliminary investigation to provide insight into the third part, the Primary Investigation. The primary investigation evaluates the tensile strength and shear properties of two material blends by respectively implementing Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) and monotonic triaxial tests on specimens. The two blends were a combination of RA and crushed hornfels. The fourth and final part evaluates the HWF properties in relation to those of the equivalent BSM-foam product by means of a pavement analysis. The highest laboratory production temperature achieved was depicted by the material properties, microwave power capability and production rates. This temperature was consistently recorded at 50°C which theoretically simulates an in-field production rate of approximately 25 tons per hour. ITS test results indicate 100% increase in tensile strengths and an increase in compaction density for the HWF mixes. Large reduction in moisture contents is also observed after curing in relation to BSM-foam. The benefits in improving a layer within a pavement structure have an effect on the pavement’s overall performance. This could assist in reducing the requirement for premium layers e.g. thickness of HMA within the structure, thereby further assisting energy conservation. The evaluation of the microwave heated HWF mixes can be considered economical if designed with a purpose to meet the thermal dynamic requirements of a material considering the microwaves volumetric potential.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die plaveisel konstruksie-industrie poog om hul kweekhuisgas (KHG) uitskeiding te verlaag deur verskeie energie doeltreffende metodes te ondersoek. Die industrie fokus op die vermindering van energie-verbruik deur middel van die produksie van Warm Mengsel Asfalt (WMA) oppervlak materiale wat werkbaar is in laer temperature in verhouding tot “Hete Mengsel Asfalt (HMA)” as `n metode om koolstof uitskeiding te verlaag. Half-Warm Skuim-Bitumen Mengsels (HWS) is `n relatief nuwe materiaal en word vervaardig onder 100 °C. Dit lei tot groot energie besparings en oorkom sodoende die latente hitte van stoom wanneer temperature van 100 °C oorskry word. Die karakter-eienskappe van HWS mengsels is `n kompromie tussen Skuim-Bitumen Gestabiliseerde materiaal (BSM-S) en HMA eienskappe. Dit sluit tot `n beperkte mate in die verbeterde spankrag, partikel bestryking; en die skeer krag van BSM-S. Die gebruik van mikrogolf-tegnologie as effektiewe verwarmingsmetode vir verbeterde ingenieurseienskappe van BSM-S word voorgestel in hierdie studie. Die voordele sluit in energie besparing as gevolg van die volumetriese verwarmingsvermoë sowel as snel verhitting wat produktiwiteit verbeter tydens die gebruik van gepaste materiale. Die gebruik van herwinde materiaal bring verdere energiebesparing en uitskeiding-vermindering mee. Die draagbaarheid van binne-aanleg herwinningsmasjinerie is ‘n ideale kandidate met logistieke voordele vir die installering van mikrogolf-opwekkers vir die produsering van HWS mengsels. Dié studie word onderverdeel in vier dele terwyl dit toenemend ondersoek instel na die potensiaal van hitte versameling asook die produksie van HWS stowwe. Eerstens ondersoek dit die verwarmingspotensiaal van vier versamelings naamlik horingsteen, kwartsiet, eukrite, graniet en Herwinde Asfalt (HA) teenoor verskeie vogskattings-mikrogolf aperate. Die tweede deel bespreek die termodinamika van die voorlopige ondersoek om insig te bied vir die derde deel, die primêre ondersoek. Die primêre ondersoek evalueer die rekbaarheid en skeereienskappe van twee materiaal-mengsels van ITS en monotoniese drieassige toetse onderskeidelik op verskillende monsters. Die twee mengsels was `n kombinasie van HA en gemaalde horingsteen. Die vierde en finale deel evalueer die HWS eienskappe in verhouding tot die van die ekwivalente BSM-S produk deurmiddel van `n sypad-analise. Die hoogste laboratoriumproduksie temperature wat bereik was, was uitgebeeld deur die materiaal-eienskappe, mikrogolf krag kapasiteit en produksiekoers. Hierdie temperature was deurlopend aangeteken teen 50 °C wat `n teoretiese voorstelling is van `n binneveld produksie tempo van ongeveer 25 ton per uur. ITS toets resultate wys `n 100 % verhoging in spankrag asook `n toename in kompakte vir die HWS mengsels. Groot afname in voginhoud is ook waargeneem na bewerking in verhouding tot BSM-S. Die voordeel verbonde aan die verbetering van `n lag binne `n plaveisel-struktuur, het `n impak op die plaveisel se algemene uithoubaarheid. Dit kan bydra tot `n verlaging in die vereiste binne die struktuur en verdere bydra tot energie besparing. Die evaluering van mikrogolf verhitte HWS stowwe kan as ekonomies beskou word wanneer dit doelgerig vervaardig word om te voldoen aan die termodinamika vereistes van `n materiaal, wanneer die mikrogolf volumetriese potensiaal in ag geneem word.

Une étude expérimentale a été effectuée sur diverses formules de trois familles d’enrobés bitumineux avec des taux de recyclage variables et la présence ou non de régénérant. La composition des mélanges et le procédé de fabrication ont été élaborés afin d’effectuer une étude comparative. L’enrobage produit des variations des paramètres physico-chimiques des liants telles que la consistance, la température de transition vitreuse, les fractions cristallisables, les taux d’aromatiques et d’asphaltènes ; ces variations sont limitées en présence de régénérant. Lorsque le taux d’AE augmente, la compactibilité et l’orniérage des mélanges diminuent et leur rigidité viscoélastique augmente, mais le régénérant limite ces variations. Globalement, les AE produisent une augmentation de la résistance à la fatigue des formules et un aplatissement des droites de Wöhler. Le régénérant améliore le paramètre de fatigue ɛ6 ; les performances en fatigue augmentent avec la TBA et l’indice colloïdal du liant ainsi qu’avec la diminution de la viscosité de l’enrobé. L’impact favorable d’un taux élevé d’AE et du régénérant sur le trafic admissible a été déterminé suite au dimensionnement d’une structure souple tri-couche. À basse température, la détérioration par les AE de la ductilité en traction et de la température de rupture par retrait empêché se trouvent limitées par le régénérant ; un compromis est cependant à trouver avec la résistance à la fatigue. Les formules régénérées mises en œuvre sur la couche de roulement d’une route départementale ont subi une moindre évolution après six ans de service que les mélanges non régénérés
An experimental programme has been performed on three types of bituminous mixes with variable recycling rates and the possible addition of rejuvenator. The mix composition and the production process have been defined in order to perform a comparative analysis. The coating process modifies the physico-chemical parameters of the binders, like consistency, glassy transition temperature, cristallizable moiety, aromatics and asphaltenes rates; the above variations are limited by using the rejuvenator. As the RAP content increases, the compactibility and the rutting of the mixes decrease and the viscoelastic stiffness increases, but the rejuvenation reduces these variations. Globally, RAP increases the fatigue resistance of the mixes and flattens the Wöhler curve. Rejuvenation enhances ɛ6 fatigue parameter; fatigue performances increase with R&B temperature and colloidal index of the binder and as the viscous component of the mixes decreases. The positive impact of a high rate of RAP and of the rejuvenation on the allowable traffic has been evaluated from the structural design of a threelayered pavement. At low temperature, the deterioration of the tension ductility and of the stress restrained failure temperature produced by the RAP, is limited by the rejuvenation; a compromise with the fatigue resistance has to be found. The rejuvenated mixes laid as surface layers on a provincial road have experienced a smaller evolution that non rejuvenated mixes

Diploma thesis deals with the topic of using recycled material in the production of asphalt mixtures. In the theoretical part the methods of recycling flexible pavement are described and as well as ways in which recycled material is added to asphalt mixtures produced by the stationary hot mix plant. The thesis also deals with the current state of recycled material use in the Czech Republic and the reasons for its possible greater use. The practical part of the thesis studies the effect of using the amount of 20% recycled material to asphalt mixtures of asphalt concrete for wearing course ACO11+, on selected functional properties of these mixtures. It is also investigates the influence of bitumen binder contained in the recycled material, on the final properties in manufactured asphalt mixtures. An integral part of this thesis is a description of all methods that were used during the processing of the practical part. In the end of this thesis there are some results of findings about adding recycled material into asphalt mixtures.

abstract: This research is a comprehensive study of the sustainable modifiers for asphalt binder. It is a common practice to use modifiers to impart certain properties to asphalt binder; however, in order to facilitate the synthesis and design of highly effective sustainable modifiers, it is critical to thoroughly understand their underlying molecular level mechanisms in combination with micro and macro-level behavior. Therefore, this study incorporates a multi-scale approach using computational modeling and laboratory experiments to provide an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between selected modifiers and the constituents of asphalt binder, at aged and unaged conditions. This study investigated the effect of paraffinic wax as a modifier for virgin binder in warm-mix asphalt that can reduce the environmental burden of asphalt pavements. The addition of wax was shown to reduce the viscosity of bitumen by reducing the self-interaction of asphaltene molecules and penetrating the existing nano agglomerates of asphaltenes. This study further examined how the interplay of various modifiers affects the modified binder’s thermomechanical properties. It was found that the presence of wax-based modifiers has a disrupting effect on the role of polyphosphoric acid that is another modifier of bitumen and its interactions with resin-type molecules. This study was further extended to using nanozeolite as a mineral carrier for wax to better disperse wax in bitumen and reduce the wax's adverse effects such as physical hardening at low service temperatures and rutting at high service temperatures. This novel technique showed that using a different method of adding a modifier can help reduce the modifier's unwanted effects. It further showed that nanozeolite could carry wax-based modifiers and release them in bitumen, then acting as a scavenger for acidic compounds in the binder. This, in turn, could promote the resistance of asphalt binder to moisture damage by reducing the quantity of acidic compounds at the interface between the binder and the stone aggregates. Furthermore, this study shows that iso-paraffin wax can reduce oxidized asphaltene molecules self-interaction and therefore, reduce the viscosity of aged bitumen while cause brittleness at low temperatures. Additionally, a cradle to gate life-cycle assessment was performed for a new bio-modifier obtained from swine manure. This study showed that by partially replacing the bitumen with bio-binder from swine manure, the carbon footprint of the binder can be reduced by 10% in conjunction with reducing the cost and environmental impact of storing the manure in lagoons.
Dissertation/Thesis
Doctoral Dissertation Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2020

abstract: Bio-modification of asphalt binder brings significant benefits in terms of increasing sustainable and environmental practices, stabilizing prices, and decreasing costs. However, bio-modified asphalt binders have shown varying performance regarding susceptibility to moisture damage; some bio-oil modifiers significantly increase asphalt binder's susceptibility to moisture damage. This variability in performance is largely due to the large number of bio-masses available for use as sources of bio-oil, as well as the type of processing procedure followed in converting the bio-mass into a bio-oil for modifying asphalt binder. Therefore, there is a need for a method of properly evaluating the potential impact of a bio-oil modifier for asphalt binder on the overall performance of asphalt pavement, in order to properly distinguish whether a particular bio-oil modifier increases or decreases the moisture susceptibility of asphalt binder. Therefore, the goal of this study is a multi-scale investigation of bio-oils with known chemical compositions to determine if there is a correlation between a fundamental property of a bio-oil and the resulting increase or decrease in moisture susceptibility of a binder when it is modified with the bio-oil. For instance, it was found that polarizability of asphalt constituents can be a promising indicator of moisture susceptibility of bitumen. This study will also evaluate the linkage of the fundamental property to newly developed binder-level test methods. It was found that moisture-induced shear thinning of bitumen containing glass beads can differentiate moisture susceptible bitumen samples. Based on the knowledge determined, alternative methods of reducing the moisture susceptibility of asphalt pavement will also be evaluated. It was shown that accumulation of acidic compounds at the interface of bitumen and aggregate could promote moisture damage. It was further found that detracting acidic compounds from the interface could be done by either of neutralizing active site of stone aggregate to reduce affinity for acids or by arresting acidic compounds using active mineral filler. The study results showed there is a strong relation between composition of bitumen and its susceptibility to moisture. This in turn emphasize the importance of integrating knowledge of surface chemistry and bitumen composition into the pavement design and evaluation.
Dissertation/Thesis
Doctoral Dissertation Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 2020

Tese de Doutoramento (Programa Doutoral em Engenharia Civil)
As questões ambientais assumem um papel essencial para a sociedade atual, e nesse sentido, o desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias que permitam melhorar a sustentabilidade da indústria de pavimentação é cada vez mais pertinente. Dado que, nos países desenvolvidos, a maior parte dos trabalhos realizados nessa área consistem na reabilitação de pavimentos, existe a necessidade de adaptar essa atividade à economia circular, reutilizando os materiais existentes no pavimento quando este atingir o final do seu ciclo de vida. Assim, a reciclagem de misturas betuminosas tem vindo a assumir um interesse crescente da comunidade científica, pelo seu papel fundamental na redução do consumo de recursos naturais e da produção de resíduos. Nesse sentido, atualmente procura-se maximizar a taxa de incorporação de materiais fresados de pavimentos em novas misturas betuminosas, o que traz novos desafios ao nível da sua produção. De facto, para atingir essas taxas é necessário utilizar temperaturas muito elevadas, às quais estão associados consumos de energia e emissões de gases de efeito de estufa significativos. Para minimizar esses efeitos existem tecnologias que permitem reduzir a temperatura de produção, que podem ser aplicadas juntamente com a reciclagem de elevadas quantidades de material fresado, das quais se destaca a tecnologia de betume-espuma. Esta utiliza apenas com uma pequena quantidade de água para expandir o betume, reduzindo a sua viscosidade de forma a envolver adequadamente os agregados a temperaturas muito inferiores. Tendo em conta os desafios anteriores, a presente tese tem como objetivo realizar um estudo detalhado sobre a reciclagem de misturas betuminosas com elevadas taxas de incorporação de material fresado (até 50 %), com grande enfoque na utilização da tecnologia de betume-espuma como solução para minimizar a temperatura de produção das misturas recicladas. Além disso, também se pretende avaliar a utilização de rejuvenescedores em misturas recicladas produzidas a quente, como solução que pode ser utilizada de forma mais generalizada quando não for possível usar a tecnologia de betume-espuma. No decorrer dos trabalhos começou por efetuar-se uma análise completa do material fresado, para uma incorporação mais eficaz em misturas betuminosas recicladas. Depois estudou-se a utilização de rejuvenescedores para melhoria do desempenho de misturas recicladas a quente com 30 e 50% de material fresado. Em seguida estudou-se a tecnologia de betume-espuma em detalhe de forma a contribuir para um maior conhecimento na sua aplicação em misturas recicladas. O estudo desta técnica incluiu a avaliação das propriedades de expansão e das curvas de decaimento do betume-espuma, bem como a determinação da redução da temperatura de produção com ensaios de compactabilidade, para se conseguir determinar as melhores condições de produção destas misturas. Por último, procedeu-se à análise de desempenho das misturas recicladas com betume-espuma, que foi comparado com o das misturas equivalentes produzidas a quente, e procedeu-se à aplicação da tecnologia de betume-espuma em central. No final deste estudo, foi possível obter misturas com betume-espuma e com incorporação de elevadas taxas de reciclagem (30 e 50%), produzidas a temperaturas significativamente mais baixas (temperatura dos agregados diminuiu entre 20 e 40 °C), mas com um desempenho idêntico ao das misturas produzidas a quente. Adicionalmente, para as misturas betuminosas recicladas a quente concluiu-se que o uso de rejuvenescedores não é necessário para taxas de reciclagem até 30%, mas é aconselhado (2 a 3%) ao incorporar 50% de material fresado.
Nowadays, the environmental issues play a key role for the society, and thus, the development of new technologies to improve the sustainability of the paving industry is increasingly relevant. Given that, in developed countries, most of the work carried out in this area is related to pavement rehabilitation, there is a need to adapt this activity to the circular economy, reusing pavement materials when it reaches the end of its life cycle. Therefore, recycling of asphalt mixtures has assumed an increasing interest of the scientific community, due to its fundamental role in reducing the consumption of natural resources and the production of waste. Taking the abovementioned into account, maximization of reclaimed asphalt pavement material incorporation rates into new asphalt mixtures is currently being targeted, which presents new production challenges. In fact, to achieve these rates, it is necessary to use very high temperatures, which are associated with significant energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. To minimize these effects, there are technologies that allow the reduction of the production temperature, which can be applied together with the recycling of high quantities of reclaimed asphalt pavement material, of which foamed bitumen technology stands out. It uses only a small amount of water to expand the bitumen, reducing its viscosity in order to properly coat the aggregates at much lower temperatures. Considering the previous challenges, this thesis aims to carry out a detailed study on the recycling of asphalt mixtures with high reclaimed asphalt pavement incorporation rates (up to 50%), with a great focus on the use of foamed bitumen technology as a solution to minimize the production temperature of the recycled mixtures. In addition, it is also intended to evaluate the use of rejuvenators in hot-recycled blends, as a solution that can be more widely used when foamed bitumen technology cannot be used. In the course of the work, a complete analysis of reclaimed asphalt pavement material was made, for a more efficient incorporation in recycled asphalt mixtures. Then, the use of rejuvenators was studied to improve the performance of hot recycled mixtures with 30 and 50% of reclaimed asphalt pavements. Next, foamed bitumen technology was studied in detail in order to contribute to a better knowledge of its application in recycled mixtures. The study of this technology included the evaluation of the expansion properties and the decay curves of the foamed bitumen, as well as the assessment of the production temperature reduction based on compactability tests, in order to determine the best production conditions for these mixtures. Finally, the performance of the recycled mixtures with foamed bitumen was evaluated and compared with that of equivalent hot mixtures, and the foamed bitumen technology was tested in an asphalt plant. At the end of this study, it was possible to obtain asphalt mixtures with foamed bitumen incorporating high recycling rates (30 and 50%), produced at significantly lower temperatures (aggregate temperature decreased between 20 and 40 °C), but with a similar performance to that of hot mix asphalts. Additionally, for hot recycled asphalt mixtures it was concluded that the use of rejuvenators is not required for recycling rates up to 30%, but it is expected to be used (2 to 3%) when incorporating 50% of reclaimed asphalt pavements.
Este trabalho foi financiado pelo Governo de Portugal e pelo Fundo Social Europeu da União Europeia (UE/FSE) através da Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) com a Bolsa de Doutoramento SFRH/BD/85448/2012, e no âmbito do Programa Operacional Potencial Humano inscrito no Quadro de Referência Estratégico Nacional (POPH/QREN) para o período 2007-2013, assim como no âmbito do projeto “Eficiência Energética e Ambiental das Misturas Betuminosas e Redução das Emissões de Gases de Efeito Estufa (QREN-SI 090528), atribuído à empresa Betominho, Sociedade de Construções S.A., do grupo MonteAdriano, com a colaboração da Universidade do Minho.