Michał Sarnowski

Quality assessment of bituminous binders based on the viscoelastic properties: Polish experience

Construction of modern and durable bituminous pavements requires high quality bituminous binder, aggregates and additives. The main objective of this paper was to analyse and compare viscoelastic properties of unmodified and polymer modified bitumens produced in Poland, Europe, in order to assess their quality. In this paper there are presented results of bituminous binder European classification tests (penetration, softening point and Fraass breaking point) as well as rheological test results conducted over a wide range of temperatures. In addition, image analysis of the microstructure of selected polymer modified bitumens is also presented. Based on the analysis it was concluded that although bituminous binders complies with European specification requirements, they are significantly different in terms of their rheological properties. It was found that regardless of binder producer, bituminous binder within the same hardness group exhibit different low and high temperature properties.

New concept of sustainable road structure with RAP binder course using bio-agent

Growing demand on paving materials requires application of recycling materials. In some countries Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) is commonly used for construction of road pavements structural layers. Often limitations are applied in order to amount and type of recycled materials. In this paper a new, innovative concept of asphalt structure for local roads is proposed. In such structure each layer includes bioorigin material or materials from recycling. Research work conducted under the “Use of eco-friendly materials for a new concept of Asphalt Pavements for a Sustainable Environment” (APSE) project consist of complex analysis of opportunities for application into each structural layer material from recycling, including asphaltorigin materials. A proposed new structure will composed of surface layer with bioethanol modified eco-asphalt. For interlayer increased amount of RAP is going to be used due to application of bio-agent rejuvenating binder property. In non-asphalt base layer material from infrastructure demolishing will be used, including demolished cement concrete. In this paper test result of asphalt mixes composed with using of the bio-agent and RAP are presented. It was proofed that higher than typical amount of RAP can be applied for the production of asphalt mixture in traditional asphalt mix plant not equipped with double barrel. Results proofed that bio-agent serves the role of rejuvenator in asphalt mixture and allows for either application of higher RAP content of production of the mixture in lowered technological temperature.

Innovative SMA-MA mixture for bridge asphalt pavement

Paper presents innovative technological solution applied in bridge pavement. New asphalt mixture, called SMA-MA, uses benefits of both mastic asphalt (MA) widely used as a bridge waterproofing layer and stone mastic asphalt (SMA) and provides more durable mixture. According to the wide research plan, several mixtures were tested for their resistance to permanent deformation, water susceptibility, fatigue and aging resistance. Conducted research proved that such mixture can be successfully used as waterproofing and protective layer as well as traffic carrying layer. In comparison to the typically used asphalt mixtures (SMA, MA or asphalt concrete), SMA-MA presents: mixture resistant to permanent deformation with very low air voids content (about of 0.5%) reachable with typical asphalt mixture compaction temperature of 180°C. The temperature of application SMA-MA mixture is about 30°C less than temperature of mastic asphalt, but the ability of sealing is comparable. SMA-MA mixture is a fast application technology using conventional equipment. In climatic conditions of middle Europe showing high number of freezingthawing cycles, it is recommended to use such innovative technological solution on bridge decks.