Pavement
- Publication no: AGPT-T194-17
- Published: 7 July 2017
- PDF (free) Download
This test method sets out the procedures for the ageing treatment of bitumen samples under specific conditions using the Pressure Ageing Vessel (PAV), and also the determination of the complex viscosity of treated samples under specific conditions using the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR).
Bituminous binders used in road surfacings experience gradual hardening during their service lives (long-term ageing). This may result in brittleness leading to failure of the binder. Bituminous binders that are relatively more resistant to long-term ageing are therefore an important contributor to longer-lasting surfacings.
This test method has been developed as Austroads research has shown that the pressure ageing vessel (PAV) and the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) are suitable devices to measure the ageing resistance of bitumen. During the test, a bitumen sample is aged in the laboratory using a PAV. The complex viscosity of the aged bitumen is then tested using a DSR. The complex viscosity of bitumen as determined using this method has been found to be related to the 'time to reach the specified apparent viscosity level (SAVL)’ (durability) of bitumen as determined using AS/NZS 2341.13.
- 1. Preface
- 2. Scope
- 3. Further Development
- 4. Safety Disclaimer
- 5. References
- 6. Equipment
- 6.1. PAV Ageing Treatment Procedure
- 6.2. DSR Complex Viscosity Measurement Procedure
- 7. Calibration and Verification of PAV and DSR
- 8. Procedure
- 8.1. Preparation of Bitumen Samples for Ageing Treatment
- 8.2. Ageing Treatment of the Bitumen Sample
- 8.3. Preparation of the Bitumen Sample for DSR Complex Viscosity Testing
- 8.4. Measurement of DSR Complex Viscosity
- 9. Reporting
- 10. Precision
- Appendix 1 Relationship to an Equivalent ‘Time to Reach the SAVL’ (Durability) Result – Informative