Mathematical model to predict the affinity between aggregate/bitumen

Abstract

The stones used for the construction of road surfaces have a complex mineralogical and hence chemical composition. They are made up of several types of minerals put together. This generates a significant difference in adhesion with the bituminous binder. The aim of this study is to create a mathematical model able to predict the adhesion between bitumen and stone on the basis of contact angle measurements made on different pure minerals. The mathematical model used was developed keeping in mind the exponential bond that the minerals have with the corresponding bond angle. This model also confirmed the established fact that the lower the value of Δ, the better the adhesion between the bitumen and the aggregate.