Analysis of the effects of ageing on the cohesive strength of polymer-modified bitumen at low temperatures

Abstract

The decay law on the ageing process of the cohesive strength of styrene-butadiene-styrene(SBS)-and polyethylene(PE)-modified bitumens at low temperatures was investigated. The rotated-thin-film oven test was used to age the two types of polymer-modified bitumens. The cohesive strengths at different low-temperature conditions were tested quantitatively according to technology for testing the low-temperature cohesive strength of bitumen. The decay curve of bitumen low-temperature cohesive strengths was drawn, and the embrittlement time of bitumen at different ageing states was obtained according to the decay curve. Results showed that ageing time definitely influenced the attenuation degree of the low-temperature cohesive strength of the two types of polymer-modified bitumens and influenced the appearance of the low-temperature cohesive strength peak, i.e., the bitumen embrittlement time, which advanced after ageing. The lightweight components of polymer-modified bitumen were lost after ageing. The bitumen embrittlement time was advanced, and the sharp attenuation of the low-temperature cohesive strength of bitumen appeared. In the future, bitumen anti-ageing technology and lighter part pre-supplement technology should be studied in-depth.