Effects of exposure time and temperature in aging test on asphalt binder properties

The effect of temperature level and its exposure time in hot mix asphalt production stages on the conventional and rheological properties of asphalt cements have been investigated through experimental study. A series of Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) Test was conducted at the temperature/time combinations for 135, 150, 163 ºC and 40, 80, 120 minutes. Dynamic mechanical characteristics of the binders were detected by dynamic shear rheometer tests. The results show that the variations in exposure time and temperature distinctly changed the properties of binders in a wide range. It is recommended that for a better simulation of short term aging in production and construction stages, RTFO test temperature and curing time should be adjusted according to the real individual field conditions. Also, in order to give information about the aging behavior of a specific binder for possible field conditions, the test results should be presented for a number of temperature-time combinations.