The Effects of Aging on Asphalt Binders Containing Visbreaking Residues

The quality and properties of asphalt binders are one of the most important factors that affect lifetime of asphalt roads. In refineries, visbreaking residues (VFCRs) are sometimes added to asphalt binders in variable ratios. VFCR addition can affect the overall properties of the manufactured binder, in particular resistance against aging. Using selected laboratory tests, this paper analyzes the effects of adding VFCRs to paving bitumens with a gradation of 160/220 on its properties (needle penetration, softening point, complex shear modulus and phase angle and creep stiffness and m-values). Also the effect of simulated aging of binders containing VFCRs on their properties has been tested. It was found that by increasing the VFCR content and the extent of aging, the binder stiffness increases. At higher VFCR ratios, the binder is more affected by aging at higher temperatures. Increased amount of VFCR also negatively affects low-temperature properties of the binder, which is related to its higher stiffness.