Abstract:
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In this work, the effect that filler has on the aging of bitumen was analyzed
but with the filler being incorporated by volume, not by weight. The
Universal de Caracterización de Ligantes method was used as the process
of accelerated aging, and a new direct tensile test was used to determine
the toughness of the aged mixture and, thus, to assess the effect the filler
has. All tests performed for this paper have shown the protective effect
of the fillers used. The new direct tensile test developed by the Road
Research Laboratory of the Technical University of Catalonia allows
observation of how an increase in filler produces an increase in the breaking
load and a decrease in the maximum deformation: the hydrated lime
tends to stiffen the mixture less and make it less brittle than does calcium
carbonate. To minimize the effect of aging on bitumen, the filler content
proposed must be 20% or 30% less than the content recommended in
conditions where there is no aging, so that when the mixture ages, the
mastic is able to build up the maximum energy possible. |