Characterization of Bitumen Extracted from used Asphalt Pavement

Abstract

The objectives of the research were principally to characterize extracted bitumen from Used Asphalt Pavement (UAP) on twelve selected roads through the determination of engineering properties (penetration and viscosity) and establishment of appropriate mathematical relationship between principal parameters of the extracted bitumen. Laboratory tests were carried out on three samples from each of the roads in order to obtain extracted bitumen characteristics.  Established equations and regression analysis were used to study and compare the behaviour of the extracted bitumen with existing national standards. The extracted bitumen from the mix was 5.00 – 6.40 %, which fell within the 5.00 – 8.00 % range specified.  Weak correlations existed between the actual age of the road and bitumen content with coefficients of determination of 8E-05 to 0.0943 for linear, exponential, logarithmic, quadratic, and fourth order polynomial.  The effect of the age of the road on the penetration and viscosity of the binder respectively indicated fair relationship with coefficients of determination ranging from 0.5361 to 0.6351.  The study showed that extracted bitumen may be reused for asphalt concrete pavement needed for road construction leading to preservation of environment and reduction in land filling.                                                                                                                                                          

Keywords: Used asphalt pavement, Road construction, Extracted Bitumen, Coefficient of Determination