Asphalt binder
Asphalt binder is a major component of road pavement, binding aggregates (sand and crushed stone) and ensuring the strength and durability of the pavement. One of the important properties that determines its performance is "viscosity". The viscosity of asphalt binder affects workability and long-term performance, and if not properly managed, it can have a negative impact on the quality and safety of the pavement. This article explains the importance of measuring the viscosity of asphalt binders and the risks that can occur if proper management is not performed.
The importance of asphalt binder viscosity
The viscosity of asphalt binders is directly related to the fluidity during construction and the durability after hardening. Proper viscosity management has the following advantages.
Proper workability
Asphalt binders with the appropriate viscosity spread evenly during construction, mix and adhere properly with aggregates, and form high-quality pavement.
Improved durability
Proper viscosity management allows asphalt pavement to maintain appropriate flexibility and strength, and to withstand temperature changes and traffic loads.
Adaptation to environmental conditions
Using an asphalt binder with the appropriate viscosity according to temperature changes can prevent cracking in cold regions and suppress rutting in hot regions.
Potential risks from not controlling viscosity measurements
If the viscosity of the asphalt binder is not controlled properly, the following problems may occur during construction or after use.
Decreased workability
If the viscosity is too high
- It does not flow sufficiently during construction, resulting in uneven mixing with the aggregate.
- It cannot be properly laid, and the uniformity of the pavement is compromised.
- It becomes difficult to control the construction temperature, and the work time is shortened.
If the viscosity is too low
- The asphalt flows excessively, making it difficult to control during construction.
- The aggregate cannot be properly fixed, and the strength of the pavement decreases.
- Settlement and deformation are more likely to occur after construction.
Decreased durability
Increased cracking
- If the viscosity is inappropriate, the flexibility of the asphalt is insufficient, and cracks are more likely to occur at low temperatures in cold regions.
Rutting
- If the viscosity is too low, the asphalt binder will soften during the high temperatures of summer, making rutting more likely to occur due to traffic loads.
Reduced water resistance
- If the viscosity is not appropriate, water will easily penetrate into the pavement, causing damage to the pavement due to freezing and expansion.
Economic loss
Increased maintenance costs
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If cracks and deformations occur early after construction, frequent repairs will be required, increasing maintenance costs.
- Pavements with low durability may deteriorate earlier than their designed lifespan and require early full renovation.
Waste of materials
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If the viscosity is not appropriate, excessive asphalt binder will be used during construction, increasing costs.
- If the pavement does not comply with standards due to poor construction, re-construction will be required, resulting in economic losses.
Safety risk
Slippery road surface
- If the viscosity is too low, the asphalt binder will not be able to properly fix the aggregate, reducing surface friction and increasing the risk of slipping during rainy weather.
Pavement peeling
- If the viscosity is too high, the asphalt binder will not penetrate the aggregate sufficiently, and the pavement surface will be prone to peeling.
Risk of standard violation
- Asphalt binders must comply with national standards (e.g. Superpave PG grade, JIS standard, etc.). If the viscosity does not meet the standard, it may not comply with the standard after construction and re-construction may be required.
Summary
Measuring the viscosity of asphalt binders is an essential element to ensure the quality and durability of road pavements. Proper viscosity management can improve workability, increase durability, and reduce maintenance costs.
Failure to manage viscosity can also cause serious problems such as poor construction, early deterioration, economic losses, and reduced safety. Thorough viscosity measurement is required to maintain the long-term quality of road infrastructure and achieve cost reduction and safety improvement.
RION's viscometer is recommended for measuring viscosity!
RION's viscometer is recommended for the following three reasons.
１．Confidence in accuracy
RION has a long history of manufacturing and developing viscometers. Utilizing our many years of knowledge and experience, we are able to achieve accurate viscosity measurements that are competitive with our competitors.
２．Portable type that can be measured anywhere
Most common viscometers are large and heavy. However, RION's VT-06 is compact and lightweight while maintaining measurement accuracy. The structure is simple, so even people with no knowledge or experience of viscosity measurement can easily measure it.
３．Loved by many customers around the world
RION is a Japanese manufacturer, but the viscometer VT-06 is used not only by customers in Japan but also by customers in countries around the world. VT-06 may be used for quality control in the things you usually use and eat.