ABSTRACT

Moreover, based on this micelle structure model a new mechanical model for bitumen ageing was derived, in the framework of continuum micromechanics. Thereby, the bitumen is considered as a viscoelastic four-phase composite, consisting of an asphaltene phase embedded in a maltene phase. A third phase, built up by resins and highly polar aromatic structures, triggers the interaction between asphaltenes, and mechanically describes the age-dependent microstructure of bitumen. This model could be validated by means of shear rheometer tests on differently aged bitumen.