ABSTRACT
This study makes use of an accelerated durability test called the Immersion Ageing Test (IAT) to simulate and obtain the combined effects of ageing and moisture on typical Thin Surface Course Systems (TSCS). The samples used for the assessment in this project incorporated a 40/60 paving grade bitumen, polymer modified bitumen (PMB) with some samples treated using asphalt preservatives.
The IAT modified the EN 12697-45 procedure. This allows for the assessment of denser and/or less stiff asphalt mixtures. This test method involves conditioning 3 immersed asphalt specimens under a pressure of 0.5 MPa at a temperature of 85°C for 24 hours. The stiffness modulus is determined for each specimen before and after IAT. The rheological properties of tested samples are evaluated to ascertain the level of ageing. This study helps establish the influence of asphalt preservative treatment following accelerated durability tests.
