ABSTRACT
The dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures is the fundamental characteristic used in the pavement design procedures based on mechanistic principles. As this property is strongly dependent of the rheological properties of the bitumen, it is important to have a better understanding of the rheological behavior of asphalt binders. Recently, the Dynamic Shear Rheometer was adopted as a powerful instrument to characterize the dynamic properties of bituminous materials. However, this is a high cost equipment that it is not available worldwide and conventional tests like Penetration, Softening Point and viscosity at different temperatures, are still used in many countries for the evaluation of the consistency of these binders. The main purpose of this paper is the development of empirical models for the prediction of these rheological properties using routine conventional testing results. It is concluded that reliable estimations for paving bitumens could be obtained using the procedures developed in this study.
