ABSTRACT
As a viscoelastic material, bitumen’s properties are demonstrated by conventional tests, performance-based tests, and chemical composition. Most commonly, the quality of bitumen is evaluated by empirical methods, which are focused on determining its consistency and thermal stability (penetration and softening point). These bitumen properties are also requirements defined in technical standards. To assess the bitumen properties, modern methods are applied to better characterize individual bitumen, using rheological measurements (rotational, oscillatory, and creep tests), deflection measurements, etc. The structural analysis of bitumen as a petroleum product is based on the determination of its elemental composition and group composition. This paper reviews the thermoviscous behaviour of selected paving-grade and polymer-modified bitumen samples in relation to empirical methods and composition. The results of the dynamic and complex viscosity measurements of bitumen 50/70 and PmB 45/80-75 are evaluated and analysed depending on the composition determined by organic elemental analysis and SARA analysis.
