Effect of multiple-repeated aging and rejuvenation processes on bitumen properties evaluated with physical and chemical tests and multivariate analysis methods

Abstract

This paper presents laboratory experiments on repeated bitumen aging and rejuvenation processes to assess multiple reuse feasibility. Three 50/70 penetration-graded bitumen samples were reused with four different rejuvenators without adding virgin binder. The experiments continued until significant material changes, such as inhomogeneities and increased stickiness, prevented reliable characterization. After each rejuvenation and aging process, physical and chemical properties were analyzed, resulting in a comprehensive dataset. Results indicate that the reuse of pure rejuvenators, without incorporating virgin binder, is limited. Cyclic reuse depends heavily on the rejuvenator and its interaction with the binder. Of the four rejuvenators tested, two bio-based products enabled the maximum reuse of four cycles. Therefore, the rejuvenators used in this project are more suitable as additives to improve the physical properties of the bitumen for reuse rather than as substitutes for the binder. The datasets were further evaluated using multivariate analysis methods to construct statistical models for two use cases: In the first use case, the samples are classified by their aging condition. In the second use case, the samples are differentiated according to the rejuvenators. The models were successfully validated, providing a promising framework for the classification of unknown bitumen samples for reuse.