According to the space model, the asphalt sample composition is defined through the volume concentrations of seven components. A mathematical relation describing in which way the asphalt sample stability depends on its composition is established. Besides the composition, the asphalt sample stability aslo depends on the oxidation level (viscosity) of the free intergranular asphalt cement. After analysis of results obtained by measuring stability of the oxidized asphalt samples, the mathematical relation, defining dependence of the asphalt stability as a function of its composition and the oxidation level of the free intergranular asphalt cement, is established. Test results indicate that the influence of physical (porosity) and chemical (oxidation-reaction catalysis) properties of stone material upon the process of asphalt cement oxidation in asphalt may be quantified in the above described way. Furthermore, the above procedure may successfully be applied in the quantification of action of the asphalt cement-added antioxidants. (A)
Abstract