Use of bio-binders for asphalt lazers of pavement structures

Abstract

Bitumen, as the main binder used for the production of asphalt layers of road constructions, is obtained by distilling crude oil, which, as a fossil fuel, will have limited availability in the future and whose exploitation has a significant negative impact on the environment. The concept of bio-binders has recently been developed and refers to binders for asphalt mixtures containing bio-renewable materials. The paper presents the types of biobinders, their application, the basic requirements so that they can be used in asphalt layers, as well as the production procedures. The basic physical and chemical characteristics of bio-oil, as well as the significant characteristics of bio-binders and their influence on the aging resistance of modified bitumens are presented. Finally, the impact of the application of bio-binder on the performance of asphalt mixtures is presented, which depends to a considerable extent on the origin of the biomass used for production of biobinder. Bio-binders generally have a favorable effect on improving the characteristics of asphalt mixtures at low temperatures, but lead to a decrease in the rutting resistance of the mixtures at high temperatures. In addition to this, a description of the application of bio-binders for the rejuvenation of aged bitumen from reclaimed asphalt pavement, which is widely used in the recycling of asphalt mixtures, is presented.