Research On The Performance Of Gilsonite

The goal of this article is to research and evaluate the performance of gilsonite, to provide the technical basis for applications of this kind of material. The research is mainly divided into four parts. In the first one, the performance of gilsonite modified bitumen is evaluated and analyzed through ordinary tests of the penetration system, and the laboratory preparation craft of gilsonite modified bitumen is brought forward. It is discovered that the high temperature performance and the anti-aging performance of this binder can be significantly improved, and the more the gilsonite added, the better the performance will be. Different base bitumen are modified with gilsonite, showing the similar tendencies of the performance change.In the second part, the performances of gilsonite modified bitumen are compared and analyzed with PG appraisal system through DSR, BBR and Brookfield revolving viscosity tests. The experiments indicate that the high temperature grades of bitumen are enhanced, and the anti-rutting factor and the GTS value increased. the high temperature stability of bitumen is also enhanced greatly and the thermal sensitivity reduced after modification. If the dosage of gilsonite is controlled to certain extent, it would have no considerably adverse influence on low temperature performance.In the Third part, chemical composition analysis are made for gilsonite and gilsonite modified bitumen. The data of element and component measurements indicates that the content of hetero-atom such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and so on in gilsonite is much higher than that in base bitumen. The hetero-atom could bring about the functional molecule cluster with strong polarity and could have strong adhesion to aggregates so as to improve stripping resistance. Regarding the four chemical components analysis, gilsonite contains more sol and asphaltenen, and when added into base asphalt, the high temperature performance and thermal stability can be enhanced. It is discovered that there is very good correlation among the component of gilsonite modified bitumen, the average molecular-weight and the performance index.In the fourth part, the laboratory mixing temperature and the preparation craft of gilsonite modified hot mixture are proposed. The data indicates that, the high temperature performance, the water stability and the fatigue characteristics of the hot mix can be largely enhanced when gilsonite is added. When 15% Xinjiang Gilsonite is added, the mixture performance is comparable with that of 8% North America Gilsonite and SBS modified asphalt.Finally, the product quality standard of Xinjiang Gilsonite as well as the technical requirement and the suitable application region of gilsonite modified are proposed.