Chapter 8 Theoretical Principles of the Bitumen Structure and the Role of Asphaltenes (Based on Rheological Method)

This chapter presents a quantitative approach to the classification of bitumens based on the type of dispersion structure. The proposed common criterion of the dispersed structure type takes properties of all components into account and makes it possible to classify all organic binding materials—including bitumens, on a common basis. The chapter focuses on the improvement of the knowledge of the relations among the composition, structure, and properties of organic binders and asphaltic concrete. A better understanding of the structures and properties of binding materials makes it possible to predict the behavior of asphaltic concrete in the road and airfield pavements, roofing sealants, and water-proofing material. The chapter also emphasizes on (1) the nuclei of the dispersed-phase particles that have the determinative role in the structure and properties of organic binders and of composites based on them, and (2) there is another more general approach when considering structures of bitumens and other organic binding material.