materials

Article
Study on Low-Temperature Cracking Performance of
Asphalt under Heat and Light Together Conditions
Limin Li 1, *, Zhaoyang Guo 2 , Longfei Ran 3 and Jiewen Zhang 3
1 School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Engineering,
Yongzhou 425199, China
2 Inner Mongolia Communications Construction Engineering Quality Supervision Bureau,
Hohhot 010050, China; chaoyang226@163.com
3 School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing 400074, China;
ranlf20@163.com (L.R.); zhjw7420@163.com (J.Z.)
* Correspondence: 2111716207@e.gzhu.edu.cn




Received: 24 February 2020; Accepted: 25 March 2020; Published: 27 March 2020


Abstract: The low-temperature cracking performance of asphalt is considered one of the main
deteriorations in asphalt pavements. However, there have been few studies on the low-temperature
cracking performance of asphalt under heat and light together. Hence, the ductility test, bending
beam rheometer (BBR) test, and asphalt composition analysis test are combined to investigate the
low-temperature cracking performance under heat and light together based on the climatic conditions
of China. The styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS)-modified asphalt binders were
prepared with different modifier types and base asphalt in this research. The results show that the
low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt reduces under heat and light together. It is obviously
reduced at the early stage, and it becomes worse with the increase of the aging time, temperature, and
ultraviolet (UV) intensity. The asphalt composition has a significant impact on its low-temperature
cracking performance, and the SBS modifier can improve the low-temperature cracking resistance
of asphalt. The rational selection of base asphalt and modifier can improve the low-temperature
cracking performance of asphalt. Under heat and light together, whether base asphalt or modified
asphalt, the change trends of their ductility and component content are similar. Therefore, to improve
the anti-cracking ability of the asphalt pavement, it is suggested to use the ductility of asphalt aged
by heat and light together for 15 days as the evaluation index of the low-temperature cracking
performance of asphalt, and asphalt should be selected according to the temperature and UV intensity
of the asphalt pavement use area.

Keywords: heat and light together; asphalt; low-temperature cracking performance; aging

1. Introduction

1.1. Background
Asphalt pavement cracking will cause the surface water to run into the pavement, which will
cause many issues, such as loose, potholes, and stripping. Water into the pavement will also soften the
base course and the subgrade, which will cause causes different issues, such as steps, slurry pumping,
and mesh cracking [1]. Cracking will accelerate the asphalt pavement damage as well as decreasing
its service life [2,3]. To solve the cracking failure of asphalt pavement, the researchers conducted
much work on the cracking of asphalt pavement and asphalt mixture. Mao [4] studied the crack
initiation mechanism and propagation behavior of asphalt pavements, and the results showed that the
mechanism for crack propagation was primarily tensile. Yan [5] investigated the cracking mechanism

Materials 2020, 13, 1541; doi:10.3390/ma13071541 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials

Materials 2020, 13, 1541 2 of 14

and prevention measures of top–down cracks on a flexible base asphalt pavement in a seasonal frozen
area and found that the traffic load, environmental factors, and asphalt aging were the major reasons
for top–down cracking. Research on the causes, effects, and cures of top–down cracking in asphalt
pavement has been conducted by Donna et al. [6], and the results showed that the mixture with
higher asphalt content would not be as prone to segregate. Wang [7] analyzed the crack problem
of the asphalt pavement under UV light aging and claimed that asphalt pavement was more prone
to cracks because of the effect of UV. Ramos et al. [8] reviewed the methods to measure the fatigue
damage resistance of asphalt binders and put forward their suggested method. Wu et al. [9] evaluated
the aging effect of UV radiation on the asphalt mixture and found that UV radiation significantly
affected the asphalt semi-circular bending strength of asphalt concrete, it decreased the −10 ◦ C bending
strength of asphalt concrete, and the longer the exposure duration was, the more obvious the aging
effect. Behnia et al. [10] reviewed the approach to evaluating the low-temperature cracking of asphalt
and found that acoustic emission could assess the low-temperature cracking performance of asphalt.
Although lots of investigations have been performed for the cracking of asphalt pavement and asphalt
mixture, research rarely focuses on the effect of heat and light together.
On the other hand, lots of investigations have been conducted for the low-temperature performance
of asphalt materials. The low-temperature performance and evaluation method of asphalt were
implemented by several researchers [11–15], although they didn’t consider the influence of light and
heat together. Zhou et al. [16] studied styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified asphalts’ anti-cracking
characteristics by using the rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and the Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV) residue
based on Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) methods. It was shown that correlation was
very good among the complex shear modulus, phase angle, fatigue cracking factor, creep stiffness,
m value, and temperature in the range of wider temperature. The cracking characteristics of three
modified and nine unmodified asphalt binders aged by different testing methodologies i.e., an UV
route and a thermal route with changing exposition time by Patrícia et al. [17], and it was found that the
critical block-cracking zone could be reached by the two routes, being the oxidative effect that happens
in the field more evident in the UV radiation route. The carbonyl index was very sensitive to UV
aging and presented in general larger values than the other aging strategies. Zhang et al. investigated
the effect of long-term laboratory aging on the rheological properties and cracking resistance of
polymer-modified asphalt binders at intermediate and low-temperature ranges and analyzed different
evaluation indexes [18]. Glotova et al. [19] researched the effect of UV aging on an asphalt binder
by testing the composition contents, structures, and the chemical properties of asphalt binder before
and after aging, and the results showed that the type of light irradiation had a close relationship
with the photo-oxidation aging speed, and UV radiation had obvious degeneration effects on these
properties. The aging effect of three types of aging methods—namely UV radiation, pressure aging
vessel (PAV), and thin film oven test (TFOT) was investigated by Zhang et al. [20], and they found that
PAV aging and UV aging have more obvious effects on the degradation of styrene–butadiene–styrene
(SBS) polymer. The results showed that the studied binders tended to be more viscous at relatively
low loading frequencies and harder after aging, and the ability to relax internal stress declined. The
UV light plays a great role in the photo-oxidation of bitumen and makes the surface layer of asphalt
pavement stiffer and brittle [21–23]. However, the effect on the cracking resistance of asphalt heat and
light together has been rarely performed to date.
In fact, the low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt has a vital influence on the anti-cracking
performance of asphalt pavement [24–26]. Meanwhile, due to asphalt’s temperature sensitivity, light
and heat affect the crack resistance of asphalt during the asphalt pavement construction and service
life [27]. The PAV test and the RTFOT (Rotary thin film oven test) are commonly used in the world
to simulate the long-term aging behavior and short-term thermo-oxidative aging of bitumen [21,28].
However, due to ignoring the effect of UV radiation, the correlation between actual pavement aging
and PAV simulation aging is not significant. At present, understanding of the cracking performance of
asphalt under heat and light together is very limited. Hence, to solve the problem of asphalt pavement
Materials 2020, 13, 1541 3 of 14

cracking, it is necessary to investigate systematically the low-temperature cracking performance of

asphalt under heat and light together based on the environmental conditions of asphalt pavement.

1.2. Objectives
The main objective of the paper is to assess the effect of heat and light together on the
low-temperature behavior of asphalt mixtures expressed under the climatic conditions of China
in terms of the ductility curves (ductility test), the parameters of the bending beam rheometer (BBR)
test, and the compositions (asphalt composition analysis test) of the asphalt aged under heat and
light together.

2. Materials
The SBS modifiers used in the research are the 501s branched and the 4402 linear modifier produced
by Dongguan Yuetai New Material Co., Ltd., Guangdong, China, and their characteristic properties are
illustrated in Table 1. Zhonghai AH-70 (ZH-70) asphalt and South Korea AH-70 (SK-70) asphalt were
employed as the base asphalt sample, and their characteristic properties are listed in Table 2. Based on
the existing research results [29,30] and economy, the dosage of SBS modifiers of modified asphalt was
5%. The modified asphalts were prepared using an FM300 High Shear Dispersing Emulsifier (FLUKO,
Shanghai, China). Prior to shearing with the dispersing emulsifier, the base asphalt was preheated to
170–180 ◦ C in a small container. Then, according to the required dose, the 501s branched or 4402 linear
modifier was gradually added to the base asphalt. Meanwhile, the mix was heated and maintained
at 175–180 ◦ C, and it was melted and mixed for 30 minutes. Afterward, the mix was stirred with a
high-shear mixer for 40–60 min with a shearing rate of 3000–5000 r/min at 175–180 ◦ C. At last, the mix
was put into the oven for 2 h at 175 ◦ C. The characteristic properties of four kinds of modified asphalt
for the test are given in Table 3.

Table 1. Properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modifier.

Elongation Permanent Tensile Strength Modulus at 300%

Type Character Block Ratio
at Break (%) Set (%) (MPa) Elongation (MPa)
501s modifier ≥800 White floc ≤42 ≥14.2 ≥2.3 31/69
4402 modifier ≥700 White strip ≤40 ≥14.0 ≥2.0 30/70

Table 2. Properties of base asphalt.

Properties Criteria SK-70 ZH-70 Methods

Ductility at 10 ◦ C (cm) ≥20 45 26.7 T0604-2011 [22]
Viscosity at 135 ◦ C (Pa.s) ≤3.0 0.554 0.632 T0625-2011 [22]
Rutting factor (kPa) ≥1.0 1.91 1.20 AASHTOT315
Penetration degree at 25 ◦ C (0.1 mm) 60~80 72 71 T0605-2011 [22]
Penetration index −1.5 to +1.0 0.8 0.4 T0604-2011 [22]
Softening point (◦ C) ≥47 48.4 48.6 T0606-2011 [22]
After the thin film oven Mass loss (%) ±0.8 −0.3 −0.14 T0609-2011 [22]
test (TFOT) Ductility at 10 ◦ C (cm) ≥6s 16 26 T0604-2011 [22]
(163 ◦ C, 5 h) Penetration degree ratio at 25 ◦ C (%) ≥61 80.3 73.6 T0605-2011 [22]
 Linear-Modified Branched-Modified
Properties Criteria Asphalt Asphalt Methods
ZH-70 SK-70 ZH-70 SK-70
Ductility at 10 °C (cm) ≥20 89 84 77 73 T0604-2011 [28]
Materials 2020, 13, 1541 4 of 14
viscosity at 135 °C (Pa.s) ≤3.0 1.625 1.400 1.853 1.769 T0625-2011 [22]
Rutting factor (kPa) ≥1.0 2.23 2.35 1.86 1.97 AASHTOT315
Table 3. Properties of SBS-modified asphalt.
Penetration degree at 25 °C (0.1 mm) 30~60 42 49 48 51 T0605-2011 [28]
Linear-Modified Branched-Modified
Penetration index ≥0 0.2
Asphalt
0.9 Asphalt 0.4 0.2 T0604-2011 [28]
Properties Criteria Methods
Softening point (°C) ≥ 60 ZH-7061.5 SK-70 63.2 ZH-70 60.5
SK-70 62 T0606-2011 [28]
◦ C (cm)
After the thin Mass loss (%)
Ductility at 10 ± 0.8
≥20 89 0.6 84 −0.377 −0.2
73 −0.2
T0604-2011 [28] T0609-2011 [28]
viscosity at 135 ◦ C (Pa.s) ≤3.0 1.625 1.400 1.853 1.769 T0625-2011 [22]
film oven test Ductility at 10 °C (cm)
Rutting factor (kPa) ≥20
≥1.0 2.23 65 2.35 491.86 54
1.97 50
AASHTOT315 T0604-2011 [28]
Penetration degree at 25 ◦ C (0.1 mm) 30~60 42 49 48 51 T0605-2011 [28]
(TFOT) Penetration degreeindex
Penetration ratio at ≥0 0.2 0.9 0.4 0.2 T0604-2011 [28]
≥65 85.7 63.2 83.7 81.3 T0606-2011
73.4 T0605-2011 [28]
(163 °C，5 h) 25 °C (%) (◦ C)
Softening point ≥ 60 61.5 60.5 62 [28]
After the thin film Mass loss (%) ± 0.8 0.6 −0.3 −0.2 −0.2 T0609-2011 [28]
oven test (TFOT)
Ductility at 10 ◦ C (cm) ≥20 65 49 54 50 T0604-2011 [28]
(163 ◦ C, 5 h)
The aging confrontingPenetration asphaltdegree during asphalt construction was simulated by using short-term
≥65 85.7 83.7 81.3 73.4 T0605-2011 [28]
aging addressed by RTFO (85 min, 163 ℃ and air flow at 4 L/min) according to ASTM D2872 [31].
ratio at 25 ◦ C (%)

The long-term aging confronting asphalt during the use of asphalt pavement was simulated by
The aging confronting asphalt during asphalt construction was simulated by using short-term
using PAV aging (air pressure at 2.1 MPa). The long-term aging of asphalt under heat and light
aging addressed by RTFO (85 min, 163 ◦ C and air flow at 4 L/min) according to ASTM D2872 [31]. The
together long-term
was done using a RG-80 asphalt aging test chamber manufactured independently, as
aging confronting asphalt during the use of asphalt pavement was simulated by using PAV
shown inaging
Figure 1. Considering
(air pressure at 2.1 MPa). theThe maximum
long-termground temperature
aging of asphalt under heatof 65 andtolight
75 together
°C in most was areas of
China anddonetheusing
strong heatasphalt
a RG-80 absorption aging test ability of asphalt
chamber pavement,
manufactured the maximum
independently, as showntemperature
in Figure 1. of the
Considering ◦
aging test was set tothe 70maximum
°C [32]. ground
Considering temperature of 65 toof75asphalt
the aging C in most areas of China
pavement and the strong
of sunlight caused by the
heat absorption ability of asphalt pavement, the maximum temperature of the aging test was set to
wavelength◦ range of 260–410 nm UV radiation [23,33], the high-pressure mercury lamp with a
70 C [32]. Considering the aging of asphalt pavement of sunlight caused by the wavelength range of
radiation260–410
spectrum
nm UV ranging
radiationfrom[23,33], 250 theto 440 nm was
high-pressure usedlamp
mercury as the
withlight source
a radiation of theranging
spectrum RG-80 asphalt
aging test
fromchamber.
250 to 440Thenm wasUV used intensity wassource
as the light controlled by the
of the RG-80 power,
asphalt agingquantity, andThe
test chamber. voltage
UV of the
high-pressure
intensitymercury lamp,byand
was controlled it wasquantity,
the power, measured by theofUV365
and voltage UV radiometer
the high-pressure mercury lamp,(Beijing
and Normal
it was measured by the UV365 UV radiometer (Beijing Normal University
University Photoelectric instrument Company, Beijing, China). Based on the previous study, the Photoelectric instrument
Company, Beijing, China). Based on the previous study, the results by Zhang and Ran [32,33], the
results by Zhang and Ran [32,33], the2 maximum UV intensity of 40 W/m2 and the longest time of 15
maximum UV intensity of 40 W/m and the longest time of 15 days were adopted for the aging test. To
days weremeetadopted for theofaging
the requirement UV light test. To meet
aging, the requirement
the melted of UV
asphalt for the aging testlight
was putaging,
into athe
flat melted
bottom asphalt
for the aging testanwas
disk with innerput into aofflat
diameter 140 bottom
mm and adisk with
height anmm,
of 9.5 inner diameter
as shown in Figureof 140 mm
2, and theand a height of
asphalt
9.5 mm, weight
as shown of theinflat
Figure
bottom2,diskandwas the30asphalt
g. weight of the flat bottom disk was 30 g.

Figure 1. RG-80 asphalt aging test chamber.

Figure 1. RG-80 asphalt aging test chamber.
 Materials 2020, Materials
13, x FOR PEER
2020, REVIEW
13, 1541 5 of 14 5 of 15

Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 15

Figure 2. Asphalt sample.

Figure 2. Asphalt
3. Low-Temperature Cracking Performance sample.
of Asphalt
Figure 2. Asphalt sample.

3. 3.1. Ductility
Low-Temperature Test
Cracking Performance of Asphalt
3. Low-Temperature Cracking Performance of Asphalt
Ductility can affect the flexibility of asphalt, and it can evaluate the tensile deformation ability of
3.1. Ductility Test
the bituminous
3.1. Ductility Test binder. The smaller the ductility value of asphalt is, the better its crack resistance. Firstly,
Ductility can affect the flexibility of asphalt, and it◦can evaluate the tensile deformation ability
the index tests of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt for the 15 C ductility under different aging conditions
of the bituminous binder. The smaller the ductility value of asphalt is, the better its crack resistance.
Ductility can
were affect
conducted the
in flexibility
the
Firstly, the tests of of
research.
index Theasphalt,
ZH-70 long-term
and SK-70and it for
aging
asphalt can
oftheevaluate
asphalt under the
15 °C ductility tensile
heat
under and deformation
light
different together was
aging ability
conducted, and its aging temperature was set to 70 ◦ C. Itsaging
aging time was 0 day, 5 days, 10 days,
of the bituminous binder. The smaller the ductility value of asphalt is, the better its crack resistance.
conditions were conducted in the research. The long-term of asphalt under heat and light
together was conducted, and its aging temperature was set to 70 °C.2Its aging time 2 , was 0 days2(d), 5
and 15 days,
Firstly, the index respectively,
testsdays,
of10ZH-70 and itsSK-70
aging UV intensity forwas 0 W/m , 20 W/m 30 W/m , and 40 W/m2aging
,
days, and and
15 days, respectively,asphalt
and its aging UVthe 15 °C
intensity was 0ductility
W/m2, 20 W/m under
2, 30 W/m2different
,
respectively.and
The40test results are shown in Figures 3 and 4. The ductility test was
W/m2, respectively. The test results are shown in Figures 3 and 4. The ductility test was carried out according
conditions were conducted
to the standard
carried
in methods
testing
the research.
out according of bitumen
to the
The long-term
and bituminous
standard testing
aging
mixtures
methods of bitumen
of for
asphalt
highway
and bituminous
under heat and
engineering
mixtures for (JTG
light
together wasE20–2011)
conducted, andengineering
inhighway
China. its aging (JTGtemperature
E20–2011) in China. was set to 70 °C. Its aging time was 0 days (d), 5

days, 10 days, and 15 days, respectively, and its aging UV intensity was 0 W/m2, 20 W/m2, 30 W/m2,
140
and 40 W/m2, respectively.
140 The test results are shown 120
ZH-70 asphalt
in Figures 3 and 4. ZH-70
Theasphalt
ductility test was
120 SK-70 asphalt
carried out according to the standard testing
SK-70 asphaltmethods100
of bitumen and bituminous mixtures for
Ductility(cm)
Ductility(cm)

100
highway engineering80(JTG E20–2011) in China. 80
60
60
40
40

140 20 14020
0
0 ZH-70 asphalt
ZH-70 asphalt 120 0 5 10 15
120 0 5 10 15 Aging time(d) SK-70 asphalt
Ductility(cm)

SK-70 asphalt
Aging time(d)
100
100 Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 15
(a) Ductility of No UV 80 (b) Ductility of UV intensity of 20 W/m2
80 140
140 60120 ZH-70 asphalt
60 120
ZH-70 asphalt
SK-70 asphalt
Ductility(cm)

SK-70 asphalt 40100

Ductility(cm)

40 100
80
80 2060
20 60
40 040
0 20
20 0 5 10 15
0 5 0 10 15 0
0 5 Aging10time(d)15
Aging time(d)0 5
Aging time(d)
10 15
Aging time(d)

(c) Ductility under UV intensity of 30 W/m2 (d) Ductility under UV intensity of 40 W/m2
(a) Ductility of No UV (b) Ductility of UV intensity of 20 W/m2
Figure 3. Relationship between ductility and aging time
Figure 3. Relationship between ductility and aging time.
It can be seen from Figures 3 and 4 that within the 5-day aging time, the ductility value of
asphalt decreased at a rapid speed, and as the extension of aging time, the reduction rate of the
ductility value gradually slowed down. Compared with the ductility value of the 0-day aging time,
under the aging UV intensity of 40 W/m2, the ductility values of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt aged for 5
days were decreased respectively by 68.6% and 77.6%. Furthermore, under the same conditions, the
stronger the aging UV intensity, the bigger the ductility value of asphalt decreased. Under the aging
UV intensity of 0 W/m2, compared with the ductility value of the 0-day aging time, the ductility
 days were decreased respectively by 68.6% and 77.6%. Furthermore, under the same conditions, the
stronger the aging UV intensity, the bigger the ductility value of asphalt decreased. Under the aging
UV intensity of 0 W/m2, compared with the ductility value of the 0-day aging time, the ductility
values of ZH-70 asphalt and SK-70 asphalt aged for 15 days were decreased by 68.8% and 60.4%
respectively, and under the aging UV intensity of 40 W/m2, they were decreased by 89.8% and
Materials 2020, 13, 1541
86.2%, respectively. 6 of 14

120 No ultraviolet
110 Ultraviolet intensity of 20W/m²
100 Ultraviolet intensity of 30W/m²
Ultraviolet intensity of 40W/m²
Ductility(cm) 90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 5 10 15
Aging time (d)
Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 15

(a) Ductility of ZH-70 asphalt

140 No ultraviolet
130 Ultraviolet intensity of 20W/m²
120 Ultraviolet intensity of 30W/m²
110 Ultraviolet intensity of 40W/m²
100
Ductility(cm)

90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 5 10 15
Aging time (d)

(b) Ductility of SK-70 asphalt

FigureFigure 4. Relationship
4. Relationship between
between ductilityand
ductility and aging
aging time forfor
time different UV intensity.
different UV intensity.
Then, the index tests of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt for 15 °C ductility under different aging
It can be seen from Figures 3 and 4 that within the 5-day aging time, the ductility value of asphalt
temperatures were conducted. The long-term aging of asphalt under heat and light together was
decreasedperformed,
at a rapid andspeed, and
its aging UVas the extension
intensity was set to of
40 aging
W/m2. Itstime,
agingthe reduction
time was set to rate of the5 ductility
0 days(d),
value gradually
days, 10slowed
days, and down.
15 days,Compared
respectively,with
andthe ductility
its aging value of
temperature wastheset0-day aging
to 50 °C, time,
60 °C, andunder the
aging UV70 °C, respectively.
intensity of 40 W/m 2 , the are
The results presented
ductility in Figure
values 5.
of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt aged for 5 days were
As observed in Figure 5, the ductility value of asphalt decreased with the increase of aging
decreased respectively by 68.6% and 77.6%. Furthermore, under the same conditions, the stronger the
time. However, its decrease rate slowed down. Meanwhile, the ductility value of asphalt was also
aging UVclearly
intensity,
decreasedbigger
the within the ductility
the aging time value of asphalt
of 5 days. decreased.
At the aging Under
temperature of 60the
°C,aging UV intensity
compared
of 0 W/m2with
, compared
the ductility value of the aging time of 0 days, the ductility values of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt of ZH-70
with the ductility value of the 0-day aging time, the ductility values
aged
asphalt and SK-70 for 5asphalt
days were decreased
aged respectively
for 15 days by 62.5% and
were decreased by71.1%.
68.8%Furthermore, under the sameand under
and 60.4% respectively,
conditions, the higher the aging 2 temperature, the bigger the ductility value of the asphalt that
the aging UV intensity of 40 W/m , they were decreased by 89.8% and 86.2%, respectively.
decreased. At the aging temperature of 50 °C, compared with the ductility value of the aging time
Then,of the index tests of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt for 15 ◦ C ductility under different aging
0 d, the ductility values of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt for the aging time of 15 `were decreased by
temperatures were conducted.
respectively 85% and 82.9%,The and long-term aging of asphalt
at the aging temperature of 60 °C,under heat
they were and light
decreased together was
by 88.3%
performed, andand
84.4 its aging UV intensity was set to 40 W/m2 . Its aging time was set to 0 day, 5 days,
%, respectively.
10 days, and 15 days, respectively, and its aging temperature was set to 50 ◦ C, 60 ◦ C, and 70 ◦ C,
respectively.
120 The results are presented in Figure 5. 140 130
50℃ 50℃
110 120
As100
observed in Figure 5, the ductility 60℃ value of asphalt
110 decreased with the increase 60℃ of aging time.
Ductility(cm)

90 100 70℃
However, its decrease rate slowed down. Meanwhile,
70℃ 90 the ductility value of asphalt was also clearly
Ductility(cm)

80 80
decreased70 within the aging time of 5 days. At the aging 70 temperature of 60 ◦ C, compared with the
60 60
ductility50value of the aging time of 0 day, the ductility 50values of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt aged for 5
40 40
days were30 decreased respectively by 62.5% and 71.1%. 30 Furthermore, under the same conditions, the
20 aging temperature, the bigger the ductility value 20
higher the
10
10 of the asphalt that decreased. At the aging
◦ 0
temperature of 50 C, compared with the ductility value of the aging time of 0 day, the ductility values
0
0 5 10 15
0 5 10 15
Aging time(d)
Aging time(d)

(a) Ductility of ZH-70 asphalt (b) Ductility of SK-70 asphalt

Figure 5. Relationship between ductility and aging times for different temperatures.
 70 °C, respectively. The results are presented in Figure 5.
As observed in Figure 5, the ductility value of asphalt decreased with the increase of aging
time. However, its decrease rate slowed down. Meanwhile, the ductility value of asphalt was also
clearly decreased within the aging time of 5 days. At the aging temperature of 60 °C, compared
with the ductility value of the aging time of 0 days, the ductility values of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt
aged for 5 days were decreased respectively by 62.5% and 71.1%. Furthermore, under the same
Materials 2020,conditions,
13, 1541 the higher the aging temperature, the bigger the ductility value of the asphalt that 7 of 14
decreased. At the aging temperature of 50 °C, compared with the ductility value of the aging time
of 0 d, the ductility values of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt for the aging time of 15 `were decreased by
of ZH-70 and SK-70 asphalt
respectively for the
85% and 82.9%, aging
and at thetime
agingof 15 days were
temperature decreased
of 60 °C, they were by respectively
decreased by 88.3%85% and
82.9%, andand 84.4aging
at the temperature of 60 ◦ C, they were decreased by 88.3% and 84.4 %, respectively.
%, respectively.

140
120 130 50℃
110 50℃ 120
100 60℃ 110 60℃

Ductility(cm)
90 70℃ 100 70℃
Ductility(cm)

80 90
80
70 70
60 60
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10
10 0
0
0 5 10 15
0 5 10 15
Aging time(d)
Aging time(d)

(a) Ductility of ZH-70 asphalt (b) Ductility of SK-70 asphalt

Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 15
5. Relationship between ductility and aging times for different temperatures.
Figure 5.Figure
Relationship between ductility and aging times for different temperatures.
Lastly, under the aging UV intensity of 40 W/m2,2the index tests of six kinds of asphalt for the 10
Lastly, under the aging UV intensity of 40 W/m , the index tests of six kinds of asphalt for the
°C ductility were conducted at the aging temperature of 70 °C. The long-term aging of asphalt under
10 ◦ C ductility were conducted at the aging temperature of 70 ◦ C. The long-term aging of asphalt
a heat and light coupling condition was performed, and its aging time was 0 days, 5 days, 10 days,
under a heat and light coupling condition was performed, and its aging time was 0 day, 5 days, 10
and 15 days, respectively. The ductility retained rates of asphalt under different aging times were
days, and 15 days, respectively. The ductility retained rates of asphalt under different aging times were
calculated. The test results are given in Figures 6 and 7.
calculated. The test results are given in Figures 6 and 7.

ZH-70 asphalt
100
SK-70 asphalt
90 ZH-70 linear modified asphalt
ZH-70 branched modified asphalt
80
SK-70 linear modified asphalt
70 SK-70 branched modified asphalt
Ductility(cm)

60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 5 10 15
Aging time(d)

Figure 6. Ductility and aging times for different asphalts.

Figure 6. Ductility and aging times for different asphalts.
It can be seen from Figures 6 and 7 that whether base asphalt or modified asphalt, the change
trends of the ductility of asphalt were similar. Their ductility values were decreased at a rapid speed
within the aging time 100
of 5 days, and as the extension of aging
ZH-70time, they were gradually decreased. For
asphalt
SK-70 asphalt
different types of asphalt,
90 the ductility retained rate was different, and compared
ZH-70 linear modified asphaltwith the base asphalt,
the ductility value of the modified asphalt was significantly higher than that asphalt
ZH-70 branched modified of the base asphalt. For
80
Ductility retained rate(%)

SK-70 linear modified asphalt

ZH-70 asphalt, ZH-70 linear-modified asphalt, ZH-70 branched-modified asphalt, SK-70 asphalt, SK-70
SK-70 branched modified asphalt
linear-modified asphalt,70and SK-70 branched-modified asphalt, their ductility values of the aging time
of 15 days were respectively
60 4 cm, 42 cm, 29 cm, 3 cm, 17 cm, and 11 cm, and their ductility retained
rates of the 15-day aging
50 time were 9%, 47.2%, 34.5%, 11.1%, 22.1%, and 15.1% respectively. For the
same modifier, the ductility value of modified asphalt for different base asphalts was different, too.
40
At the 15-day aging time, for ZH-70 asphalt, the ductility value of its linear-modified asphalt and
30
20
10
0
 70 SK-70 branched modified asphalt

Ductility(cm
60
50
40
Materials 2020, 13, 1541 30 8 of 14
20
10
branched-modified asphalt was 10.5-fold and 7.25-fold higher than that of its base asphalt, respectively,
0
and for SK-70 asphalt, the ductility value of its linear-modified asphalt and branched-modified asphalt
was 5.66-fold and 3.66-fold higher than 0 that of its base
5 asphalt respectively.
10 15
Moreover, for the same
Aging time(d)
modifier, the ductility value of different bases was also different. For the 501s branched modifier
and the 4402 linear modifier, their ductility values of ZH-70-modified asphalt aged for 15 days were
2.47-fold and 2.64-fold higher than those of SK-70-modified asphalt, respectively. The different chemical
Figure 6. Ductility and aging times for different asphalts.
composition of the base asphalt was the possible reason causing the difference.

100 ZH-70 asphalt

SK-70 asphalt
90 ZH-70 linear modified asphalt
ZH-70 branched modified asphalt
80
Ductility retained rate(%)

SK-70 linear modified asphalt

SK-70 branched modified asphalt
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
0 5 10 15
Aging time(d)

Figure 7. Ductility retained rates and aging times for different asphalts.
Figure 7. Ductility retained rates and aging times for different asphalts.
The ductility test results indicate that heat and light have a great effect on the low-temperature
cracking performance of asphalt, and they can obviously reduce the low-temperature cracking
It can be seen from Figures 6 and 7 that whether base asphalt or modified asphalt, the change
performance of asphalt at the early stage. Moreover, the higher the values of the temperature and
trends of the ductility of asphalt were similar. Their ductility values were decreased at a rapid
UV intensity are, the more the low-temperature cracking performance of asphalt is reduced. The
speed within the aging time of 5 days, and as the extension of aging time, they were gradually
asphalt type has an important effect on the low-temperature cracking performance of asphalt under
decreased. For different types of asphalt, the ductility retained rate was different, and compared
heat and light together, and the rational selection of a base asphalt and modifier can improve the
with the base asphalt, the ductility value of the modified asphalt was significantly higher than that
low-temperature cracking performance of asphalt.
of the base asphalt. For ZH-70 asphalt, ZH-70 linear-modified asphalt, ZH-70 branched-modified
asphalt, SK-70
3.2. Bending asphalt,
Beam SK-70(BBR)
Rheometer linear-modified
Test asphalt, and SK-70 branched-modified asphalt, their
ductility values of the aging time of 15 days were respectively 4 cm, 42 cm, 29 cm, 3 cm, 17 cm, and
Firstly, the RTFOT aging test of the asphalt was performed. Then, under a UV intensity of 40
W/m2 , the long-term aging test of the asphalt aged by RTFOT was conducted at 70◦ C. Afterward,
the aged asphalt was used in the BBR test. According to Superpave specifications, BBR tests of six
kinds of asphalt were performed using a BBR 9728-V30 from the Cannon Company, at −12 ◦ C. The
creep stiffness change rate m, at 60 s, and the creep stiffness S, are the most important parameters of
the BBR test, and they can evaluate the low-temperature crack resistance of asphalt binder. A smaller
S-value and a bigger m-value correspond to a better deformation ability and stress relaxation ability,
respectively. That is, a smaller S-value and a bigger m-value correspond to a better low-temperature
crack resistance of asphalt. The change rates of the S-value and the m-value of asphalt under different
aging times were calculated. The test results are given in Figures 8–11.
 kinds of asphalt were performed using a BBR 9728-V30 from the Cannon Company, at −12 °C. The
creep stiffness change rate m, at 60 s, and the creep stiffness S, are the most important parameters of
the BBR test, and they can evaluate the low-temperature crack resistance of asphalt binder. A
smaller S-value and a bigger m-value correspond to a better deformation ability and stress
relaxation ability, respectively. That is, a smaller S-value and a bigger m-value correspond to a
better
Materials low-temperature
2020, 13, 1541 crack resistance of asphalt. The change rates of the S-value and the m-value 9 of 14
of asphalt under different aging times were calculated. The test results are given in Figure 8, Figure 9,
Figure 10 and Figure 11.
0.46
0.45
0.44

Creep stiffness change rate m

0.43
0.42
0.41
0.4
0.39
0.38 SK-70 asphalt
0.37 ZH-70 asphalt
0.36 SK-70 branched modified asphalt
SK-70 linear modified asphalt
0.35 ZH-70 branched modified asphalt
0.34 ZH-70 linear modified asphalt
0.33
0 5 10 15
Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW Aging time (d) 10 of 15

Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 15

Figure 8. Creep stiffness change rate and aging time.
SK-70 asphalt
18 ZH-708.asphalt
Figure
SK-70 Creep stiffness
branched modifiedchange
asphalt rate and aging time.
SK-70 asphalt
18 16 SK-70
ZH-70 linear modified asphalt
asphalt
ZH-70
SK-70 branched
branched modified
modified asphalt
asphalt
16 14 ZH-70
SK-70 linearlinear modified
modified asphalt
asphalt
Decrease rate of m(%)

ZH-70 branched modified asphalt

14 12 ZH-70 linear modified asphalt
Decrease rate of m(%)

12 10
10 8

8 6

6 4

4 2

2 0
5 10 15
0
Aging time (d)
5 10 15
Aging time (d)

Figure
Figure 9. 9.Decrease
Decrease rate
rateofofcreep stiffness
creep change
stiffness rate and
change aging
rate andtime.
aging time.
Figure 9. Decrease rate of creep stiffness change rate and aging time.
190 SK-70 asphalt
ZH-70 asphalt
180 SK-70
SK-70 branched modified asphalt
asphalt
190 SK-70 linear modified asphalt
170 ZH-70 asphalt
180 ZH-70 branched modified asphalt
Creep stiffness S(MPa)

SK-70 branched modified asphalt

160 ZH-70
SK-70 linearlinear modified
modified asphalt
asphalt
170 ZH-70 branched modified asphalt
Creep stiffness S(MPa)

150
160 ZH-70 linear modified asphalt
140
150
130
140
120
130
110
120
100
110
90
100
80
90
80 0 5 10 15
Aging time (d)
0 5 10 15
Aging
Figure 10. Stiffness time (d) and aging time.
modulus
Figure 10. Stiffness modulus and aging time.

Figure 10. Stiffness modulus and aging time.

Materials 2020, 13, 1541
Materials 2020, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 15
10 of 14

SK-70 asphalt
70 ZH-70 asphalt
SK-70 branched modified asphalt
60 SK-70 linear modified asphalt
ZH-70 branched modified asphalt
Increase rate of S(%) ZH-70 linear modified asphalt
50

40

30

20

10

0
5 10 15
Aging time (d)

Figure 11. Increase rate of stiffness modulus and aging time.

Figure 11. Increase rate of stiffness modulus and aging time.
As observed in Figure 8 through Figure 11, whether base asphalt or modified asphalt, the S-value
As observed in Figure 8 through Figure 11, whether base asphalt or modified asphalt, the
was clearly elevated, and the m-value was obviously reduced with the increase of aging time, indicating
S-value was clearly elevated, and the m-value was obviously reduced with the increase of aging
that under heat andthat
time, indicating light together,
under heat andthe
lightobvious
together,embrittlement occurredoccurred
the obvious embrittlement in asphalt at low
in asphalt at temperature,
and the
lowlow-temperature
temperature, and crack resistance of asphalt
the low-temperature was reduced.
crack resistance Moreover,
of asphalt under
was reduced. the same conditions,
Moreover,
under the
the m-value ofsame conditions, the
the modified m-value
asphalt wasof bigger
the modified
thanasphalt
that ofwas
thebigger
base than that of
asphalt, the the
and baseS-value of the
asphalt, and the S-value of the modified asphalt was smaller than that of the base asphalt. That is, in
modified asphalt was smaller than that of the base asphalt. That is, in comparison with the base asphalt,
comparison with the base asphalt, the low-temperature crack performance of modified asphalt was
the low-temperature crack performance of modified asphalt was better. For different base asphalts
better. For different base asphalts and modifiers, the increase rate of the S-value and the decrease
and modifiers, the increase
rate of the m-value ratedifferent.
were also of the S-value and
Therefore, for the decrease rate ofcrack
the low-temperature the performance,
m-value were the also different.
Therefore, for light
heat and the low-temperature
aging have an obviouscrackeffect
performance, the heat andcracking
on the low-temperature light aging have anofobvious effect
performance
on theasphalt; the effect on modified
low-temperature crackingasphalt was smaller
performance than that the
of asphalt; on base
effectasphalt, and the asphalt
on modified rational was smaller
selection of base asphalt and modifier can improve the low-temperature cracking resistance of
than that on base asphalt, and the rational selection of base asphalt and modifier can improve the
asphalt.
low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt.
3.3. Asphalt Composition Analysis Test
3.3. Asphalt Composition Analysis Test
The asphalt composition has a direct effect on its low-temperature cracking performance [34].
To research the effect of heat and light together on the low-temperature cracking performance of
The asphalt composition has a direct effect on its low-temperature cracking performance [34]. To
asphalt, four constituent tests of ZH-70 asphalt and ZH-70 linear-modified asphalt were performed,
research the effect of heat and light together on the low-temperature cracking performance of asphalt,
according to the test method for the separation of the asphalt into four fractions (T0618-1993), based
four constituent
on the standardtests
testofmethods
ZH-70 for
asphalt and
bitumen andZH-70 linear-modified
bituminous asphaltengineering
mixtures for highway were performed,
(JTG according
to theE20-2011)
test method for[35].
in China theFirstly,
separation of the
the RTFOT asphalt
aging into four
test of asphalt was fractions
conducted.(T0618-1993),
Then, under the based on the
agingtest
standard UV methods
intensity offor
40 W/m 2, the long-term aging test of asphalt aged by RTFOT was performed at
bitumen and bituminous mixtures for highway engineering (JTG E20-2011)
70° C. Afterward, the aged asphalt was used in the asphalt composition analysis test. The change
in China [35]. Firstly, the RTFOT aging test of asphalt was conducted. Then, under the aging UV
rate of component content (CRC) of asphalt was used for evaluating the content change of the
intensity of 40 of
component W/m 2 , the
asphalt long-term
before agingand
and after aging, test of asphalt
it can aged
be calculated bythe
using RTFOT was
following performed at 70◦ C.
Equation:
Afterward, the aged asphalt was used in the asphalt composition analysis test. The change rate of
CCA  CCB
component content (CRC) of asphaltCRC wasused for evaluating
 100% the content change of the (1) component of
CCB
asphalt before and after aging, and it can be calculated using the following Equation:
where CCA is the content of the component of asphalt after aging, and CCB is the content of
asphalt component before aging. The content CCA change rates of the component of asphalt under
− CCB
different aging times were calculated. CRC = are given in Table
The results × 100%
4, Table 5, and Figure 12. (1)
CCB
where CCA is the content of the component of asphalt after aging, and CCB is the content of asphalt
component before aging. The content change rates of the component of asphalt under different aging
times were calculated. The results are given in Tables 4 and 5 and Figure 12.
 Aging Time Saturates (%) Aromatics (%) Resins (%) Asphaltenes (%)
0d 13.35 49.28 28.32 9.05
5d 13.70 45.32 28.35 12.63
10d 13.65 44.91 28.64 12.80
Materials 2020, 13, 1541
15d 13.54 44.50 28.91 13.05 11 of 14

Table 5. ZH-70 linear-modified asphalt composition.

Table 4. ZH-70 base asphalt composition.
Aging Time Saturates (%) Aromatics (%) Resins (%) Asphaltenes (%)
Aging Time 0d 12.67(%)
Saturates 45.31
Aromatics (%) 26.97 Resins15.05
(%) Asphaltenes (%)
5d 12.58 43.82 25.62 17.98
0 day 13.35 49.28 28.32 9.05
5 days 10d 12.61
13.70 43.5445.32 25.50 28.3518.35 12.63
10 days 15d 12.67
13.65 43.3344.91 25.49 28.6418.51 12.80
15 days 13.54 44.50 28.91 13.05
Tables 4 and 5 show that in comparison with the base asphalt, before long-term aging, the
content of asphaltenes of modified asphalt increased, and its contents of resins, aromatics, and
Table 5. ZH-70 linear-modified asphalt composition.
saturates decreased in various degrees, indicating that the SBS modifier can increase the viscosity
and surface area of asphalt, because of the high speed shear and swelling, and it can adsorb some
Aging Time Saturates (%) Aromatics (%) Resins (%) Asphaltenes (%)
colloids and dispersing media. Moreover, the SBS modifier is of a polyphase network structure;
after it0was
dayadded to the base12.67 45.31
asphalt, a good three-dimensional network 26.97
structure formed, and 15.05
the
5 days chain dispersed12.58
polystyrene in the matrix asphalt43.82 25.62 the elasticity and
phase. Those can improve 17.98
10 days 12.61 43.54 25.50
flexibility of its modified asphalt at low temperature, which may be the reason that the
18.35
15 days 12.67 43.33 25.49 18.51
low-temperature cracking resistance of modifier asphalt is better than that of base asphalt.

Asphaltenes of base asphalt

48 Resins of base asphalt
45 Saturates of base asphalt
Change rate of component content(%)

42 Aromatics of base asphalt

39 Asphaltenes of modified asphalt
36 Resins of modified asphalt
33 Saturates of modified asphalt
30 Aromatics of modified asphalt
27
24
21
18
15
12
9
6
3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12
0 5 10 15
Aging time(d)

Figure 12. Change rate of component content and aging time for ZH-70 base and modified asphalt.
Figure 12. Change rate of component content and aging time for ZH-70 base and modified asphalt.
Tables 4 and 5 show that in comparison with the base asphalt, before long-term aging, the content
of asphaltenes of modified
It can be seen from Tableasphalt
4, Tableincreased, and
5, and Figure 12its
thatcontents of resins,
the content aromatics,
of asphaltenes and saturates
increased
significantly, while the content of aromatics clearly decreased with the increase of aging time.
decreased in various degrees, indicating that the SBS modifier can increase the viscosity and surface
Meanwhile,
area the contents
of asphalt, becauseofofsaturates
the highand resinsshear
speed sometimes increased and
and swelling, andsometimes decreased,
it can adsorb someandcolloids and
the changes of their content were not obvious. Therefore, it can be the main reason that the
dispersing media. Moreover, the SBS modifier is of a polyphase network structure; after it was added
transformations from aromatics to resins and then from resins to asphaltenes occurred in the aging
toprocess
the base asphalt, a good three-dimensional network structure formed, and the polystyrene chain
of asphalt. The content of resins was affected by the rates of the transformations through
dispersed in the matrix asphalt phase. Those can improve the elasticity and flexibility of its modified
asphalt at low temperature, which may be the reason that the low-temperature cracking resistance of
modifier asphalt is better than that of base asphalt.
It can be seen from Tables 4 and 5 and Figure 12 that the content of asphaltenes increased
significantly, while the content of aromatics clearly decreased with the increase of aging time.
Meanwhile, the contents of saturates and resins sometimes increased and sometimes decreased,
and the changes of their content were not obvious. Therefore, it can be the main reason that the
transformations from aromatics to resins and then from resins to asphaltenes occurred in the aging
process of asphalt. The content of resins was affected by the rates of the transformations through
aromatics to resins and through resins to asphaltenes. Furthermore, the change rates of asphaltenes and
aromatics of modified asphalt were smaller than those of base asphalt, indicating that after the modifier
is added to the base asphalt, it can decrease the rate of the transformations through aromatics to resins
Materials 2020, 13, 1541 12 of 14

and then through resins to asphaltenes. As seen in Figure 12, the change of asphaltenes content was
the most obvious, and within the 5-day aging time, the four components content varied obviously: as
the aging time extended, their change rates slowed down. It can be one of the main reasons that with
the increase of aging time, the chain rupturing and ring-opening reactions of asphaltenes will occur
and asphaltenes will transform to saturates and aromatics again.
Under heat and light together, the active bond of asphalt was activated, a polar group was
produced by the oxidation reaction, there was intermolecular force enhancing due to the aggregation
of the polar groups, macromolecular substances were produced; then, the content of asphaltenes of
asphalt increased, which caused the decrease of ductility of the asphalt at low temperature. Moreover,
the degradation of the polystyrene chain will cause the decrease of the ductility of modified asphalt at
low temperature. Those may be the reason that the low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt
decreased with the increase of aging time under heat and light together.

4. Conclusions
In this research, six kinds of asphalt were exposed under heat and light together for 5, 7, and 15
days to investigate the low-temperature cracking performance, and the following conclusions can
be obtained.

(1) Under heat and light together, the ductility value of asphalt decreased with the increase of aging
time, temperature, and ultraviolet intensity, and it became more obvious within 5 days; the
ductility value of modified asphalt was significantly higher than that of base asphalt, and for the
same modifier, the ductility value of modified asphalt for different base asphalts was also different,
indicating that the asphalt cracking resistance was obviously reduced at the early stage. Moreover,
it becomes worse with the increase of the aging time, temperature, and ultraviolet intensity, and
the rational selection of base asphalt and modifier could improve the low-temperature cracking
performance of asphalt.
(2) Under heat and light together, the creep stiffness S value of asphalt was significantly increased,
while the creep stiffness change rate m value of asphalt was obviously reduced with the increase
of aging time. Meanwhile, the change rates of the S value and m value of modified asphalt
were smaller than those of base asphalt. Hence, heat and light together aging could significantly
weaken the low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt, and they had less effect on the
low-temperature cracking resistance of modified asphalt.
(3) Under heat and light together, the content of asphaltenes increased significantly, while the content
of aromatics clearly decreased with the increase of aging time. The change rates of asphaltenes
and aromatics of modified asphalt were lower than those of base asphalt. Within 5 days of aging
time, the four components content varied obviously, and as the aging time extended, their change
rates slowed down.
(4) The asphalt composition had a direct influence on its low-temperature cracking performance.
Under heat and light together, whether the base asphalt or modified asphalt, the change trends
of its ductility and component content were similar. Therefore, the ductility of asphalt aged
by heat and light together for 15 days was suggested for use as the evaluation index of the
low-temperature cracking performance of asphalt.

Author Contributions: Writing—original draft preparation, L.L.; project administration, Z.G.; analyzing test data
and writing—review and editing, L.R.; performing the experiment, J.Z. All authors have read and agreed to the
published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by the Hunan Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.
2015JJ2073), Hunan Provincial Department of Education of China (Grant No.16A082), and the construct program
of applied characteristic discipline in Hunan University of Science and Engineering.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Materials 2020, 13, 1541 13 of 14

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