Impact of Climate Change on Rheological Properties of Bitumen

Abstract

The present work investigated the properties of the commonly used Butimen for road construction in Nigeria (60/70 pen.) for normal temperature and climate Effect. The laboratory tests conducted were penetration, softening point, viscosity, ductility test and flash and fire point test based on the ASTM standards. The result indicates a decrease in stiffness of bitumen with an increase in temperature, with a decrease in penetration of bitumen by 85.5% when tested between 25°C to 43.2°C and also the Ductility decreases with increase in temperature by 54.9% between 25°C and 43.2°C. The viscosity result shows a decrease in viscosity with an increase in temperature, therefore at higher temperature Bitumen is likely to flow.