Unifying Asphalt Rheological Data Using the Material's Volumetric-Flow Rate

The material's volumetric-flow rate (MVR) (cm3/10 min) through a predefined die under conditions of constant temperature and stress has been used for obtaining unified curves of fundamental rheological properties such as |G*|, G″, and |G*|/sin δ versus frequency in the case of six unmodified asphalts. It has been shown that there is a theoretical basis for the unification and that the unified curves have far-reaching implications. Because MVR is so simple to determine quite accurately on a relatively inexpensive, easy-to-use flow measurement device, this parameter can be generated on paving sites or at refineries, rather than in research laboratories as is the case with fundamental rheological parameters. The MVR can then be used as an excellent indicator of the fundamental rheological parameters through the use of the unified curves.