Tess Sigwarth

Bio: Tess Sigwarth is an academic researcher from Braunschweig University of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Asphalt & Dynamic shear rheometer. The author has an hindex of 1, co-authored 2 publications receiving 1 citations.

Accelerated Dynamic Shear Rheometer Fatigue Test for investigating asphalt mastic

Abstract: Asphalt mastic is known to play an important role when determining the fatigue performance of asphalt mixture. Time sweep test using a Dynamic Shear Rheometer can be used. However, a long testing t...

Bio-Degradable Wax to Modify Asphalt Binder for Warm Mix Asphalt

Abstract: In order to reduce production and compaction temperatures, as well as to increase the resistance to permanent deformation, synthetically refined waxes are commonly used as additives in asphalt pavements. This study focuses on the capability of replacing synthetically refined wax with bio-degradable wax. Ten different bio-waxes (called Biomer) with varying melting ranges and composition, as well as three conventional waxes (Sasobit®, Licomont®, and Asphaltan) are mixed with a virgin bitumen of standard type 50/70. Different conventional and rheological properties are determined for these viscosity-modified binders to evaluate the effect of the waxes. Two promising Biomer waxes (BIT111 and BIT140) were identified, which show almost identical results compared to Sasobit® and Licomont®, respectively. The results indicate that replacement of synthetic wax by bio-degradable wax is technically feasible. Additionally, the potential of asphalt pavements to form a source of microplastic is evaluated in this study. It is found that bitumen and wax cannot be considered as a source of microplastic.

Testing Conditions for Asphalt Binder Testing Using Dynamic Shear Rheometer with 4 mm Diameter Parallel Plate Geometry

Abstract: No standard procedure is available for low temperature asphalt binder testing in the Dynamic Shear Rheometer. In this study, an overview is given of the necessary equipment to use the 4 mm geometry for asphalt binder testing including an explanation of shear compliance correction. Furthermore, the testing conditions of 4 mm geometry including specimen preparation, specimen conditions and test parameter are evaluated. Additionally, practical tips and screenshots on the implementation of recommended parameters and testing conditions in the software rSpace and RheoCompass are provided. Overall, this paper provides extended information and guidelines on how to use the 4 mm geometry and which testing conditions to consider for testing asphalt binder in the low temperature range.

Properties and Characterization Techniques of Graphene Modified Asphalt Binders

Abstract: Graphene is a carbon-based nanomaterial used in various industries to improve the performance of hundreds of materials. For instance, graphene-like materials have been employed as asphalt binder modifying agents in pavement engineering. In the literature, it has been reported that (in comparison to an unmodified binder) the Graphene Modified Asphalt Binders (GMABs) exhibit an enhanced performance grade, a lower thermal susceptibility, a higher fatigue life, and a decreased accumulation of permanent deformations. Nonetheless, although GMABs stand out significantly from traditional alternatives, there is still no consensus on their behavior regarding chemical, rheological, microstructural, morphological, thermogravimetric, and surface topography properties. Therefore, this research conducted a literature review on the properties and advanced characterization techniques of GMABs. Thus, the laboratory protocols covered by this manuscript are atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic shear rheometer, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Consequently, the main contribution of this investigation to the state-of-the-art is the identification of the prominent trends and gaps in the current state of knowledge.

Interlaboratory study on low temperature asphalt binder testing using Dynamic Shear Rheometer with 4 mm diameter parallel plate geometry

Abstract: An interlaboratory study was conducted among 20 European road asphalt laboratories, to screen current test protocols for testing low temperature properties of asphalt binders using a Dynamic Shear ...

Comparing different fatigue test methods at asphalt mastic level

Abstract: Abstract Latest research is focused on predicting the fatigue behavior of asphalt mixtures through cost-effective and simple test methods on asphalt mastic level (asphalt binder + mineral fines). There are numerous fatigue test methods for asphalt binders and mastic using the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR). However, up to now, the results of the different fatigue tests on DSR have not been directly compared. Therefore, four different asphalt mastic mixes were prepared, and each was tested with the two most popular fatigue tests [linear amplitude sweep (LAS) test and time sweep (TS) test] and then compared to each other. The TS tests were performed as stress-controlled and as strain-controlled tests. All LAS and TS tests were performed with cylindrical and hyperbolic specimen shapes to identify impact of specimen shape. Different fatigue criteria were applied for evaluation to investigate the comparability of the results. Stress-controlled TS tests, strain-controlled TS tests, and LAS tests reveal different rankings of fatigue performance. However, a dissipated energy approach can combine stress-controlled and strain-controlled TS tests into one fatigue curve. The hyperbolic specimen shape can be used for TS tests and results in the same rankings. The hyperbolic specimen shape is not applicable for LAS tests. A calculation model could be derived to establish a relationship between the measured and actual stresses and strains in the necking of a hyperbolic specimen. TS tests using the dissipated energy approach appear to be the most promising mastic fatigue tests.