Investigation of rheological properties of bitumen modified with diatomites from Seydiler (Afyonkarahisar) province

In recent years, the increase in traffic volumes and axle loads on highways in our country and in the world necessitates the existing bituminous mixture pavements to be more durable and long service life. Increasing vehicle traffic with changes in environmental conditions is considered as the main deterioration factors for asphalt pavements. When the increased traffic volume, overloading, adverse effects from climate and construction conditions are added, permanent deformations such as fatigue cracks, ruttig, water sensitivity and ondulation are occured. In order to eliminate such problems, bitumen can be used with SBS, EVA and etc. modified, this is the most common and economical method to increase the performance of asphalt pavements by modification with different modifiers. Since these modifiers are patented and imported products, their unit prices are quite expensive and they cause the unit price of asphalt to increase. However, the rheological properties of the binder can be improved by modifying bitumen with natural materials such as diatomite, which are widely available in our country. Within the scope of this master's thesis study, the potential effects of diatomites on the rheological properties of bituminous binders were investigated. For this purpose, diatomite specimens were taken from four different layers (KD1, KD2, KD3, KD4) from Afyonkarahisar, Seydiler region, and bitumen modifications were performed with the specimens at three different rates (%7, 12 and 17 by weight). In addition, the characterization study was carried out by conducting minerelogical and petrographic evaluations, chemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examination, specific surface area and particle size distribution, X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer Examination (XRF) and X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) analyzes on the specimens. Penetration, softening point, specific gravity, rotational viscometer, rolling thin film test (RTFOT), softening point and penetration after RTFOT, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) measurements, Vialite adhesion and Nicholson stripping tests were carried out on modified bitumen specimens and obtained the results are compared with the results of the control bitumen specimen. As a result, it was concluded that the rheological properties of diatomite modified bitumens improved and that this type of modified binder could be used as an economical modifier on medium traffic volume roads.