Title:
Application of Infra-Red Thermography for Studying Viscoelastic Behavior
Author(s):
Koichi Oba and Manfred N. Partl
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
164
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
1219-1230
Keywords:
Bitumens; chromatography; joint sealers; polymers; shear properties; viscoelasticity.
DOI:
10.14359/14347
Date:
11/1/1996
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to understand the behaviour of bituminous joint sealants during installation using Infra-red thermography in combination with supplemental studies using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and High Performance-Gel Permeation Chromatography (HP-GPC). Using IR thermography, in-situ temperature measurement of a joint sealant product was carried out. To evaluate the change in the rheological properties of the product after the installation, due to aging, DSR testing was made for both a fresh and an installed sample. Chemical analysis using HP-GPC was also carried out to see the difference in the state of the polymer used as modifier in the product. The results ensured the suitability of IR thermography for non-destructive quality control during installation of bituminous joint sealants. Overheating of polymer-modified bituminous binders during the installation must be avoided to prevent thermal aging of the polymer. In case the deterioration of the polymer takes place, the binder will act less viscoelastic in practice. Physical and chemical changes in bituminous joint sealants, which have taken place during the installation due to aging, can be well understood by combining IR thermography with the laboratory tests, such as DSR testing and HP-GPC.