Advanced testing and characterization of bituminous materials

Edited By Andreas Loizos, Manfred N. Partl, Tom Scarpas, Imad L. Al-Qadi

Bituminous materials are used to build durable roads that sustain diverse environmental conditions. However, due to their complexity and a global shortage of these materials, their design and technical development present several challenges. Advanced testing and characterization of bituminous materials focuses on fundamental and performance testing of binders and asphaltic mixtures. The contributions demonstrate that modern experimental material characterization techniques, sophisticated constitutive modeling, and innovative design provide appropriate tools for pavement performance prediction. Advanced testing and characterization of bituminous materials is of interest to academics and engineers in pavement and road engineering.

The 7th International RILEM Symposium on Advanced Testing and Characterization of Bituminous Materials ATCBM09 is under the auspices of the RILEM TC 206-ATB. The ATCBM09 RILEM Symposium aims to provide an international forum for the exchange of ideas, information, and knowledge amongst experts involved in the development and implementation of specifications for the experimental characterization, design, utilization and evaluation of binders and bituminous mixes.

Currently, the committee, chaired by Manfred N. Partl of EMPA, Switzerland, comprises 50 experts from 20 countries. The committee focuses on fundamental and performance testing of binders and asphaltic mixtures.