Investigation of unaged and long-term aged bio-based asphalt mixtures containing lignin according to the VECD theory

Abstract In the near future, world of civil and building engineering will be dominated by advent bio-materials. Even road paving sector is involved in transition towards more sustainable solutions, promoting at same time environmental benefits economic savings. Currently, one main goals to ensure that bio-binders offer good performance, least comparable with offered conventional materials. last decades, exponential increase traffic volumes has led various types asphalt pavement distresses, among which fatigue cracking most common. Within this context, study presents characterization a bio-based mixture obtained replacing 30% bitumen lignin, was compared reference containing plain characterised penetration grade. Laboratory produced compacted specimens were subjected complex modulus cyclic tests Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT). Both unaged long-term aging conditions investigated. The subsequent analyses based on simplified viscoelastic continuum damage (S-VECD) approach. Overall, results showed presence lignin lower susceptibility, but also caused slight reduction life due an material stiffness. Furthermore, confirmed previous findings deriving from two binders mixtures as well.