Asphalt Rotating Film Heating Test (RTFOT) is an important method to evaluate the aging performance of asphalt, which is suitable for road petroleum asphalt and polymer modified asphalt. At 163°C, the sample undergoes a hot air jet and rotation to observe changes in its mass and physical properties (e.g., penetration, viscosity, ductility, etc.). This test not only provides the performance data of asphalt in actual use, but also provides a scientific basis for the selection of materials and the optimization of construction schemes, ensuring the quality and durability of road construction.
Purpose and Scope of Application
Asphalt Rotating Film Heating Test (RTFOT) is an important method to evaluate the aging performance of asphalt, which is suitable for the determination of quality change of road petroleum asphalt, polymer-modified asphalt and other types of asphalt. The test can detect the changes in the physical properties of the residue such as penetration, viscosity, ductility and brittle point of asphalt after heating at 163°C, which provides important data for the application performance of asphalt.
Instrument and material requirements
Rotary Film Oven – Thermostatically controlled to maintain a stable temperature of 163°C ± 0.5°C, with a built-in fan to promote air flow and ensure a uniform temperature.
Sample vials – made of heat-resistant glass to ensure that the sample does not deform at high temperatures.
Thermometers and analytical balances – for accurate temperature measurement and weighing of specimens.
Solvent – Gasoline or trichloroethylene are commonly used to clean the bottles.
Methods and Steps:
Preparation
The sample bottle is washed, dried and weighed in the initial mass.
Preheat the oven to ensure that the temperature is within the specified range and adjust the air flow.
Asphalt specimens are prepared, filled into sample bottles and weighed.
Test procedure
Place the sample bottle in a rotating film oven, turn on the annular rack and spray hot air at the same time.
The specimen is kept at 163°C for 75 minutes, during which time the temperature is stable.
After heating, the vial is quickly removed, the quality change is recorded, and subsequent property tests are prepared.
data processing
The mass change of the asphalt is calculated based on the test data, using an exact calculation formula.
Subsequent physical property tests are completed within the specified time to ensure the accuracy of the results.
Result calculation and allowable error
According to the mass change calculation formula, the mass change value of asphalt is obtained, and the error analysis is carried out. For different mass variation ranges, the permissible errors of repeatability and reproducibility are specified to ensure the reliability of the test.
summary
The RTFOT detection method can not only effectively evaluate the aging performance of asphalt, but also provide a scientific basis for the practical application of asphalt. Through standardized testing processes and data analysis, asphalt performance under different environmental conditions can be ensured, and engineers can be helped to select suitable materials, thereby improving the quality and safety of road construction. This method is consistent with other international standards and has become a widely used standard test method at home and abroad.
