Development of a Matrix Analysis Methodology for Characterization of Short-Term Aging in Asphalt Binders Modified by Synthetic Wax

In this study, an innovative methodology is proposed to characterize the short-term aging of asphalt binders using the matrix analysis method. The rotational viscosity and complex shear modulus of asphalt binders were chosen as target rheological properties for the analysis of aging. A set of square matrices was developed based on test temperatures and the synthetic additive wax content. Transformational short-term aging matrices were obtained that characterize the trend of the aging process as a function of binder type, temperature sweep, and additive percentage. The results of the matrix analysis show that the trend of short-term aging depends on the binder performance grade and the rheological characteristic chosen for the analysis of aging. In addition, transformational aging matrices can provide detailed information about the range of the aging rate and the trend in aging for each binder type. Furthermore, the components of the transformational matrices clearly show the sensitivity of the binders to aging. In conclusion, the matrix analysis of aging can be used to compare the effects of short-term aging of different asphalt binders.