Effect of ultraviolet radiation in different wavebands on bitumen

Most researchers ignored the differences of spectrum of ultraviolet (UV) lamp when ageing bitumen. The effects of different wavebands of UV radiation on bitumen are studied in this paper. DSR results indicated that rheological properties of bitumen are not closely related to the ageing time when sample thickness is 1.13 mm. FTIR results illustrated that reactive sulfur atoms are completely oxidized before carbon atoms. Furthermore, the ageing effect on bitumen is highest with UV radiation ranging from 300 to 350 nm, medium with UV radiation ranging from 260 to 300 nm and lowest with UV radiation ranging from 350 to 400 nm. Consequently, different types of UV lamp give rise to different ageing effects on bitumen.