Formation of an Inert Environment in the Production of Asphalt Concrete Mixture to Slow Down the Processes of Bitumen Degradation

Statement of the problem. There is a need to develop innovative methods to prevent the aging of bitumen binders, including scientific research in the field of the use of inert gases in order to slow down the degradation of bitumen binders. Results. The main factors influencing bitumen aging and the main innovative methods proposed to solve this problem have been studied. A number of studies have been conducted on RTFOT and PAV aging of bitumen binders in oxygen-containing and inert media. The results of laboratory experiments are presented. Conclusions. It has been established that thermal oxidation of bitumen during mixing and storage of asphalt concrete can be significantly slowed down by introducing nitrogen (into the mixer) and carbon dioxide (into storage bins) in order to transfer the process to thermal aging. A promising area is practical research in the field of the use of inert gases in order to slow down the degradation of bitumen binders.