Development of Bitumen Performance Grading Zones for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
摘要
Human-caused climate change has raised global temperatures over the last two decades, and similar trends will continue in coming decades. Study have concluded that climate change has significantly impacted pavement performance. Given that temperature changes can affect bitumen binder, it is vital to comprehend how climate change influences bitumen binder grade selection. This study aims to develop bitumen Performance Grading maps for the kingdom of Saudi Arabia for present year 2023 and future years 2043, 2063, and 2083 using SHRP, LTPP and Oman model. To achieve this aim, historical 43-years maximum and minimum air temperature data was collected from 30 weather stations and pavement temperatures were calculated and converted into Performance Grades (PG). Four PGs are required: PG 76-10, 70-10, 64-10, and 58-10 with PG 76-10 as the most common grade binder among all three models across present and future years. PG 82-10 binder will be required in the year 2083 in some parts of the Northern and Western region. The SHRP, LTPP, and Oman models resulted in four, three and five PGs respectively. The SHRP and Oman model predicted one higher grade than the LTPP model, whereas the Oman model resulted in one grade lower than SHRP and LTPP models. Out of the three, the SHRP model is found to be most suitable as higher grade spanning over larger area would better safeguard the pavement at higher temperature in the future.