Mastering bitumen for better roads and innovative applications

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/mastering-bitumen

Introduction

### Course Review: Mastering Bitumen for Better Roads and Innovative Applications #### Overview “Mastering Bitumen for Better Roads and Innovative Applications” is an enlightening course offered on Coursera that attracts professionals and students alike interested in deepening their understanding of one of the most critical components in construction—bitumen. This four-week course is meticulously designed and presented by leading experts from Total, Europe's dominant player in the bitumen market. The course aims to build a robust foundation in both the current landscape of bitumen use and its evolving future. #### Course Structure The course is structured into four distinct sections, each diving deep into a vital area regarding bitumen: 1. **Bitumen Market and Generalities**: This section lays the groundwork for understanding bitumen's significance in various industries. It covers the historical background, current market dynamics, production statistics, and geographical consumption patterns. From the development of motorized transport to advancements in roofing and construction, learners gain a comprehensive view of bitumen's critical role. 2. **Constitution, Structure, and Characterization of Bitumen**: Diving deeper into the scientific aspect, this module explores the physical properties of bitumen. It details the various tests used to characterize bitumen’s performance, differentiating between its states and types through rigorous standards like EN and ASTM. This section is perfect for those looking to grasp the technicalities behind bitumen properties. 3. **Modifications of Bitumen and Applications**: This segment discusses how bitumen can be modified for various applications, especially in road construction and roofing. It presents the latest innovations like Polymer Modified Bitumen (PmB), warm mix asphalt, and bitumen emulsions, explaining their manufacturing processes, testing methods, and real-world applications. 4. **Health, Safety, Environment & Quality Concerns**: Not forgetting the significant issues surrounding the handling and environmental implications of bitumen, this final part reveals the potential risks and stresses the importance of safety in bitumen use. It also highlights ongoing research into recycling processes and innovations aimed at creating more sustainable methods and materials. #### Recommendations This course comes highly recommended for various audiences: - **Professionals in the Construction and Civil Engineering Fields**: Whether you're a seasoned engineer or just starting your career, this course will enhance your knowledge of bitumen and its applications. The insights gained will enable you to make more informed decisions in your projects. - **Students in Related Disciplines**: For students studying civil engineering, materials science, or chemistry, the course provides a valuable learning experience that bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application. - **Environmental Researchers and Innovators**: If you're involved in research or initiatives surrounding sustainability in construction, the detailed discussions on recycling and innovative technologies in bitumen will be particularly beneficial. #### Conclusion “Mastering Bitumen for Better Roads and Innovative Applications” offers a rare opportunity to learn from industry leaders about a crucial industrial material. Whether you're looking to enhance your professional skill set or delve into the latest innovations in the field, this course presents a wealth of knowledge wrapped in a well-structured format. Engaging with this course will undoubtedly empower you to contribute to the future of sustainable construction practices. Enroll today and embark on a journey through the world of bitumen, where knowledge meets application in building better roads and fostering innovation.

Syllabus

Bitumen market, generalities, the manufacture of bitumen, transport, uses of bitumen, main developments and alternatives

Origins, history, definition, terminology | market per geographical areas, figures of consumption, main producers, capacities of production, ranking, main flows between areas | global development of motorised transport - cars, airplane - was one of the single most development of 20-21st centuries | global development of buidings, roofing and other applications of bitumen | difference between bitumen, cement and tar coal. Advantages and drawback of each | different ways of transport of bitumen and present the supply chain diagram and restrictions. ADR Regulation | sampling, handling and safety principles. Hazard from handling hot bitumen is thermal burns.

Schematic constitution and structure of bitumen, relationship between structure and rheology | Performance tests | Bitumen 3 states | Penetration test EN 1426 & Softening Point EN 142 | viscosity measurement EN 12596, EN 12595, Explanation of breaking point Fraass measurement EN 12593 | testing Binder after RTFOT, after RTFOT and PAV | Euopean specifications and process of revision | Viscosity based standards (ASTM D3381 | Deformation and flow. Elasticity, plasticity, visoc-elasticity. Newtonian, Non-Newtonian behaviour. Stress-strain response, shear modulus and phase angle. | Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) | Superpave specifications.

Modifications using polymers. Performance of PmB. Elastic recovery test. | of types of modifications of bitumen: CRMB, warm mix asphalt, temperature reduction | Bitumen emulsions, their components, manufacture, storage, handling, properties, classification, uses | surface treatments | design of pavements and types of aggregates | fundamental tests, the simulative tests (fatigue test, rutting test, giratory compactor,…) | interest of full scale testing of asphalt mix: example of IFSTTAR carousel | Hot mix plants, transport, laying and compaction of asphalt mix | physical characteristics and industrial applications for sealing.

Dangers and risks involved with road-building bitumens | Dangers and risks involved with industrial bitumens. | Innovation in the frame of safety with bitumen | Research and Innovation applied for recycling of asphalt pavement, of the use of waste asphalt pavement containing bitumen and not tar, for manufacturing new product.| Research and Innovation applied for bio bitumen Algoroute program and other origins of bitumen | Research and Innovation applied for environmental issues and life cycle inventory (LCI | Key areas for the Research and Innovation applied for bitumen new tests methods | Road of the future:: 5th generation road.