Modification of petroleum road bitumen 50/70 with natural asphalt gilsonite

The research and analysis presented in this paper is to assess the effect of the addition of natural asphalt Gilsonite at 5%, 10% and 15% on changes a petroleum bitumen 50/70 properties. The research area includes the study: penetration at 25°C, softening point "Ring and Ball", Fraass breaking point and dynamic viscosity at 60°C and 135°C. The results showed a beneficial effect of the addition of natural asphalt Gilsonite on the properties of bitumen 50/70. The use of natural asphalt resulted in a reduction of penetration grade and increasing of softening point, at the same time a small change in breaking point of asphalt 50/70. Tests also showed an effective increase of the dynamic viscosity in operate temperature of 60°C, as well as temperature of 135°C.