The KGOIII method is a new technology, supported by the theories in a doctoral thesis. The thesis describes the physics underlying the development of the KGOIII flow mixing procedure for the production of asphalt as a suspension, the TOD measuring method for controlling the production process and the asphalt suspension, and the analytical methods for checking the physics in the pavings that are produced. The physics in the thesis constitutes new knowledge that complements known physics, thus ascribing a high scientific value to the work. The physics in the KGOIII production method makes ageing pavings climate-resistant against the defects of rutting, separations and temperature cracks.
The theoretical background relating to how the research applied and adapted particle technology and rheology to the production of asphalt is explained in the thesis, while the application of these theories in the production of asphalt demonstrates that the resulting products are, indeed, the practical outcome of the knowledge expressed in the theories. The research is described in detail in a doctoral thesis. The development of the methodology has been approved by the examining committee in its appraisal following the doctoral disputation.
THE PHYSICS OF THE METHOLOGY
The research has focused on the details of the various mixing processes and the results of these processes. The TOD measuring method uses a non-Newtonian curve (which, in rheology, is characteristic of a suspension) to show that the installation of the KGOIII mixing method on the asphalt plant has been correctly implemented. The TOD curve shows that the product’s binder phase is a suspension and that this suspension is continuous throughout the aggregate skeleton of the large fraction; this means that the paving is hydrostatically solid under pressure, yet ductile under tension. The continuous suspension phase is contained within the stone surfaces, to which the phase is bound through a process of adhesion. Pressure on the surface of the paving is dispersed equally over the surface of all the large-fraction stones without any movement occurring in the paving. As the suspension that is contained possesses the properties of a fluid, the paving is hydrostatically solid under pressure yet ductile under tension. These properties make the paving climate-resistant.
The research described here has been conducted based on the research methodology adopted by Albert Einstein, which propounds that “Theory has its right to exist in that it links together a large number of experiences wherein the truth exists.” There has previously been no appreciation of the need to employ particle technology and rheology to establish a link between practical experiences and scientifically proven theories. The scientific evidence presented in the theories expressed in the doctoral thesis has, however, eliminated the defects in asphalt pavings.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please contact us.