Grey System Theoretical Analysis on the Influence of Volatile Organic Compounds Emission from Asphalt on its Performance

Abstract

Light components in the asphalt can volatilize under the circumstances of high temperature or long-term service process, leading to the deteriorating of the asphalt pavement. This paper tried to discuss the influences of volatile organic compounds (VOC) emission from the asphalt on physical properties in the high temperature (at 180) by grey system theory. Both Heat and Vacuum environment were monitored as the emission conditions and the emission temperature was 180°C, physical properties of asphalt, released and unreleased were analyzed. Basic tests, including mass change, chemical compositions, penetration and soften point, were used to compare the influences of VOC emission on the asphalts performances. Meanwhile, grey system theory was used to investigate the sequent performances influenced by VOC emission. Results show that physical properties and four generic components of the asphalts are affected obviously in these two emission conditions, and the oxygen may promote VOC emission from the asphalt. In additional, the greatest factor associating with VOC emission is light components in the asphalt.