Specifications in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere in the world are increasingly dependent upon basic principles of rheology and the application of advanced computer techniques. An understanding of these principles is essential for those developing and applying specifications, developers and producers of new and enhanced binders, and researchers in academia and industry. The purpose of the Rheobit™ workshop is to introduce the basic principles of rheology as they apply to asphalt binders, introduce measurement principles and analytical concepts, and provide a hands-on experience in the laboratory that is closely integrated with classroom work.
Topics include:
- Introduction to rheology and basic principles
- Rheology of asphalt binders and physical property testing
- Hands-on laboratory sessions
- Handling of binders in the laboratory
- Analysis and interpretation of laboratory data
- Errors in rheological measurements
- Use of rheological data in specifications in the U.S., Europe and the rest of the world
- Rheology and relationship to performance
- Current research activities
- Future directions and needs
Instructors: Geoff Rowe, Wes Cooper, Mike Anderson
Meet Geoff Rowe
Dr. Geoffrey Rowe has been working with pavements since joining the industry in 1976. He is currently the president of Abatech and provides consultancy services on projects around the world. His company has developed software packages for pavement and materials engineering. The technology includes pavement structural design, analysis of FWD data, materials property analysis and rheology. Geoff leads various research efforts on the performance of materials and the development of specifications. His work history in the UK includes time with Tarmac Roadstone, Essex County Council, the University of Nottingham and SWK Pavement Engineering. Geoff is a past president of the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists and was a member of the U.S. Expert Task Group on asphalt binders until the group ceased in December 2018. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Asphalt Technology. He sits on many other groups advising research that has an impact on specifications in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida, and a Chartered Materials Engineer in the United Kingdom. Rowe has over 110 peer-reviewed publications, many on advanced materials and performance evaluation.
