This paper focuses on the application of foamed bitumen technology in the production of asphalt mixtures. This technology replaces the common asphalt binder with foamed bitumen for production of asphalt mixtures. Given the foaming, it is possible to produce asphalt mixture at a lower working temperature. This “eco-friendly” technology has been increasingly used by the asphalt mixture producers in Europe because of reducing the energy demands of the asphalt mixture productions. In this paper, first the technology of the foamed bitumen production is explained and then the results of laboratory research are presented, in which selected empirical and functional parameters of two types of asphalt mixtures of the asphalt concrete type (AC) are compared. These mixtures were produced in two versions, one of them containing the common asphalt binder and the other one the foamed bitumen. While comparing the samples, attention was paid especially to the comparison of the stiffness modulus of the laboratory-produced asphalt mixtures according to EN 12697-26 and to their low-temperature characteristics according to EN 12697-46.

Mastic mortar, i.e. a mixture of bitumen and very fine filler particles (i.e. aggregate fine particles smaller than 0.063 mm), can significantly co-influence not only rheological properties of the processed asphalt mixture, but also the visco-elastic properties of compacted asphalt layers including resistance against crack formation. Nevertheless, the number of scientific studies dedicated to this topic in detail, is very limited. The aim of this work is to determine the basic rheological properties of these mastic materials using a dynamic shear rheometer, in particular concentrating on the petrographic origin of the filler particles. Fourteen filler types were selected and mixed with paving bitumen 70/100 in various ratios. Petrographic composition of the individual fillers was determined using powder X-ray diffraction analysis. Attention was given especially to the effect of the presence of mica on the filler and mastic properties. Filler properties were analyzed using the voids of dry compacted filler test so-called "Rigden voids" and the delta ring and ball test. Mastic mortars prepared in a laboratory were subjected to multiple stress creep and recovery test and oscillation measured at 60 °C in a dynamic shear rheometer. Results show that using dynamic shear rheometer to determine the properties of these materials is advantageous. Petrographic origin of the filler to a great extent affects the behavior and properties of the mastic mortar, especially its stiffening effect. Limestone filler stiffened the bituminous binder the least and reference materials, containing high ratio of mica, stiffened the binder the most.