Evaluating the Rheological Properties of High-Modulus Asphalt Binders Modified with Rubber Polymer Composite Modifier

Abstract

With the increasing traffic loading and changing climatic conditions, there is a need to use novel superior performing pavement materials such as high-modulus asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures to mitigate field distress such as rutting, cracking, etc. This laboratory study was thus conducted to explore and substantiate the usage of Rubber Polymer Composite Modifier (RPCM) for high-modulus asphalt binder modification. The base asphalt binder used in the study comprised A-70# Petroleum asphalt binder with RPCM dosages of 0.25%, 0.30%, 0.35%, 0.40% and 0.45%, separately. The laboratory tests conducted for characterizing the asphalt binder rheological and morphological properties included the dynamic mechanical analysis (DM), temperature-frequency sweep in the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) device, bending beam rheometer (BBR), and florescence microscopic (FM) imaging. The corresponding test results exhibited satisfactory compatibility and potential for using RPCM as a high-modulus asphalt binder modifier to enhance the base asphalt binder’s rheological properties, both with respect to high- and low-temperature performance improvements. For the A-70# Petroleum asphalt binder that was evaluated, the optimum RPCM dosage was found to be 0.30–0.35%. In comparison to styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS), asphalt binder modification with RPCM exhibited superior high-temperature rutting resistance properties (as measured in terms of the complex modulus and phase angle) and vice versa for the low-temperature cracking properties. Overall, the study beneficially contributes to the literature through provision of a reference datum toward the exploratory usage of RPCM for high-modulus asphalt binder modification and performance enhancements.

Laboratory test of physical, rheological, and chemical characteristics of aging binder modified with ZycoTherm and Evotherm

“…Rutting resistance factor (G*/sinδ) is a measure of asphalt binders' ability to resist deformation and rutting at high temperatures [43]. It is calculated using the complex shear modulus of the elastic portion, G*, and the phase angle, δ, which is the angle between the stress and strain waves in the material [44].…”

Experimental Investigation of Bituminous Concrete Mixes Using Conventional Bitumen and Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen

“…In addition, the studies carried out using crumb rubber modified bitumen showed higher Marshall stability values of up to 25% compared to conventional bituminous mixes (7) . In addition, the modified bitumen helps sustain more climatic variations, a high traffic load (8) and a better riding surface while simultaneously reducing the maintenance and repair costs of pavement. However, there are many disadvantages of mixing the crumb rubber in a dry state, such as the optimum percentage of binder to be used, the mixing methodology adopted, compatibility with bitumen, poor performance, etc.…”