Polymer modified asphalt binder – an approach for enhancing temperature sensitivity for emergency pavement repair

Abstract

Conventional hot mix plants operate to support large paving projects, making production more economic with high volume output. When repairs and maintenance are needed, it can be challenging to maintain small quantities of hot bituminous mixtures at a sufficient temperature, especially in the case of winter maintenance. Consequently, the repair materials cannot be compacted to the desired level on some occasions. This research aimed to develop a polymer modified asphalt binder with reduced temperature sensitivity for hand-laid and low-volume applications. The results showed that the highest penetration index has been achieved by modifying bitumen with 20% rubber and 2% wax. The FTIR and XRD analysis indicated that the bitumen, rubber and wax that react chemically to build 3D networks have an interlocked structure in the bitumen matrix resulting in reduced temperature sensitivity of the polymer modified asphalt binder. Furthermore, indirect tensile stiffness, permanent deformation, creep test and fatigue life test, water sensitivity and freeze-thaw cycle demonstrated an improvement in the asphalt mixture properties in terms of mechanical and durability perspectives. Overall, based on this investigation, modifying asphalt binder with 20% rubber and 2% wax resulted in stronger and durable asphalt mixture in comparison to traditional hot mix asphalt.

The Use of Waste Polymers in Asphalt Mixtures: Bibliometric Analysis and Systematic Review

“…Hawesah et al [112] developed a polymer-modified asphalt with low sensitivity to the temperature that can be applied for low-volume and hand-laid applications. The research findings indicated that incorporating 20% rubber and 2% wax into the asphalt binder resulted in an asphalt mixture that is stronger and more durable in comparison with conventional HMA.…”

Radiation and Radical Grafting Compatibilization of Polymers for Improved Bituminous Binders—A Review

“…Achieving compatibility involves different approaches, including cross-linking with bitumens molecules, surface activation treatment, additives-grafting, or hybrid approaches involving more than one of the aforementioned methods [26,27,29]. There are many reviews devoted to the modification of bitumens with various types of virgin and waste polymer additives and their influence on bituminous binder performance [21][22][23][24][25][30][31][32][33]. The authors of this review focused on a range of modifications frequently involving radical and radiation-induced processes that offer viable ways for addressing the challenge of bitumenpolymer system compatibility.…”

Performance Characterization of CR/PU Asphalt for Potential Application in Assembled Fast-Repairing Engineering

“…With regard to practical engineering, traditional hot/cold mix asphalt repairing technologies are usually used for potholes [6][7][8]. For hot mix asphalt repair technology, some accessory working equipment is needed to assist the mixing, paving, and rolling processes during implementation [9]. In addition, higher temperature-heating conditioning and a longer closed traffic time are required, which will cause bitumen aging and traffic inconvenience [10].…”