Low-temperature performance testing of polymer-modified asphalt concrete

Asphalt concrete mixes prepared with 85-100, 150-200 and 200-300 penetration grade binders, as well as mixes prepared with the same binders but modified with styrene butadiene diblock copolymer (SB) and polyethylene (PE), were tested for their low-temperature performance by using the thermal stress restrained specimen test (TSRST). The improvement in the low-temperature failure temperature was found to be insignificant for binders modified with 3 percent SB or 4 percent PE, irrespective of the bitumen source or grade. However, a 9°C lower failure temperature was obtained when an 85-100 penetration grade base bitumen was modified with 6 percent SB. A mix prepared with a 150-200 base bitumen modified with the same amount of SB had an average failure temperature that was 11°C lower than the control mix without polymer. While all of the unmodified and SB-modified systems failed in a catastrophic mode, many samples that were modified with 8 percent unstabilized polyethylene or with 4 percent stabilized polyethylene (stabilized with sulfur and an additional 1 percent of low molecular weight polybutadiene) showed unusual behavior. A decrease in the thermal stress was observed at the same temperature for which the controls failed catastrophically. The decrease was gradual and catastrophic failure was never observed or was only observed until much colder temperatures were reached. Whether or not this gradual decrease in thermal stress, as opposed to catastrophic failure, improves road performance needs to be investigated further.

• Authors:
  • Hesp, S
  • Cai, H
  • Thom, D
• Conference:
  • Eurasphalt and Eurobitume Congress, 2nd, 2000, Barcelona, Spain
• Publication Date: 2000

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 320-6 (Book 1)
• Monograph Title: Proceedings of the papers submitted for review: Eurasphalt and Eurobitume Congress

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bitumen; Bituminous pavements; Failure; Mix design; Performance; Polymer asphalt; Temperature; Test procedures
• ATRI Terms: Asphalt; Bitumen; Failure; Mix design; Performance; Polymer modified asphalt; Temperature; Test method
• Subject Areas: Design; Geotechnology; Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01392445
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: ARRB
• Files: ATRI
• Created Date: Aug 23 2012 7:09AM