Dynamic Characterization of Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures Using Modified and Conventional Asphalts in Colombia

There is growing interest in asphalt technology in the use of polymer-modified binders. This paper describes an investigation to quantify the effect of polymer modification to a Colombian asphalt on hot-mix asphalt performance. Mixes prepared with binders with varying percentages of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) were studied. An oil-based additive was necessary to lower the mixing temperature to a manageable level for polymer contents above 3%. Tests conducted included traditional binder and mix design tests, as well as dynamic characterization of the mixes using the Nottingham Asphalt Tester. The modified asphalts showed lower thermal susceptibility and greater consistency than the base asphalt. The increment in the modifying agent improves resistance to plastic strain that can occur at high temperatures, based on the increment in the softening point. Additionally, the asphalt elasticity is improved. Dynamic characterization of mixes produced with the modified binders showed that the binder modified with 3% SBS presents a higher dynamic modulus, which translates into a lower rutting risk. All the mixes with modified asphalts showed higher permanent deformation resistance than mixes with unmodified binders. The results suggest that mixes with modified binders can outperform conventional mixes for specific pavement distresses. However, the modification should be conducted taking into account behavioral characteristics of the pavement, such as deformation, dynamic modulus, and fatigue, along with specific characteristics of the project. Any application of additives will have direct influence on asphalt mix behavior and, therefore, on road performance.

• Corporate Authors:

  Transportation Research Board

  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001
• Authors:
  • Reyes Lizcano, Fredy Alberto
  • Lizarazo, Claudia Marcela
  • Figueroa, Ana S.
  • Candia, Mario
  • Flintsch, Gerardo W
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 88th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2009-1-11 to 2009-1-15
• Date: 2009

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: DVD
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 15p
• Monograph Title: TRB 88th Annual Meeting Compendium of Papers DVD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt mixtures; Asphalt pavements; Bituminous materials; Hot mix asphalt; Mix design; Styrene butadiene styrene; Technological innovations
• Uncontrolled Terms: Polymer modified binders
• Geographic Terms: Columbia
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; I31: Bituminous Binders and Materials;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01124379
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 09-1349
• Files: TRIS, TRB
• Created Date: Mar 23 2009 7:40AM