Starch as a modifier for asphalt paving materials

This paper investigates the viability of using starch (ST) as a new modifier for asphalt paving materials. Different ratios of ST (2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% by weight of asphalt) were blended with 70/100 paving grade asphalt. Unmodified and modified asphalt binders were subjected to physicochemical, alkali, acid and fuel resistance tests. The performance tests including, Marshall stability, Marshall Quotient (MQ), tensile strength, tensile strength ratio, flexural strength, rutting resistance and resilient modulus (MR) were carried out on unmodified and modified stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures. The analyses of test results show that the performance of ST-modified asphalt mixtures are better than conventional and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS)-modified mixtures. The rutting potential, moisture susceptibility and temperature susceptibility can be reduced by the inclusion of ST in the asphalt mixture. The laboratory MR values are lower than the calculated ones using the empirical equations. The results also revealed that this modifier can be used as anti-stripping agent. It also shows resistance to fuels and most common chemicals. A ST content of 5% by weight of asphalt is recommended for the improvement of the performance of asphalt concrete mixtures similar to that investigated in this study.     

Laboratory evaluation of HMA with high density polyethylene as a modifier

This paper investigates the viability of using high density polyethylene (HDPE) as a modifier for asphalt paving materials. Different ratios of HDPE by weight of asphalt were blended with 80/100 paving grade asphalt. Unmodified and modified asphalt binders were subjected to physicochemical and homogeneity tests. The performance tests including, Marshall Stability, Marshall Quotient (MQ), tensile strength, tensile strength ratio, flexural strength and resilient modulus were carried out on unmodified and modified hot asphalt mixtures. The analyses of test results show that the performance of HDPE-modified asphalt mixtures are better than conventional mixtures. The moisture susceptibility and temperature susceptibility can be reduced by the inclusion of HDPE in the asphalt mixture. A HDPE content of 5% by weight of asphalt is recommended for the improvement of the performance of asphalt concrete mixtures similar to that investigated in this study.     

Mechanistic analysis of ST and SBS-modified flexible pavements

This paper deals with the viability of using starch (ST) and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) as an additive in stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures. A 5% of ST and SBS by weight of bitumen were blended with (70/100)-paving grade asphalt. Unmodified and modified bitumen were subjected to physiochemical tests. The performance tests including, Marshall stability, tensile strength, tensile strength ratio and resilient modulus were carried out on unmodified and modified SMA mixtures. A mechanistic-empirical design approach was used for estimating the improvement in service life of the pavement or reduction in thickness of SMA and base layer for the same service life due to modification the SMA mixtures. The analyses of test results show that the moisture damage and temperature susceptibility can be reduced by the inclusion of ST and SBS in the asphalt mixture. The results also revealed that ST-modifier can be used as anti-stripping agent, and reduced plant emissions and energy consumption by 30%, as well as it shows resistant to fuels, most common chemicals and solvents. The results of multi-layer elastic analysis presented herein indicate that the pavement consisting of ST and SBS-modified SMA as a surface layer is beneficial in reducing the construction materials. In addition, the safe pavement design criteria of unmodified and modified SMA mixtures based on the anisotropic elasticity analysis through finite-element simulation were obtained and reported herein.     

Preparation of low-cost waterproofing materials

To address the need for producing a cheap, single-component, hot-applied compound joint sealant with high quality for sealing joints and cracks in concrete and flexible pavements without using primer for installation, a hot-applied modified asphalt sealant was produced by blending up about 30% starch into 20% citric acid. The starch and the asphalt cement were mixed at a temperature of above 160 ℃. Thus the waterproofing asphalt was manufactured to protect the surface of various shapes and types from water leakage using the citric acid. Results indicate that this sealant complies with the requirements of ASTM D-1191, D-6690-06a and D- 7116-05. The citric acid is a kind of reliable materials for asphalt cement, which can be widely used in paving and waterproofing construction materials, and this offers profound engineering and economic advantages.     

Modified rubberized stone matrix asphalt for Nineveh roads

To evaluate the effects of Crumb Rubber Modifiers （CRMS） on basic engineering properties （ i. e. Marshall, tensile strength, and compressive strength） of stone matrix asphalt mixtures, the ASTM testing and procedures were employed. Results of the evaluation were used to quantify the effect of CRM source and CRM content on engineering properties at testing temperatures of 25 ℃ and 60℃. Statistical models were developed, which represent the nature of effects on performance-related properties of stone matrix asphalt mixtures.     

Effect of polyethylene on life of flexible pavements

The present study investigates the potential use of pyrolysis low density polyethylene (LDPE) as a modifier for asphalt paving materials. Five different blends including conventional mix were subjected to binder testing such as rheological tests, as well as to some other tests related to the homogeneity of the system. Further, its effect on the moisture sensitivity and low temperature performance of stone matrix asphalt (SMA) mixtures was studied. Research results indicate that modified binders showed higher softening point, keeping the values of ductility at minimum range of specification of (100⁺ cm), and caused a reduction in percentage loss of weight due to heat and air (i.e. increase durability of original asphalt). The results indicated that the inclusion of LDPE in SMA mixtures can satisfy the performance requirement of high-temperature, low temperature and much rain zone. In addition, the horizontal tensile strain at the bottom of asphalt concrete layer (Ε_t) and the vertical compressive strain at the top of subgrade layer (Ε_c) were calculated using multi-layer elastic analysis program, BISAR under 50KN set of dual tires with 106.5 mm contact radius. These responses were used for estimating the improvement in service life of the pavement or reduction in thickness of SMA and base layer for the same service life due to modification the SMA mixtures.