Laboratory investigation of the properties of asphalt concrete mixtures modified with TOP–SBS

Benefits of adding Tall oil pitch (TOP), Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) and TOP + SBS to AC-10 in variant quantities to AC-10 were investigated. Initial research was done to determine the physical properties of asphalt cement and modifiers.Seven asphalt binder formulations were prepared with 8% of TOP; 8 + 3, 8 + 6 and 8 + 9% of TOP + SBS, respectively; 3, 6 and 9% of SBS by total weight of binder. After that, Marshall samples were prepared by using the modified and unmodified asphalt binders.Additionally, compression strength test were done in different conditions to determine water, heat and frost resistance of all Marshall samples.Fatigue life and plastic deformation tests for Marshall samples (for different asphalt mixtures: modified and unmodified) were carried out using PC controlled repeated load indirect tensile test equipment developed at Suleyman Demirel University by Tigdemir (SDU-Asphalt Tester).The results of investigation indicate that asphalt mixture modified by 8% TOP + 6% SBS gives the best results in the tests that were carried out in this study, so that, this modification increases physical and mechanical properties of asphalt binder.     

Effect of crumb rubber modifiers on high temperature susceptibility of wearing course mixtures

This paper investigates the effects of different sizes of crumb rubber modifier (CRM) on the high temperature susceptibility of three gradations (AC-10, AC-20 and PA) of wearing course mixtures. A wet process and 10% CRM by total weight of binders were used in these studies and the control variables for these studies included three CRMs of sizes 0.15 mm, 0.30 mm and 0.60 mm. The evaluations were twofold. Firstly, a comparison of the properties of those modified and unmodified binders at a wide range of testing temperatures and ageing conditions was conducted. Secondary, a comparison of the rutting resistance of the CRM and conventional mixtures was made. The results show that all the CRMs have overall contributed to better performance of both binders and mixtures at high temperatures. In addition, among these three CRM sizes, mixtures modified with 0.15 mm CRM exhibited the best effect on the dense-graded mixture (AC-10 and AC-20) whereas mixtures modified with 0.60 mm CRM exhibited the best effect on the open-graded mixture of porous asphalt (PA).     

Study on the graphite and carbon fiber modified asphalt concrete

The mechanical and electrical properties of graphite and carbon fiber modified asphalt concrete were measured in this paper through the indirect tensile test. The experimental results indicate that the mechanical properties of asphalt mixture are influenced by the addition of conductive component like graphite and carbon fiber, When the graphite content increased from 0 to 22 vol.%, Marshall stability decreased from 12.8 kN to 9.43 kN and residual stability from 91.1% to 87.2%. Rutting dynamic stability decreased from 3318 times/mm to 2619 times/mm. After adding the carbon fiber, when the carbon fiber content increased from 0 to 2 vol.%, their Marshall stability and residual stability increased from 12.8 kN to 13.5 kN and residual stability from 91.1% to 92.7%. Rutting dynamic stability increased from 3318 times/mm to 3403 times/mm. When modified through combination effect of graphite and carbon fiber mixed fillers, the mechanical performance and electrical property were improved greatly, their Marshall stability and residual stability has increased from 9.43 kN to 12.1 kN and residual stability from 87.2% to 89.2%. Rutting dynamic stability increased from 2619 times/mm to 3292 times/mm. Furthermore, the resilient modulus is influenced by the addition of graphite, the value of resilient modulus is as much as that of the original, it is 90% when graphite is 30 vol.% and is 70% when graphite is 45 vol.%. The electrical resistance increases reversibly with increasing tensile strain either under dynamic indirect tensile testing or static indirect tensile testing, graphite and carbon fiber modified asphalt concretes are effective for the self-monitoring of strain. It is foreseen that the strain–stress self monitoring is valuable for weighing, traffic monitoring, border monitoring and structural vibration control.     

Effect of crumb rubber characteristics on crumb rubber modified (CRM) binder viscosity

Asphalt binder viscosity is of great importance during the production process of hot mix asphalt mixture as typically asphalt plants will store binders between 149 °C and 177 °C. SHRP guidelines state that asphalt binder viscosity must not exceed 3 Pa s. Therefore, given the documented increases in asphalt viscosity when modified with crumb rubber modifier (CRM) it is necessary to produce asphalt binder that fulfills the SHRP criteria while not exceeding plant mixing and storing requirements. This paper reports the results of an investigation of the importance of CRM properties on viscosity of CRM binder. Two binder sources were modified at four concentration levels using four different crumb rubber sources; the viscosities of the produced binders were evaluated by AASHTO T 316. Crumb rubber properties were evaluated by elemental analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and by determination of glass transition temperature (T_g) using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). In general, results indicate that processing procedure and tire type plays an important role in the determination of CRM binder viscosity.     

The effects of using lime and styrene–butadiene–styrene on moisture sensitivity resistance of hot mix asphalt

This study focuses on determining the effects of styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and using mineral filler with lime on various properties of hot mix asphalt especially moisture damage resistance. The asphalt cement was modified with 2%, 4% and 6% SBS. The lime treated mixtures containing 2% lime by weight of the total aggregate as filler. The physical and mechanical properties of polymer modified binder and binder–aggregate mixes were evaluated through their fundamental engineering properties such as dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), rotational viscosimeter (RV) for binders, Marshall stability, stiffness modulus, indirect tensile strength and moisture susceptibility for mixes. The retained Marshall stability (RMS) and tensile strength ratio (TSR) values were calculated to determine the resistance of mixtures to moisture damage. To investigate clearly the effective of SBS and lime seven freeze–thaw cycle was applied to specimens at TSR test. The results indicate that application of SBS modified binders and lime as mineral filler one by one improves the stability, stiffness and strength characteristic of hot mix asphalt. According to retained Marshall stability it is concluded that addition of only 2% lime have approximately same effect with addition of 6% SBS. Using lime together within the SBS modified mixes exhibit high accordance and exacerbates the improvement of properties. Specimens containing both 2% lime and 6% SBS, have the highest stiffness modulus which is 2.3 times higher than those of the control mixture and showed the least reduction in tensile strength ratio while maintaining 0.70 tensile strength ratio after seven freeze–thaw cycle.     

Laboratory investigation of indirect tensile strength using roofing polyester waste fibers in hot mix asphalt

The vast quantity of waste materials (such as roofing polyester waste fibers) accumulating throughout the world is creating costly disposal problem. The use of these materials was proved to be economical, environmentally sound and effective in increasing the performance properties of the asphalt mixture in recent years. The primary objective of this research was to determine whether homogeneously dispersed roofing waste polyester fibers improve the indirect tensile strength (ITS) and moisture susceptibility properties of asphalt concrete mixtures containing various lengths and percentages of the fiber in various aggregate sources. The experimental design included the use of three aggregate sources, two lengths (0.635 cm (1/4 in.) and 1.270 cm (1/2 in.)) of this fiber, and two fiber contents (0.35% and 0.50% by weight of total mixture). The results of the experiments found that, in general, the addition of the polyester fiber was beneficial in improving the wet tensile strength and tensile strength ratio (TSR) of the modified mixture, increasing the toughness value in both dry and wet conditions, and increasing the void content, the asphalt content, the unit weight, and the Marshall stability.     

Study on properties of recycled tire rubber modified asphalt mixtures using dry process

To minimize waste tires pollution and improve properties of asphalt mixtures, properties of recycled tire rubber modified asphalt mixtures using dry process are studied in laboratory. Tests of three types asphalt mixtures containing different rubber content (1%, 2% and 3% by weight of total mix) and a control mixture without rubber were conducted. Based on results of rutting tests (60 °C), indirect tensile tests (−10 °C) and variance analysis, the addition of recycled tire rubber in asphalt mixtures using dry process could improve engineering properties of asphalt mixtures, and the rubber content has a significant effect on the performance of resistance to permanent deformation at high temperature and cracking at low temperature.     

Aging analysis of rubberized asphalt binders and mixes using gel permeation chromatography

This study was initiated to investigate the aging characteristics of binders due to the reaction with the crumb rubber. For this laboratory study, the crumb rubber modified (CRM) and control binders were aged using an oven aging method. Also, asphalt mixtures with CRM or control binders were made and subjected to short-term and long-term aging treatments. The properties of these aged binders were evaluated using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) test procedures. The results from this study showed that: (1) the higher CRM percentage resulted in the higher large molecular size (LMS) value of asphalt binder under the binder aging conditions, and the rate of increase in the LMS value was found to have a relation to the CRM percentage. The asphalt binders with higher CRM percentages (15% and 20%) had a trend the LMS values decrease after a certain level. This finding is thought to be related to the required time for the rubber to be fully digested; (2) after subjecting to the long-term oven aging, the asphalt mixtures with the control and CRM modified binders were found to have statistically insignificant differences in aging level, measured using the LMS values. The very thin film thickness of binder in asphalt mixture and the aging temperature of 100 °C insufficient to enable a reaction were considered to be the main reasons that no differences were observed from the standpoint of the aging effect.     

Laboratory evaluation of the effects of short-term oven aging on asphalt binders in asphalt mixtures using HP-GPC

Both the RTFO (rolling-thin film oven) aging of asphalt binders and the STOA (short-term oven aging) of asphalt mixtures are designed to simulate aging during the construction of hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavements. Many studies have been conducted evaluating the aging effects on asphalt binders since their properties can be easily measured using many conventional tests, such as rotational viscometer, DSR (dynamic shear rheometer), and BBR (bending beam rheometer). However, studies on asphalt mixture aging have been limited to mechanical properties such as strength and fatigue characteristics because considerable effort is required to identify the aging of the asphalt binder in a mixture. This study evaluated the effects of short-term oven aging on asphalt mixtures using the GPC (gel-permeation chromatography) procedure. Nine asphalt mixtures, using three different binder sources, were prepared and five short-term aging methods were used to evaluate these mixes. For comparison, the RTFO aging was also conducted for nine asphalt binders. The aging of a binder within asphalt mixtures, including polymer-modified mixtures, could be identified under various short-term aging conditions. Statistical analysis of the GPC test results indicated that two commonly used short-term aging methods in the laboratory, a 154 °C oven aging for 2 h and a 135 °C oven aging for 4 h, are not significantly different, based on the increase in the large molecular size (LMS) ratios. The RTFO aging method was found to have less effect on binder aging than the short-term oven aging methods of asphalt mixtures.     

Effects of aging on the properties of modified asphalt binder with flame retardants

Effects of aging on the properties of asphalt binders modified by incorporating Styrene–Butadiene–Styrene (SBS) and flame retardants (FR) were studied. Asphalt binders were artificially aged in the rolling thin film oven (RTFOT) and Pressure Aging Vessel (PAV). The flame retardancy of modified asphalt binders were characterized using limited oxygen index (LOI), and the effects of aging on the properties of asphalt binders were studied using Brookfield viscometer test and dynamic shear rheometer test. Experimental results indicated that the flame retardancy of asphalt binder was increased after aging. But the increasing amount of LOI is low when the modified asphalt binder containing more flame retardants. The variation of the LOI, softening point, penetration, ductility and viscosity of asphalt binder decreased with flame retardant content increasing, meaning the flame retardants can improve the thermo-oxidative aging resistance of asphalt binder. Furthermore, the G^*/sin δ, stiffness and m-value of flame retardant modified asphalt binders display smaller changes after two different aging.     

Interaction effects of crumb rubber modified asphalt binders

The application of crumb rubber in asphalt mixtures is intended to improve the binder properties by reducing the binder’s inherent temperature susceptibility. This research investigated the interaction effects of CRM binders as a function of various blending treatments in the laboratory. For this study, CRM binders were produced using seven blending times (5, 30, 60, 90, 120, 240, and 480 min), three blending temperatures (177, 200, and 223 °C), and four rubber contents (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% by weight of asphalt binder). The results from this study showed that (1) The interaction time and interaction temperature for CRM binders were observed to have significant effect on the binder properties; (2) The longer time and higher temperature for interaction of CRM binders resulted in an increase in the high failure temperature and the viscosity. This is thought to be due to the increase in the rubber mass through binder absorption. However, this study found that the control binder of PG 64-22 had little change of the binder properties as a function of interaction conditions; (3) The CRM percentage influence is statistically significant on the viscosity and G^*/sin δ values. Also, the asphalt binder with higher CRM percentage showed a higher large molecular size (LMS) value, and the increase in CRM percentage is considered to result in the additional loss of the low molecular weight in the asphalt binder to the CRM.     

Effects of rejuvenator on performance-based properties of rejuvenated asphalt binder and mixtures

Firstly, the performance-based properties of rejuvenated aged asphalt binders, i.e., the blends of aged binders containing a rejuvenator at various percentages, were investigated under high, intermediate and low temperatures. The tests were conducted on the blends at three stages as follows: no aging, rolling thin film oven (RTFO) residuals and as well RTFO + pressure aging vessel (PAV) residuals through dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests. Optimum concentrations of the rejuvenator needed for the blends to reach a target PG grade were obtained from the blending charts of the rejuvenated aged binders in terms of performance properties. The rejuvenator is a soft binder containing a low asphaltene content of 2 wt%. Secondly, selected performance-based properties were conducted on hot mix asphalt (HMA) using the rejuvenated aged binder and a virgin HMA as a control mixture. Results showed that the rejuvenator affected significantly the performance-based properties of both the rejuvenated aged binders and the mixtures containing the rejuvenated aged binders. It was possible to get optimum concentrations of the rejuvenator using the blending charts so that the rejuvenated binders reach a target PG grade. The mean value of the concentrations was proved to be more reliable through the performance-based properties of the mixtures if it is used for a design value for recycling. The properties of the asphalt paving mixtures with the rejuvenated binders were even improved or in the same level as the properties of the virgin mixtures.     

Modeling viscosity behavior of crumb rubber modified binders

Accurately predicting the viscous properties of crumb rubber modified (CRM) binders has proven difficult, especially as these properties tend to vary with changing crumb rubber concentrations and temperatures. This study explores the utilization of the statistical regression and neural network (NN) approaches in predicting the viscosity values of CRM binder at various temperatures (135 °C and greater). A total of 53 CRM binder combinations were prepared from two different rubber types (ambient and cryogenic), three different binder sources, four rubber concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%), and five crumb rubber gradations (ADOT, SCDOT, 0.18 mm, 0.425 mm, and 0.85 mm). The results indicated that the regression model is easy to use and can be used for viscosity prediction, similarly NN-based models also provided accurate for predictions for the viscosity values of CRM binders regardless of rubber type and can easily be implemented in a spreadsheet. In addition, the developed NN model can be used to predict viscosity values of other types of CRM binders efficiently. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis of input variables indicated that the changes of viscosity are significant as the changes of asphalt binder grade, test temperature, and rubber content. The results also show that these three independent variables are the most important factors in the developed NN models in comparison with other variables.     

Relation of mechanical properties of recycled aged CRM mixtures with binder molecular size distribution

This paper presents an experimental analysis of the relationship between molecular sizes of mixed rubberized binders (aged rubberized binders + virgin rubberized binders) and the engineering properties of recycled aged rubberized mixtures. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was utilized to characterize the molecular size change of rubberized binders depending on three aging levels and four long-term aged (LTA) binder percentages. Rubberized mixtures were artificially long-term aged in the laboratory, and the aged rubberized mixtures were recycled at 0%, 15%, 25%, and 35% (by weight of total mixture) using typical recycling guildelines. Samples of laboratory-prepared recycled aged rubberized mixtures were tested for indirect tensile strength (ITS) in dry and wet states, rutting resistance, resilient modulus, and ITS after long-term aging in the laboratory. In general, the results indicated that the compositional changes of mixed rubberized binders have good correlations with the engineering properties of recycled aged rubberized mixtures, except for the resilient modulus.     

Determination of the optimum conditions for tire rubber in asphalt concrete

The Taguchi method was used to determine optimum conditions for tire rubber in asphalt concrete with Marshall Test. The tire rubber in asphalt concrete was explored under different experimental parameters including tire rubber gradation (sieve #10–40), mixing temperature (155–175 °C), aggregate gradation (grad. 1–3), tire rubber ratio (0–10% by weight of asphalt), binder ratio (4–7% by weight of asphalt), compaction temperature (110–135 °C), and mixing time (5–30 min). The optimum conditions were obtained for tire rubber gradation (sieve #40), mixing temperature (155 °C), aggregate gradation (grad. 1), tire rubber ratio (10%), binder ratio (5.5%), compaction temperature (135 °C), mixing time (15 min).     

Properties of Portland cement-modified asphalt binder using Superpave tests

This study investigates the effect of cement additive on some properties of asphalt binder using Superpave testing methods. Six cement-to-asphalt (C/A) ratios were considered in the study: 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 by volume of asphalt binder. The experimental tests that were conducted in the study included the Superpave rotational viscosity (RV) test and the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test. The RV test was conducted at the Superpave-specified high temperature of 135 °C that represents the average mixing and laydown temperature, and at seven different rotational speeds of 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 60, and 100 rpm. On the other hand, the DSR test was conducted at four test temperatures of 58, 64, 70, and 76 °C; one lower and two higher than the Superpave high performance grade (PG) temperature of the asphalt binder used in the study (PG 64). The loading frequency used in the DSR test was 10 rad/s (1.59 Hz) as specified by the Superpave system. Results of the study showed that the addition of Portland cement to asphalt binders increased the rotational viscosity (RV) of asphalt binders at 135 °C and different rotational speeds. The C/A ratio of 0.15 was found to be the optimum ratio that achieved a balanced increase in the rotational viscosity and the value of the DSR G^*/sin δ rutting parameter of asphalt binders. The C/A ratio had insignificant effects on the Newtonian behavior, the phase angle (δ), and the elastic behavior of asphalt binders. The increase in C/A ratio increased the stiffness of asphalt binders represented by the complex shear modulus (G^*) value. The increase in the C/A ratio improved the rutting parameter, G^*/sin δ value, at all temperatures. The increase in C/A ratio improved the Superpave high PG temperature (the high temperature at which the asphalt binder passed the Superpave criteria for G^*/sin δ value). It was also shown that the best function that described the relationship between each of RV, G^*, and G^*/sin δ and the C/A ratio was the exponential function with high coefficient of determination (R²).     

Performance based binder type selection using mixed integer programming technique

The rationale behind an asphalt mix design is optimizing the binder content for the desired aggregate gradation to satisfy the specified volumetric and strength requirements. The designed asphalt mix should be durable and cost effective. The mechanical behavior of a designed asphalt mix is affected by the traffic loading and climatic variations. To improve the mechanical properties of asphalt mixes, additives are added to the base asphalt binder. These binders are called modified asphalt binders. The objectives of the present study are to compare the performance of asphalt mixes with different binders by two different mix design methods and to optimize the asphalt binder type to achieve the desired performance. Two methods of mix design namely, Marshall and Superpave mix design methods are considered. The performances of asphalt mixes viz., tensile strength, moisture damage, densification and rutting resistance were compared. The results indicated a statistically significant difference in the optimum asphalt binder content from the two mix design methods. The Marshall method of asphalt mix design is found to yield lower optimal asphalt binder content when compared to the Superpave method of mix design. The moisture susceptibility and construction densification index of asphalt mixes designed using Superpave method were found to be significantly lower than that of the mixes designed by Marshall method. Optimization using a Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) indicated that the polymer modified asphalt binder outperforms the requirements of engineering properties when compared to other commercial binders used in the study.     

A laboratory study on stone matrix asphalt using ground tire rubber

This research investigated the feasibility using asphalt rubber (AR), produced by blending ground tire rubber (GTR) with an asphalt, as a binder for stone matrix asphalt (SMA). Two different sizes of GTR produced in Taiwan were used. The potential performance of AR–SMA mixtures was also evaluated. The results of this study showed that it was not feasible to produce a suitable SMA mixture using an asphalt rubber made by blending an AC-20 with 30% coarse GTR with a maximum size of 0.85 mm. However, SMA mixtures meeting typical volumetric requirements for SMA could be produced using an asphalt rubber containing 20% of a fine GTR with a maximum size of 0.6 mm. No fiber was needed to prevent drain-down when this asphalt rubber was used. The AR–SMA mixtures were not significantly different from the conventional SMA mixtures in terms of moisture susceptibility from the results of AASHTO T283 tests. The results of the wheel tracking tests at 60 °C show that rutting resistance of AR–SMA mixtures was better than that of the conventional SMA mixtures.     

Strength and toughness improvement of cement binders using expandable thermoplastic microspheres

The effect of Expandable Thermoplastic Microspheres (ETM) loading on the fracture resistance and indirect tensile strength of cement binders is studied. Portland white cement (PWC) was used as the matrix in the current study. Loadings of 0.1%, 0.35%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1%, by weight, of ETM were added to the dry cement. Semi-circular bend specimens, 152 mm in diameter and 27 mm thickness with different notch depths were fabricated to study the crack resistance of the compounds, J_c. For the indirect tensile tests, circular specimens, 50 mm in diameter and 12.7 mm thickness were used. All specimens were left to cure under water for 7 days. A 2.5-fold increase in the indirect tensile strength was achieved at an ETM loading of 0.35% by weight. A nearly threefold increase in the fracture resistance occurred at the 0.1% ETM loading. The thermal resistivity of the compounds increased by 30% for a 1% Expancel loading. Fracture surface examination revealed that the ETM facilitated the permeation of water by creating pores. Thus, an optimum strength and fracture resistance was achieved between 0.1% and 0.4%.     

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.