Performance evaluation of a high durability asphalt binder and a high durability asphalt mixture for bridge deck pavements

This paper describes the results of laboratory and full-scale performance tests for a high durability asphalt binder (HDAB) and high durability asphalt mixture (HDAM) applicable to the wearing course in a bridge deck system. The HDAB was developed using a styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modifier and hydrocarbon for improving construction workability and resistance to fatigue cracking. Various binder tests were conducted on the HDAB, and test results showed that the resistance to fatigue and low temperature cracking of the HDAB increased significantly compared to that of the PG 64-22 and PG 76-22 binders. For the mixtures, the fatigue test results showed that the HDAM has a three times longer fatigue life than the SBS-modified asphalt mixture. It was also found that the HDAM has a higher resistance against moisture-induced damage. Results from full-scale accelerated testing on the bridge deck pavement system proved that the HDAM can significantly improve pavement performance.