Effects of different bitumen modifiers on the rutting and cracking resistance of hot mix asphalts

Abstract

In this study, four different additives (Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA), Iranian Gilsonite (IG) and American Gilsonite (AG)) were used in bitumen modification. The rheological properties of bitumen were improved with the additive usage, and the desired performance grade (PG 70-34) was achieved by using additives in pure bitumen (PG 58-34) at the indicated ratios. Wheel tracking tests and semi-circular bending tests were applied for hot mix asphalt (HMA) samples. The main results showed that all the additives increased resistance to permanent deformation of HMAs, and that TLA was the most effective additive. In addition, it was found from the semi-circular bending tests that deformation values of mixtures prepared with modified bitumens and subjected to long-term ageing decreased. As a result, long-term aged and modified bitumen mixtures exhibited more brittle behaviour. The increase in maximum load values led to an increase in the area under the load-strain curves. Thus, crack propagation resistance of mixtures prepared with modified binders was increased.