A review of the feasibility of using crumb rubber derived from end-of-life tire as asphalt binder modifier

Abstract

The use of recycled crumb rubber (CR) in asphalt pavements could be an essential step towards ensuring a more sustainable future in addition to opening a new investment opportunity for global investors. Asphalt modifiers have the ability to enhance the performance of flexible pavements and contribute towards ensuring a more sustainable environment. The utilization of CR produced from end-of-life tires (ELTs) as an asphalt modifier has been shown to enhance asphalt performance with regard to high-temperature rutting and low-temperature thermal cracking due to the remarkable characteristics of the CR. This paper presents the findings of previous studies, including the grinding of ELTs to obtain crumb rubber, the technology employed in the process, and the physical and mechanical properties of the asphalt modifiers. Even though the present study focuses on the application of hot-mix asphalt (HMA), there are other methods, for instance, warm-mix asphalt (WMA), reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), and porous asphalt, that used CR as a modifier or as an additive in asphalt binders. A review of the literature suggests that most CR have a good performance and are suitable for use in the top paving layer to reduce noise as well as for other applications.