Effects of modifier content on high-modulus asphalt mixture and prediction of fatigue property using Weibull theory

Abstract

High-modulus asphalt concrete (HMAC) is used widely in several countries; however, more investigations on the performance of HMAC are still needed. To investigate the effects of modifier content on the performance of HMAC and evaluate the fatigue property of HMAC, two kinds of HMACs containing 5%, 10%, and 15% of PR PLAST S® (PRS) and PR PLAST Module® (PRM) were analysed. The Marshall test, the wheel tracking test, the three-point bending test at −10°C, and the flexural beam fatigue test were conducted on these mixtures. The test results indicate that the PRS and the PRM remarkably improve the high-temperature performance of HMACs and slightly improve the resistance of HMACs to crack at low temperature; it is suggested that the contents of PRM and PRS be 10% by weight of asphalt binder, respectively, according to the results of Marshall test. The results of the flexural beam fatigue test can be fitted very well to the two-parameter Weibull function. The fatigue functions of the HMACs were determined. Compared with the original asphalt mixture, PRM and PRS improve the fatigue resistance of HMACs. Therefore, this paper could contribute to improving the design of HMACs and deepening the understanding of the performance characteristics of HMACs.