Abstract
Polymer modification is extensively used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) because the available asphalt cement does not satisfy the high-temperature requirements. It was widely used in KSA for more than two decades, and there is little information regarding the differences in the performance of different polymers approved for binder modification. Pavement engineers require performance comparisons among various polymers to select the best polymer for modification rather than make their selection based on satisfying binder specifications. Furthermore, the mechanical properties can help select polymer type, producing mixes of better resistance to specific pavement distresses. The study objective was to compare the mechanical properties of the various polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) mixtures that are widely used in the Riyadh region. Control mix and five other mixes with different polymers (Lucolast 7010, Anglomak 2144, Pavflex140, SBS KTR 401, and EE-2) were prepared. PMA mixtures were evaluated through different mechanical tests, including dynamic modulus, flow number, Hamburg wheel tracking, and indirect tensile strength. The results show an improvement in mechanical properties for all PMA mixtures relative to the control mixture. Based on the overall comparison, the asphalt mixture with polymer Anglomk2144 was ranked the best performing mixture, followed by Paveflex140 and EE-2.
Highlights
Modified mixtures showed significant improvement in flow number compared with neat asphalt mixture
Asphalt modified with Anglomak2144, Pavflex140, and Lucolast polymers ranked as the best mixtures to rut resistance
Hamburg wheel tracking test results showed that asphalt mixture modified with polymers has better adhesion between the binder and aggregates compared with the neat asphalt mixture
Summary
Saudi Arabia roadways had evolved highly through the previous decades. Flexible pavement is the dominant type used for these roads. Several studies have explored the effect of using modifiers on asphalt binder and mixture ing point [1,2,3,4,14,32,33,34,35,36,37,38], increasing viscosity [3,37,39,40], decreasing thealter penetratio properties The results of these studiesthe showed that polymer modification could [2,3,14,37,38], and thesoftening performance [2,4,6,37,41]. There is a need to investigate the properties of the various PMA produced by asphalt plants in the Riyadh region and to extend the evaluation to the mechanical properties of their asphalt mixtures These properties can help select polymer types that produce mixes of better resistance to specific pavement distresses. 7010, Anglomak 2144, Pavflex140, SBS KTR 401, and EE-2)
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