Exploring the consequences of reduced aging on the performance of warm mix asphalt binders

Abstract

ABSTRACT Warm mix asphalt (WMA) technology has proven to be a viable alternative to asphalt pavement production due to its lower mixing and compaction temperatures. However, the performance of asphalt binders is a concern linked to WMA technology due to its reduced aging effect. This study investigates the impact of redcued aging temperature on the performance of two different WMA additives blended with VG30 binder. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to check changes in chemical composition of asphalt binder due to aging. Performance of the WM modified asphalt binders was assessed using linear amplitude sweep (LAS), multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR), and bitumen bond strength (BBS) tests. FTIR analysis showed that used WMA additives increases the aging resistance of asphalt binder. Test results revealed that the application of Rediset enhanced the fatigue performance compared to neat and Sasobit modified asphalt binder. On the other hand, Sasobit decreased the non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) and increased the percent recovery (%R), whereas the contrary trend was observed with the addition of Rediset. It was found that Rediset exhibits the antistripping properties thereby improving the bond between asphalt binder and the aggregate, even at reduced production temperature.