Abstract
In this study, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS) were utilized to enhance asphalt binder properties. Superpave asphalt binder tests and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) were conducted to evaluate the physical and rheological performance (viscosity, rutting, and cracking properties) of the asphalt binders before and after short-term aging and after the long-term aging process. The results showed that (i) TPU has a positive effect on workability, including the mixing and compaction processes, which was evident from the reduced binder viscosity; (ii) asphalt binders with TPU and SIS showed better rutting resistance compared to the SIS binders without TPU; (iii) the cracking resistance of asphalt binders was found to be improved significantly with the addition of TPU; and (iv) TPU has the potential to be considered as a sustainable polymer modifier for producing bearable asphalt binders by improving rutting and crack resistance without increasing the melting temperature of the asphalt binders.
Highlights
Day by day, severe traffic conditions, such as more traffic volume and loads based on industry developments, are becoming critical to asphalt pavements
Fatigue cracking occurs due to repetitive traffic loads at an intermediate temperature, and thermal cracking is due to a rapid temperature change and cycle
By comparing the base binder without the addition of SIS, it was found that the addition of 5% Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) did not significantly increase the viscosity
Summary
Severe traffic conditions, such as more traffic volume and loads based on industry developments, are becoming critical to asphalt pavements. Due to limited budget and time, achieving a more extended service period of asphalt pavements is one of the transportation industry’s primary goals. It can significantly reduce maintenance cost and time. Three types of failure mode are considered: rutting, fatigue cracking, and thermal cracking. Fatigue cracking occurs due to repetitive traffic loads at an intermediate temperature, and thermal cracking is due to a rapid temperature change and cycle. It is necessary to develop a sustainable asphalt binder which is highly resistant to cracking under intermediate temperatures
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