Performance Evaluation of Different High Modulus Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract

The high modulus asphalt mixture (HMAM) is widely used to improve the rutting and fatigue resistance of asphalt pavement. In this study, high modulus asphalt mixtures were respectively produced by hard-grade asphalt, PRS modifier and Buton rock asphalt (BRA) modifier. The performance properties of these HMAMs were evaluated and compared with those of hot asphalt mixture (HAM) and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt mixture (SBSAM). The test results indicate the dynamic modulus and rutting resistance ability of HAMMs are higher than these of HAM and SBSAM. However, the low temperature cracking strain of HMAMs is less than the minimum required value of modified asphalt mixture specification in China. Moisture resistance ability and fatigue life of HAMMs are higher than these of HAM. Moreover, the moisture resistance ability and fatigue life of HMAM with BRA are higher than those of SBSAM. However, the opposite conclusion can be found for HMAM with hard-grade asphalt. The HMAM with higher PRS content have almost the same moisture resistance ability and fatigue life with SBSAM. Therefore, it is suggested to carefully consider binder or modifier types during the application of HMAMs.