Abstract
The paper presents the results of laboratory investigation on asphalt binders relaxation at low temperature, carried out in a ductilometer using the tensile test with continuous force measurement. Polymer modified asphalt binder samples consisting of a 50/70 penetration grade bitumen mixed with a concentrate of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified bitumen—a 160/220 penetration grade bitumen modified with a SBS copolymer in the amount of 9%—were tested. Therefore, polymer modified binders containing 3%, 4.5%, 6% and 7.5% SBS, respectively, were obtained and investigated. Tensile tests were performed at −16 °C on samples before aging and subjected to short-term aging (RTFOT). Test results in the form of relaxation curves have been mathematically described using a modified generalized Maxwell model. Based on the acquired results, it was shown that the increase of the SBS copolymer content in asphalt binder precipitates the relaxation process, while aging slows down this phenomenon. It has also been proven that with increased content of SBS elastomer in asphalt binder, the effect of short-term aging on binder’s stress relaxation ability at low temperatures is reduced.
Highlights
One of the leading factors severely damaging the asphalt and concrete road pavements is the impact of heavy traffic and high temperature gradient
These modifications can affect reduction of the deterioration of the asphalt mixture during its use, which in turn reduces the economic cost of maintaining the pavements
The following asphalt binders were chosen for the examination: 50/70 penetration grade bitumen (Lotos, Gdańsk, Poland), highly modified asphalt binder (Lotos, Gdańsk, Poland) containing 160/220 penetration grade bitumen and 9% of styrene-butadiene-styrene copolymer with linear structure
Summary
One of the leading factors severely damaging the asphalt and concrete road pavements is the impact of heavy traffic and high temperature gradient. As a consequence of the increasing traffic each year, there is a demand for alternative methods of changing the properties of asphalt binders through various modifiers like polymers or natural asphalt [4,5,6]. These modifications can affect reduction of the deterioration of the asphalt mixture during its use, which in turn reduces the economic cost of maintaining the pavements. Yilmaz and Celoglu [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
