Optimum Binder Content Research Articles

Assessing the Asphalt Binder Film Thickness in Recycled Asphalt Mixtures Using Micro-Level Techniques.

Adequate asphalt binder film thickness (ABFT) delivers skeletal integrity in recycled asphalt mixtures, resulting in long-lasting roadways when exposed to traffic and environment. The inaccurate measurement of ABFT and the consequences of not having adequate film thickness model has substantially introduced discrepancies in predicting actual performance of recycled asphalt mixtures. Expansion of the ultra-modern expertise and SuperPave requirements necessitate the revision of authentic ABFT at micro-level. The current study identifies the weaknesses of the current methods of estimating ABFT and provides results that are reliable and useful, using modern measurement methods. Using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), this study measures the ABFT around the tiniest particle of 0.2 μm magnitude, entrenched in asphalt mastic in recycled asphalt mixtures. The ABFT, obtained through image analysis, is compared with those obtained through available analytical models. The study utilizes different asphalt mixtures, containing varying proportions of recycled asphalt mixture and rejuvenators. The aggregate, virgin, and recycled binders were characterized in terms of physical and rheological properties, respectively. Marshall mix design was carried out for the conventional and recycled mixture, containing 40%, 50%, and 60% recycled materials, rejuvenated with 3%, 6%, 9%, and 12% waste engine oil (WEO) at a mixing temperature of 160 °C, based on viscosity of the virgin and rejuvenated binder. ABFT was assessed through analytical models and image analysis for the aforesaid recycled asphalt mixtures, prepared at optimum binder and rejuvenator content as per protocol outlined in ASTM D1559. The analytical estimation of ABFT, in the aforesaid recycled asphalt mixtures, revealed that the ABFT fluctuates from 6.4 μm to 13.7 microns, with a significant association to recycled asphalt mixture and rejuvenator content. However, the image analysis revealed that the ABFT, in the aforesaid recycled asphalt mixtures, fluctuates from 0.4 μm to 2 microns, without any association to recycled asphalt mixture or rejuvenator content. The image analysis indicated that the recycled asphalt mixtures typically comprise of mortar, happening in uneven shape, and are used to grip large aggregates. The asphalt mastic, a blend of bitumen and mineral filler, was found to be an interlocking agent, used to grasp only fine particles in asphalt mortar. The asphalt binder film was discovered to be a deviating stand-alone entity that only exists around the mineral fillers in the asphalt mastic as a non-absorbed binder, occupying an imprecise space of 0.4 μm to 2 microns, among the filler particles. The current findings will be useful to design asphalt pavements through the aforesaid precise limit of SEM-based ABFT rather than traditionally measured ABFT to predict the actual performance of recycled asphalt mixtures.

An Evaluation of The Effect of Aggregate Type on Hot Mix Asphalt Properties in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is a mixture that contains, approximately 95% by weight of aggregates. As a consequence the types of aggregates and their characteristics are of most significance in enhancing the durability of asphalt mixture worldwide. Accordingly the impact of aggregate type and gradation has been the focus of many researchers all over the world. In this investigation the effect of aggregate type on HMA in Kurdistan region/ Iraq were spotlighted. More precisely, in addition to gravel which is dominantly used in Kurdistan, crushed stone and limestone were the other types of aggregates that were concerned in the present work. The volumetric properties using Marshall Method of asphalt containing each of these aggregates were inspected. Moreover, the characteristics of aggregates that examined in this study were specific gravity and toughness (Los Angeles abrasion test). Experimental observations revealed that the toughness of gravel and crushed stone was higher than that of limestone as the L.A. abrasion for the latter was considerably higher than that of crushed stone and gravel. Crushed stone with 4.2% binder content resulted in an acceptable flow value according to Iraqi SORB/2003 as well as gravel mix of 4% binder content, while limestone with higher optimum binder content of 6% recorded a non-acceptable value of 4.4 mm. The stability of limestone mix appeared to be higher by 36% and 50% than that for crushed stone and gravel mix, respectively.    

Electrochemical- and mechanical stability of catalyst layers in anion exchange membrane water electrolysis

Anion exchange membrane (AEM) water electrolysis is considered a promising solution to future cost reduction of electrochemically produced hydrogen. We present an AEM water electrolyzer with CuCoOx as the anode catalyst and Aemion as membrane and electrode binder. Full cell experiments in pure water and 0.1 M KOH revealed that the optimum binder content depended on the type of electrolyte employed. Online dissolution measurements suggested that Aemion alone was not sufficient to establish an alkaline environment for thermodynamically stabilizing the synthesized CuCoOx in a neutral electrolyte feed. A feed of base is thus indispensable to ensure the thermodynamic stability of such non-noble catalyst materials. Particle loss and delamination of the catalyst layer during MEA operation could be reduced by employing a heat treatment step after electrode fabrication. This work summarizes possible degradation pathways for low-cost anodes in AEMWE, and mitigation strategies for enhanced system durability and performance.

Investigation of Effect of Bakelite on Mechanical Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt Mixes - A Full Factorial Design Experiment

In Pakistan, mostly flexible pavements are constructed which have a higher susceptibility to rutting, moisture damage and stripping. Under current economic conditions, one such solution to overcome this is the addition of economical and locally available additives in the bitumen being produced by our refineries. This study investigates the effects of bakelite as an additive on various mechanical properties. Bakelite is a high-density plastic, cost-effective and locally available material. The modified Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) specimens were prepared with (2%,4%,6%,8%,10%,12%) Bakelite by weight of optimum binder content found using Marshall Mix design. Performance tests, including Marshall Stability and flow. Retained stability and Resilient Modulus tests were performed to check the performance of modified mixes. The test results revealed that a modified mix containing 6% Bakelite by weight of optimum bitumen content provides the best resistance against moisture damage, rutting and enhancing the HMA mix's stability than the other modifier percentages. The Marshall stability and quotient values of the modified mix increased by almost 22% and 44% respectively. The results showed an increase of 3.5% in the tensile strength ratio indicating an increase in the capability of HMA to resist moisture-induced damage and strength retention. The resilient modulus test was then performed under different conditions, i.e., bakelite (0% & 6%), temperature (25˚C &40˚C) and load duration (100 ms & 300 ms) and analyzed by full factorial design experiment. The factorial analysis showed that Bakelite content is the most significant factor affecting the MR and, ultimately, the strength of the HMA mix. The Resilient modulus test results showed a 20% increase for the modified mix containing 6% Bakelite as compared to the conventional mix. Therefore, it is concluded that the addition of bakelite as an additive in hot mix asphalt mixes gives better results regarding pavement performance.

An Evaluation of The Effect of Aggregate Type on Hot Mix Asphalt Properties in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Hot mix asphalt (HMA) is a mixture that contains, approximately 95% by weight of aggregates. As a consequence the types of aggregates and their characteristics are of most significance in enhancing the durability of asphalt mixture worldwide. Accordingly the impact of aggregate type and gradation has been the focus of many researchers all over the world. In this investigation the effect of aggregate type on HMA in Kurdistan region/ Iraq were spotlighted. More precisely, in addition to gravel which is dominantly used in Kurdistan, crushed stone and limestone were the other types of aggregates that were concerned in the present work. The volumetric properties using Marshall Method of asphalt containing each of these aggregates were inspected. Moreover, the characteristics of aggregates that examined in this study were specific gravity and toughness (Los Angeles abrasion test). Experimental observations revealed that the toughness of gravel and crushed stone was higher than that of limestone as the L.A. abrasion for the latter was considerably higher than that of crushed stone and gravel. Crushed stone with 4.2% binder content resulted in an acceptable flow value according to Iraqi SORB/2003 as well as gravel mix of 4% binder content, while limestone with higher optimum binder content of 6% recorded a non-acceptable value of 4.4 mm. The stability of limestone mix appeared to be higher by 36% and 50% than that for crushed stone and gravel mix, respectively.    

Carbonation model for concretes with fly ash, slag, and limestone calcined clay - using accelerated and five - year natural exposure data

Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) can be used in concrete to enhance sustainability and reduce the concrete industry's carbon footprint. However, some negative perceptions about their long-term carbonation resistance are obstacles for large-scale implementation of such concretes. This study evaluated the carbonation resistance of 34 concretes (with Ordinary Portland Cement, fly ash, blast furnace slag, and limestone calcined clay) in natural tropical exposure conditions (Open and Sheltered) for 5 years and in accelerated exposure conditions (1 and 3% CO2) for 112 days. Using these data and the square root of time function, the carbonation coefficients (KCO2, natl and KCO2, accl) of these concretes were estimated and a good correlation between them could not be observed. Hence, a more generic model (named as “A-to-N model”) to estimate the KCO2, natl using the KCO2, accl, CO2 concentration, and mixture proportion of concrete was developed, for which the mean absolute percent error is about 12% (reasonable accuracy). Using the A-to-N model, the carbonation depth at 50 years was estimated for various concretes. SCM concretes with low water-binder ratio and optimal binder content showed high resistance against carbonation at later ages; such information along with the target cover depth must be used while selecting materials for concrete design. Based on the model developed, a relatively simple ‘service life design chart’ was developed. This chart can be used by engineers to set the target KCO2, natl or KCO2, accl, and select the cover depth and binder type to provide the target service life (i.e., corrosion initiation time). This paper clearly shows that SCMs can be used to design concretes with comparable long-term carbonation depth as OPC concretes.

Evaluating the impact of fiber type and dosage rate on laboratory performance of Fiber-Reinforced asphalt mixtures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of fiber types, binder content, and their dosage rates on the volumetric properties and laboratory performance of asphalt mixtures. One asphalt mixture (control) and three fiber types (Basalt, Fiberglass, and Carbon) were used. Two different fiber dosage rates were considered 0.15% (recommended dosage rate) and 0.30% by total mixture weight. Furthermore, a novel experimental methodology was developed and implemented consisting of a volumetric mixture design and performance testing—Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT) and Asphalt Pavement Analyzer (APA)—to isolate the effects of fiber types and dosage rates from the effect of binder content. Statistical analysis was also used to further evaluate the impact of fibers on mixture performance. Results showed that 0.15% dosage rate had little to no impact on optimum binder content, whereas 0.30% dosage rate required an increase in binder content of 0.6%, 0.6%, and 0.8% for basalt, fiberglass, and carbon fibers, respectively, to meet the volumetric requirements. This study showed that the need for additional binder content at 0.30% dosage rate could be due to an increase in specimen volume (referred to as rebounding height) that occurred after 24 h of specimen cooling at room temperature. Performance testing showed that 0.15% (regardless of fiber type) had no impact on cracking and rutting performance. At 0.30% dosage rate, only carbon fiber improved cracking performance without the use of additional binder. Overall, the study highlighted laboratory performance benefits and challenges of using fiber-reinforced reinforced asphalt mixtures.

Palm Kernel Shell as Partial Coarse Aggregate Replacement in Asphalt Mixture: Optimum Binder Content and Volumetric Properties Investigation

Pavement failures such as fatigue, rutting, cracking, bleeding, and stripping are typical pavement deterioration. Researchers have been experimenting with pavement modification to overcome these problems. This study determines the optimum binder content (OBC) for modifying an asphalt mixture with a partial replacement of coarse aggregate (5mm-14mm sieve size) with palm kernel shell (PKS). A 60/70 penetration grade bitumen was mixed with 10, 20 and 30% PKS at selected aggregate gradation following the Public Work Department of Malaysia (JKR/SPJ/2008-S4) specification. The preparation of 60 samples of unmodified and modified asphalt mixture employed the Marshall Method compacted with 75 blows. The OBC was determined based on five volumetric properties of asphalt mixture namely stability, flow, bulk density, void filled with asphalt, and void in total mix. The OBC and volumetric properties of the modified PKS asphalt mixture samples were compared with unmodified asphalt mixture samples in accordance to the specification. Results showed that the OBC sample with 30% aggregate replacement produced the highest OBC value of 5.53% relative to the control sample with 5.40% OBC. The trend for OBC with PKS replacement begins with 10% PKS with 5.30% OBC, 20% PKS with 5.32% OBC and 30% PKS. All volumetric properties of the PKS samples are within the specification limit. Thus, PKS has a promising potential as a coarse aggregate replacement in asphalt mixture.

Assessment of asphalt binder and mixes modified with Zycotherm and Sulphur

In the present study, bituminous concrete mixes were prepared by adding Zycotherm as modifier and Sulphur as an extender. The physical properties of bitumen blended with Zycotherm and Sulphur were evaluated. For preparing the hot mix asphalt specimens, bitumen was modified with 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.15% of Zycotherm. Sulphur was used as an extender and its percentage was fixed at 35%. Comparison was made between the optimum binder content (OBC) of mixes prepared with neat and modified bitumen prepared using the Marshall mix design. For this purpose, a total of 8 type of asphalt mixtures were made. The OBC was determined and other parameters such as Marshall stability, flow value, voids filled with bitumen (VFB), voids in mineral aggregates (VMA) and unit weights were evaluated at this binder content. Based on the above experimentation and testing, it was concluded that the aggregates and bitumen (virgin and modified) results satisfy the standard requirements and the results are within the specified limits. In terms of physical properties, bitumen containing Sulphur results in changes up to large extent compared to Zycotherm modified bitumen. Addition of Zycotherm results in minor change in the physical properties of bitumen but the incorporation of 0.1% Zycotherm with 35% Sulphur, indicates the utmost Marshall stability and Marshall quotient value at the optimum binder content of 5.43 %.

Influence of Marble Dust Filler on Marshal Properties of Hot Mix Asphalt

Abstract: Literature review reveals that mineral fillers play a vital role in altering the properties of asphalt concrete. Despite filler being a small part of asphalt, has a predominant effect on the performance characteristics of asphalt concrete. Millions tons of marble waste is being generated by marble processing industries, leading to environmental pollution and loss of valuable land. Developed countries have strict policies for waste disposal whereas in developing countries there are almost no policies. Hence, in this research, an effort has been made to evaluate the influence of marble dust on the strength properties and permanent deformation resistance of asphalt concrete. For this purpose optimum binder content has been determined by using 5.5% conventional limestone dust filler and after determination of optimum binder content, stone dust has been replaced with marble dust in increments of twenty five percent (i.e 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% ). The results of the tests performed on marble dust modified asphalt revealed that marble dust modified asphalt containing 50% marble dust have shown improvement in Marshal Stability and Flow values. Incorporation of marble dust up to 25% and 50% has resulted in better volumetric properties in comparison with stone dust made mixes. Keeping in view the improvement in properties of asphalt concrete in connection with marble dust, the utilization of freely available marble dust in asphalt concrete will have a marked impact in reducing the cost of asphalt concrete as well as minimizing the environmental problems due to disposal of waste marble dust. Keywords: Asphalt Concrete, Marble Dust, Limestone dust, Marshal Stability and Flow

Rutting Performance of Hot Mix Asphalt Using Bagasse Ash as Filler

Transportation plays an important role in the development of a country. Due to the increase in the population, the demand for good transportation and passengers increased. For this purpose, new highways are built up every year. The demand for material for the construction is increasing and the researchers are in the race to find out materials which not only used as a replacer but also increase the strength parameters and decrease destresses in Hot Mix Asphalt pavement. In the present study Sugarcane, Bagasse Ash which is an agricultural waste was used as a filler material. At Optimum Binder Content 4.55 maximum stability of 7.03 KN was achieved while for the samples having stone dust as a filler material give maximum stability at 4.33 percent of 7.37 KN. Bagasse ash used as a filler in Wheel tracker test has given the best result at temperature 300C and the average rut depth was recorded as 2.065mm while stone dust samples showed average rut depth 2.235mm at 30 0Cand the number of passes was recorded as 14000. On the other hand, the samples which are subjected to a temperature of 600C BA samples showed greater rut of the average value of 6.81mm whereas the average value of stone dust samples showed 6.615mm rut depth. From the above results, the author concluded that bagasse is the best modifier material for the areas having low temperature such as 30 0C or below.

Use of calcium-rich wood biomass combustion ashes as filler in hot mix asphalt

In this study, calcium-rich wood biomass combustion ash (CRBA) was added as a mineral filler into an eco-friendly hot mix asphalt (HMA). Marshall mix design was used with four different CRBA contents (0%, 3.0%, 3.5%, and 4.5% (w/v %)). Pavement performance was assessed by evaluating the tensile strength, resilient modulus, fatigue strength, and performance in Lottman test. An optimum binder content of 5.5% was achieved for all modified CRBA−HMAs and the reference HMA. The CRBA filler (3.5% and 4.0%) can be used as a mineral filler to improve the Marshall stability up to 27%, compared to that of the pure mixture, and increase the fatigue response of HMA pavements by approximately three times with no harmful effects on the other evaluated properties. Additionally, the CRBA residue does not require crushing and sieving through a 0.075 mm sieve for application to a pavement field.

Development of a Balanced Mix Design Method in Oregon to Improve Long-Term Pavement Performance

Most state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) and asphalt contractors do not think that commonly used asphalt mixture properties, such as voids in mineral aggregate (VMA), voids filled with asphalt (VFA), and dust-to-binder ratio, reflect the long-term performance of asphalt mixtures. In addition, there are several new additives, polymers, rubbers, and high-quality binder types incorporated into asphalt mixtures today. Volumetric mixture design methods are not capable of capturing the benefits of using all these new technologies on asphalt mixture performance. Furthermore, the interaction of virgin binders with reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) mixtures with high binder replacement contents and the level of RAP binder blending into the asphalt mixture are still not well understood. Because of all these complications related to the more complex structure of asphalt mixtures, simple volumetric evaluations to determine the optimum binder content may not result in reliable asphalt mixture designs. Two volumetrically identical mixtures may provide completely different rutting and cracking performance according to laboratory tests. For all these reasons, in this study performance tests for rutting and cracking are incorporated into current asphalt mixture design methods to make it possible to validate or revise the optimum binder content determined by the volumetric mix design method (the only method currently used for asphalt mix design).

Effects of Crushed Glass Waste as a Fine Aggregate on Properties of Hot Asphalt Mixture

The recycling of waste requires large areas; besides recycling wastes to their origin is often economically and environmentally costly. Glass is considered as a solid waste that is difficult to dispose of; it doesn't degrade nor burn. Since glass is a silicic substance with similar properties to aggregates, it can be recycled in asphalt mixtures. This research aims to determine optimum binder content (OBC) of conventional hot asphalt mixture (HMA), (control mixture), and investigate the effect of crushed glass waste (CGW), on its properties. In this work, several percentages of CGW (10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) have been used as a partial substitution for the weight of fraction size 2.36-0.075mm of natural aggregate to prepare glass-contained asphalt mixtures and compare their properties with the control mixture. Mix design by Marshall method was used, and the properties according to Iraqi standards (SORB/R9,2003), for binder layer, were found, as well as conducting of Retained Marshall stability (RMS), indirect tensile strength (IDT), and tensile strength ratio (TSR), tests on mixtures, as performance tests. The results showed that the OBC of the control mixture was 5% wt., and the Marshall stability and flow values of glass-contained asphalt mixtures were oscillating around the values of the control mixture. The air voids, voids in mineral aggregate, and bulk density were reduced regularly as CGW increased. Also, it was observed from the results that the glass-contained mixtures have good performance properties. However, all results conformed to the standards (SORB/R9, 2003). So, the incorporation of CGW in HMA for the binder layer is feasible.

Research on the road performance of resin bio-oil mixtures

In recent years, resin asphalt and bio-oil have been widely used to improve various properties of asphalt concrete. The road performance of homemade resin bio-oil able to completely replace petroleum asphalt was explored in this study. The homemade resin bio-oil, 90# neat asphalt, and SBS-modified asphalt were used to perform the Marshall test to determine the mix ratio and optimal binder content. Then, the three kinds of mixtures were tested for dynamic modulus, flow test, and semicircular bend tests to explore their road performance. The experimental results show that the homemade resin bio-oil mixture has better resistance to deformation at high temperature and incomparable crack resistance under extremely low temperature conditions compared with the other two kinds of petroleum asphalt mixtures.

LABORATORY INVESTIGATION OF COAL BOTTOM ASH MODIFIED WARM MIX ASPHALT

Bottom Ash (BA), a coal combustion by-product, found to be a potential material when used to produce asphalt mixture. However, some of its characteristics make it a questionable material for the surface course. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the compatibility of BA in Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) technology through the basic mechanical properties of the asphalt mixtures for binder course layer (AC 28). Two WMA chemical additives, Cecabase RT and Evotherm 3G, were used at the concentrations of 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% from the binder's weight. The binder properties were assessed through penetration, softening point and viscosity tests. The Marshall mix design was used to determine the optimum binder content (OBC). The additive dosage and production temperature for WMA were determined through Marshall stability, flow, air voids and specific gravity. The results show that the additives did not significantly affect the binder properties, although, at 0.4% Evotherm 3G, a drop of 17.5% in penetration was observed. Cecabase RT produced WMA with promising results but did not enhance the workability of WMA containing bottom ash (BAWMA). By lowering the production temperature of 25 °C, WMA and BAWMA at 0.4 %, Evotherm 3G demonstrated comparable workability to the conventional Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). The data achieved through this study would be a guiding approach towards the application of BA in WMA technology for sustainable pavements.

Effect of Nano Particle Based Anti-Stripping Agent on Moisture-Induced Damage for Bituminous Concrete Mixes

Moisture damage occur due to loss of bond between bitumen and aggregates. Ingression of water in bituminous mixes leads to various damage. The objective of this study is to investigate extent of performance of Nano particle based anti-stripping agent (Wet Bound-S) in resisting the moisture damage and improving the durability of bituminous mix. Bituminous mixes were prepared with polymer modified binder (PMB-40); optimum binder content was found using Marshall testing procedure. To check the resistance toward moisture, specimen was prepared at three void ratios of 3%, 5% and 7%, each sample set was tested in dry condition and moist condition by injecting moisture at 30 psi and 40 psi. Then each of these sample set were subjected to indirect tensile strength ratio test and dynamic creep test. Use of anti-stripping agent was done to see its effect under adverse condition. From the outcome of this study, it was observed that PMB-40 with additive exhibit more resistance to moisture.

Effect of the Polypropylene Fibre as Replacement of Filler on Asphaltic Concrete Performance

Flexible pavement is extensively used in Malaysia as the construction cost of the pavement is lower compared to the rigid pavement. The uppermost layer of the flexible pavement called surface course, is made from asphalt bituminous mixture. This layer is a flexible layer where it can deform if subjected to great loads. The most popular defect that can be seen in flexible pavement is rutting. This study investigated the effect of Polypropylene (PP) fibre in influencing the behaviour and properties of the bituminous mixture when fully replaced as a filler and to evaluate the compressive strength of it. Marshall Mix Design was first used to obtain the optimum binder content and lastly, the specimens were compressed using Uniaxial Compressive Test machine to obtain its compressive strength. From the study, PP fibre reinforced bituminous mixture increased the compressive strength, the value of Marshall stability and help to reduce the flow. With all the stated effects, Polypropylene is ideal for replacing the conventional filler as it helps to strengthen the pavement layer and thus might be able to help save the maintenance cost for the constant repair of the conventional pavement layer.

Effect of CENEX polymer on the performance of bituminous concrete and dense bituminous macadam of pavement

This paper focuses on the effect of centrifuged latex (CENEX) polymer on the performance of bituminous concrete (BC) and dense bituminous macadam (DBM) of pavement. In this study, VG30 binder is modified with CENEX polymer at different percentages such as 0%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% by the weight of the binder. Using storage stability test it is found that optimum content of CENEX polymer is 6%. Mixes using CENEX modified binder require slightly lesser optimum binder content (OBC) than the plain mixes. Retained marshal stability (RMS) test, tensile strength ratio (TSR) test, resilient modulus ratio (RMR) test, boiling water test (BWT), four-point bending beam test (FPBT) and wheel tracking test (WTT) are conducted on these mixes. The results show that the incorporation of CENEX polymer improves the moisture damage resistance, fatigue life and rut resistance. Furthermore, life-cycle cost analysis reveals that CENEX modified mixes are more economical compared to plain mixes over long-run, even though the initial cost of modified and unmodified mixes are almost the same. As a whole, better performance is obtained by using CENEX modified mixes resulting in higher pavement service life.

Evaluation of various factors affecting mix design of sulfur-extended asphalt mixes

Several laboratory and field studies from the last five decades, predominantly from the 1970s and 80s, have demonstrated that elemental sulfur is a viable binding material that can be used to partially or fully replace conventional asphalt binder in pavement construction applications. The main goal of this study was to determine and demonstrate the impact of different mix design factors on the performance of sulfur extended asphalt (SEA). These factors include sulfur content, the use of polymer modified versus unmodified base binder, and the method of sulfur addition to the mix. The Hamburg Wheel Tracking test was used to characterize rutting resistance and the Illinois Flexibility Index Test (I-FIT) was used to characterize the cracking performance at both short and long-term aging conditions. Overall, sulfur was found not to compromise the very good rutting resistance of the mix, and optimum binder and sulfur contents were determined based on long term cracking resistance of the mix. It is notable that the optimum binder content did not change when sulfur was used based on the long-term cracking resistance. Results, although with a limited set of materials, demonstrate the feasibility of replacing 30% of asphalt binder with elemental sulfur to produce SEA mixes.