Rutting Resistance Of Asphalt Binder Research Articles

Evaluation of cracking susceptibility of asphalt binders modified with recycled high-density polyethylene and polypropylene microplastics

The use of recycled plastics as modifiers for asphalt binder have gained attention in recent years. Studies have confirmed the enhancement in the rutting resistance of asphalt binder with the addition of these types of plastics, however there are controversies with regards to their long-term cracking performance. The long-term cracking performance of asphalt binder is directly influenced by their rheological properties. This study evaluated the fatigue performance of recycled High-Density Polyethylene (rHDPE) and recycled Polypropylene (rPP) modified asphalt binders using several rheological indices including the Superpave intermediate-temperature PG (G*sin δ), fatigue life (Nf), complex modulus (G*), phase angle (δ), the Glover-Rowe (G-R) parameter, the crossover temperature (Tδ=45°), the rheological index (R-value), the peak shear stress, failure strain and the yield energy, as well as a newly developed monotonic cracking index (MCI). Additionally, the influence of the process of mixing plastic with asphalt at high temperatures and shear rate on the cracking performance was also investigated. Results indicated that long term cracking performance were not consistent across all rheological indices. While Nf indicated improved overall cracking performance with the addition of rHDPE and rPP, G*sin δ, G-R parameter, R-value, Tδ=45°, and MCI indicated susceptibility to cracking with the addition of these recycled plastics.

Laboratory Assessment of Modified Asphalt Binders Using Crumb Rubber Modifier (CRM) and Processed Oil

The study examines the effects of modifying PG 64-22 asphalt binder with Crumb Rubber Modifier (CRM) and processed oil on its properties. The binder was tested at different temperatures, and different amounts of CRM and processed oil were added to the binder. The modified binders were also aged using different procedures. The study found that adding processed oil to CRM-modified binders reduces viscosity and improves workability, while CRM improves the rutting resistance. However, the addition of processed oil reduces the binder’s rutting performance. The study also found that CRM and processed oil improve the low temperature cracking resistance. The study’s results indicate that co-modifying CRM binders with processed oil resulted in a significant reduction in viscosity values, resulting in improved workability. The results also showed that increasing the processed oil concentration from 6% to 12% caused a viscosity reduction of 27%, 34%, 33%, and 31% for modified binders containing 0, 5%, 10%, and 15% CRM, respectively. Even though the addition of processed oil results in a reduction in the rutting performance of asphalt binder, the addition of CRM significantly improved the rutting resistance of asphalt binders. The CRM binder containing processed oil decreased the G*sin δ values, and the content of 6% processed oil containing 5%, 10%, and 15% CRM decreased by 28%, 17%, and 11%, respectively, while the 12% processed oil-modified asphalt binder showed a reduction in G*sin δ by 5%, 13%, and 22%, respectively. The BBR results for modified asphalt binders showed that the incorporation of CRM and processed oil improved the low temperature cracking resistance significantly. The stiffness values with 6% processed oil containing 5%, 10%, and 15% CRM were observed to be 118, 97, and 80 MPa, respectively, while at the same temperature for the same CRM contents with 12% processed oil, the stiffness values were found to be 89, 72, and 56 MPa, respectively.

Rheological Properties of Cement-Modified Asphalt Binders

Asphalt pavements are subjected to major distresses like fatigue, rutting, and low-temperature cracking due to repeated traffic loading and climatic conditions. The modification of the asphalt binder (a major component of an asphalt paving mixture) using additives helps in minimizing the possibility of pavement distresses. The cement additive was used in this study at cement-to-asphalt (C/A) percentages of 0, 10, and 20% by volume. The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of C/A percentage, temperature, and loading frequency on the rutting resistance of asphalt binders using statistical analysis. Two aging conditions were also used: unaged condition and short-term aging condition in the rolling thin-film oven (RTFO). The dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test was used to characterize the asphalt binders at ten loading frequencies (0.1, 0.3, 0.6, 1, 1.59, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10 Hz) and four temperatures (58, 64, 70, and 76°C). These combinations were used to cover a wide range of combined conditions and to follow the high-temperature range for the Superpave performance grade (PG) system. Multiple statistical analyses [the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and correlation tests] were performed to identify the relation between the tested variables and the rutting parameter (G*/sinδ). Findings of the study have shown that the loading frequency has a significant effect on the rutting parameter for unaged and RTFO-aged asphalt binders under different temperatures and using different C/A percentages. Regression analysis was conducted to depict an accurate model that can predict the rutting parameter (G*/sinδ) for each aging condition. Based on the regression analysis, nonlinear power models were developed for the rutting parameter of four groups: unaged unmodified, unaged cement-modified, RTFO-aged unmodified, and RTFO-aged cement-modified asphalt binders with the coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.986, 0.986, 0.996, and 0.992, respectively. The ANOVA test results showed that the cement addition (represented by the C/A percentage) had a significant impact on the rutting parameter of cement-modified asphalt binders for both aging groups. Furthermore, the correlation tests conducted in this study showed that the temperature and loading frequency had significant effects in the predictive models of the rutting parameter of unmodified asphalt binders and that the temperature, loading frequency, and C/A percentage had significant effects in the predictive models of the cement-modified asphalt binders.

Anti-rutting performance evaluation of modified asphalt binders: A review

Asphalt pavement inevitably suffers rutting distress induced by repeated loads under high temperatures, which can be effectively alleviated by the modification of asphalt binders. This paper summarized the asphalt modifiers for enhancing the performance of asphalt pavement at high temperatures in terms of the modifier type, additive amount and improving effect. Then, the anti-rutting performance evaluation methods of asphalt binder were introduced with details, including the ring and ball (R&B) test, the dynamic viscosity test, the zero/low shear viscosity (ZSV/LSV) test, the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test, the repeated creep and recovery (RCR) test, and the multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) test. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the evaluation method to asphalt modifier was analyzed using the normalization method. It was found that the indicators from the MSCR test could clearly reveal the influence of asphalt modifiers on high temperature performance of asphalt binder. But it still had some limitations affecting the accuracy of evaluation results, such as the number of creep‐recovery cycles, the stress level and the recovery time. In addition, according to the rutting resistance improvement ratio (RRIR), the styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modifier performed better in improving the rutting resistance of asphalt binder, compared with other modifiers when added within the usual dosage range. • The development history of anti-rutting performance evaluation methods of asphalt binder was systematically analyzed. • The sensitivity of the evaluation method to asphalt modifier was investigated using the normalization method. • The MSCR test could clearly reveal the influence of asphalt modifiers on rutting resistance of asphalt binder. • The SBS modifier performed excellently in improving the rutting resistance of asphalt binder.

Evaluation of Multiple Stress-Creep Recovery Test on Alaskan Asphalt Binders

Although the multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test has shown its superiority in predicting rutting resistance of asphalt binders, concerns have been raised regarding the testing protocol and procedures. To evaluate the rutting resistance and investigate the suitability of the standard MSCR test method for Alaskan binders, nine typical Alaskan asphalt binders from three different suppliers were collected from paving projects and tested using MSCR tests with four different testing protocols and procedures. The results indicated that the modified binders had better rutting resistance than the neat binder regardless of performance grade (PG). The nonlinear stress limits of most modified binders were all found to be less than 3.2 kPa, which indicated that the stress level of 3.2 kPa included in current specifications could identify their nonlinear behavior. A higher stress level was recommended for identifying the nonlinearity of Binder 3 (PG 64-40 from Supplier A). The recovery time and the number of load cycles had significant effects on the nonrecoverable creep compliance (Jnr) and percent recovery (R) values of polymer-modified binders. Based on the testing results, it was recommended that at least 30 load cycles be included at each stress level and that the strain data from the last five cycles be used to calculate the Jnr and R values. The Jnr-diff included in current one current standard was found unwarranted to evaluate the stress sensitivity of the Alaskan polymer-modified binders used in this study.

Laboratory evaluation of rutting resistance for asphalt binders and mixtures modified with different thermochromic microcapsule powders

Asphalt binder absorbs a lot of solar energies in summer and causes many pavement distresses and environmental problems. Thermochromic microcapsule powder (TMP) has been applied into asphalt binders as pavement materials since it reversibly changes its colors and dynamically adjusts the reflectivity to solar radiation according to temperature variations. In this research, the rutting resistance of TMP modified asphalt binders was evaluated by the physical properties tests, temperature and frequency sweep test, and multi-stress creep recovery test. The effects of base binder types, TMP types, and TMP content were investigated. The repeated load permanent deformation test was performed on TMP modified asphalt mixtures to verify the findings obtained from the binder performance tests. It is found that two types of TMP show the opposite effects. The use of one type of TMP reduces the rutting resistance of asphalt binders while the use of another improves it. The effect becomes more significant with the increase of TMP content. All TMP modified asphalt binders exhibit low stress-dependence. The consistent findings are obtained from both binder and mixture performance tests. Nonrecoverable creep compliance of asphalt binders is a rational indicator to predict the rutting resistance of different types of asphalt mixtures. The potential reasons for the different modification effects of two types of TMP are preliminarily discovered.

Characteristics of bioepoxy based on waste cooking oil and lignin and its effects on asphalt binder

Epoxy asphalts are specialty high performance binders that are composed of expensive petroleum-based bisphenol A type epoxies. In this study an environmentally friendly bioepoxy resin is used to modify the asphalt binder. The bioepoxy resin is composed of a waste cooking oil-based epoxy (WCO-EP) and a Kraft lignin-based polycarboxylic acid (KL-COOH) curing agent. Nadic methyl anhydride (NMA) is used as a co-curing agent to adjust the processability of the epoxy. The effects of the KL-COOH/NMA molar ratio on the dynamic mechanical properties, and thermal stability of the cured bioepoxy were investigated. Results show that higher ratios of KL-COOH/NMA resulted in enhanced mechanical properties of bioepoxy resin. In addition, the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) and Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests were used to evaluate the high temperature performance of bioepoxy modified asphalt binders. These results show that addition of bioepoxy considerably improved the rutting resistance of asphalt binder. In addition, Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) test was utilized to evaluate the low temperature resistance of the bioepoxy modified asphalt binder. Although the addition of bioepoxy increased the stiffness of asphalt binder, its negative effect on the thermal cracking resistance is found to be negligible.

Investigating the high-temperature performance and activation energy of carbon black-modified asphalt binder

This study set out to evaluate the influence of carbon black (CB) on the rheological properties and activation energy of asphalt binder at high service temperatures. The rheological performance of virgin and modified asphalt binders are investigated using three evaluation approaches: (1) Superpave specification parameter (G*/sinδ), (2) multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test, and (3) interaction model for computing zero shear viscosity (ZSV). Moreover, the Arrhenius model was used to quantify the activation energy (Ef) of virgin and CB-modified asphalt binders. The result of this study reveals that modifying asphalt binder with up to 10% of CB, by weight of the total asphalt binder, enhances the elastic behavior (R%) and decreases the non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) of asphalt binder at high temperatures. Moreover, according to this study, the ZSV index can describe successfully rutting resistance of asphalt binder when compared with MSCR and Superpave rutting specification parameter. Besides, it was indicated that CB-modified asphalt binder has a high fluid resistance as more thermal energy was required for overcoming intermolecular force between molecules.

Novel Procedure for Accurately Characterizing Nonlinear Viscoelastic and Irrecoverable Behaviors of Asphalt Binders

AbstractThe multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test has been extensively recognized as a more effective method for characterizing the rutting resistance of asphalt binders than the traditional l...

Laboratory evaluation of the composition of nano-clay, nano-lime and SBS modifiers on rutting resistance of asphalt binder

The physical and rheological properties of asphalt mixtures affect pavement performance at high and low ambient temperatures, and thus can affect the final performance of the mixture. Adding modifiers such as polymers and nano additives to improve asphalt mixture performance has become popular in recent years. The purpose of this study is to modify the bitumen with nano-clay, nano-lime and Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS). PG 64-22 bitumen was modified using 2, 4 and 6 wt% of nano-clay and the results showed that increasing the nano-clay to the base bitumen improved the rheological properties and rutting resistance of asphalt binder. Also, it was examined the effect of adding 3% SBS to the bitumen sample, and the results indicated a positive effect of this additive, especially at lower temperatures. In the next step, bitumen was modified using 4 and 6 wt% of nano-lime and 3% SBS with 4 and 6 wt% of nano-clay in combination with the base bitumen and tested to evaluate the combined effect of these three materials. The effect of this modifier on reducing rutting failure was evaluated compared to the control sample. To this end, we evaluated the effect of these materials on the rheological properties of bitumen by performing multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test by Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). Results showed that increasing the nano-clay to the base bitumen improved the rheological properties and rutting resistance of asphalt binder and best improvement is achieved with 6%. The effect of 3% SBS although did not produce results similar to nano-clay, but the results showed significant improvement in bitumen properties. Finally, the best combination in this study was a combination of 3% SBS, 4% nano-clay, and 6% nano-lime, which yielded good results.

Laboratory evaluation of nano-silica modification on rutting resistance of asphalt Binder

Rutting is identified and used as the first failure mechanism in most important design conditions of flexible pavements. Bitumen can play a decisive role as one of the main materials used in asphalt mixtures, and modifying the properties of bitumen can greatly delay these failures and minimizing them in some cases. In this study, the PG 64-22 bitumen was modified using 2, 4 and 6% weight percentage of nano-silica and the effect of this modifier on reducing rutting failure was evaluated compared to the control sample. The rutting parameters including non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) and the recovered creep (R%) were also evaluated, and then the effect of nano-silica on the improvement of these parameters at high temperatures was evaluated by simulating dynamic loading using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) and performing the MSCR test at 3 temperatures of 58, 64 and 70 °C. After investigating the bitumen behavior in the non-linear viscoelastic state, a significant effect was observed in the rutting parameters. So that, as a result of nano-silica addition, the cumulative strain decreased compared to the control sample and this decrease became more by increasing the modifier percentage, resulting from increasing the creep recovery at the end of each creep cycle. It was also concluded that, the increase in temperature in high and low stresses, has a negative effect on decreasing deformation recovery percent (R%) and the non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr), both in unmodified and modified bitumen samples, but importantly, the amount of nano-silica effect on the improvement of these parameters was negative, which was discussed in detail in this study. Also, at a certain temperature, increasing the percentage of nano-silica modifier significantly increased R%, and also significantly decreased the Jnr. In the following, the difference of creep recovery in high and low stresses of Rdiff and the difference of the non-recoverable creep compliance in high and low stresses of Jnrdiff significantly improved, indicating a reduction in the sensitivity of asphalt samples to the applied stress and also a significant increase in resistance of the samples against rutting.

Effect of Various Metal Hydroxide Flame Retardants on the Rheological Properties of Asphalt Binder

Metal hydroxide has been widely used as flame retardant to reduce the hazards of tunnel fire, however, few researches investigate its effect on the rheological properties of asphalt binder systemically. This study explores and compares the effect and mechanisms of magnesium hydroxide (MH), aluminium hydroxide (ATH), hydrated lime (HL), and layer double hydroxides (LDHs) on the rutting resistance, anti-aging resistance, as well as the thermal cracking resistance of asphalt binder. Rotational viscosity (RV) test, dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test, and bending beam rheometer (BBR) test are involved in the project. Test results indicate: (1) the addition of metal hydroxide generally improves the rutting resistance of asphalt binder during high temperatures due to the typical filler effect, while weakens the resistance to thermal cracking of binder at low temperatures because of the stress concentration; (2) HL and LDHs enhance the anti-aging resistance of asphalt binder; (3) LDHs modified binder, which is proved with better rheological properties, including great rutting resistance, anti-aging resistance and passable resistance to thermal cracking, is recommended for further use. However, the high procurement price is still a big obstacle for its wider application. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.25.3.21572

Effect of nanosilica morphology on modification of asphalt binder

Based on a literature review, modification of asphalt binder with nanosilica (NS) has been the topic of several research studies, but hardly any published research concerning structural aspects is available. This research investigates the modification effect of two morphologically different NS materials: (i) a synthesised fibrous with porous structure and (ii) a commercial spherical with nonporous structure, on asphalt binder. The fibrous NS was synthesised using a low surfactant concentration synthesis method. Morphological and structural characterisations were carried out using the SEM, TEM, XRD and BET techniques. High and low temperature performance characterisations were conducted using physical and rheological determinations including conventional test parameters, dynamic shear rheometer, multiple stress creep recovery and bending beam rheometer evaluations. Results indicate that due to the porous structure and extremely high specific surface area, the synthesised fibrous NS provides a higher performance-related enhancement to the asphalt binder comparing to the spherical NS, thus providing more beneficial effects on the high temperature rutting resistance of asphalt binder at lower dosages, without detrimental effect in its low temperature grade. This reveals that the effectiveness of NS materials could be highly dependent on the morphological and structural properties of the NS particles, which strongly influence the performance characteristics of asphalt binder.

Performance evaluation of asphalt binder modified with EVA/HDPE/nanoclay based on linear and non-linear viscoelastic behaviors

Abstract In this research study a new polymer nanocomposite was made by blending of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, High Density Polyethylene, and Nanoclay. The base asphalt binder with grade of PG64-22 was blended with different percentages of polymer nanocomposite (0.5%, 1% and 2%) to prepare the modified asphalt binders. The performance of asphalt binders containing the polymer nanocomposite was evaluated using conventional tests (penetration, softening point and ductility) and rheological performance tests (multiple stress creep recovery, dynamic shear rheometer and bending beam rheometer). The tests results showed that regardless of linear or nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of asphalt binder, the polymer nanocomposite can improve the low temperature resistance and rutting resistance of the asphalt binder. However, the criteria of linear or nonlinear viscoelastic behavior for enhancing the rutting resistance of asphalt binders resulted in different modification trend. Since there are only a few polymers that can enhance both high and low temperatures performances of an asphalt binder, therefore the proposed polymer nanocomposite may be considered in asphalt pavement construction in regions that encounter with high temperature changes during a day or a year.

Effects of aging on rheological properties of asphalt materials and asphalt-filler interaction ability

The rheological properties of asphalt mastics and asphalt-filler interaction play key roles on the performances of asphalt mixtures. However, the rheological properties of asphalt mastics and asphalt-filler interaction are significantly influenced by aging which exists in the compaction stage of asphalt mixtures. In order to analyze the effects of aging on rheological properties of asphalt binders, asphalt mastics and asphalt-filler interaction, the Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests and Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) tests were conducted for unaged and aged specimens. Results indicate that the aging can enhance the cohesion properties of asphalt binders and mastics, and so the rutting resistance of asphalt binders and mastics is better with an increase in aging degree. However, the low temperature properties of asphalt binders and mastics are worse with an increase in aging degree. The two indices K-B-G∗ and K-B-δ were selected to evaluate asphalt-filler interaction ability. Results show that these two indices have the consistency to evaluate asphalt-filler interaction ability. And also the two indices can reflect the difference of interaction ability of different aged asphalt binders and fillers. The deeper aging degree of asphalt binders is, the worse asphalt-filler interaction ability is. Within the same aging degree, the interaction ability of asphalt 70# with higher asphaltene and resins contents is stronger than asphalt 90#. Therefore, the aging affects the asphalt-filler interaction ability via changes of asphalt active components.

Enhancing rutting resistance of asphalt binder by adding plastic waste

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE is well known in the region for its industrial sectors. As a result, its road network is enduring heavy traffic loads. When accompanied by hot temperatures during the summer the...

Evaluation of rutting resistance of asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures modified with polyphosphoric acid

ABSTRACTIn this research, a polyphosphoric acid (PPA) additive was used to modify a performance graded binder (PG 58-22). Experimental program included use of three PPA contents (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) by weight of bitumen and use of antistripping limestone aggregates. High-temperature rheological properties of asphalt binders were evaluated through the frequency sweep test. Complex modulus test was also used to evaluate rutting characteristics of asphalt mixtures. Results showed that PPA significantly improved rutting resistance of both unmodified asphalt binder and unmodified asphalt mixture, especially for the asphalt binder.

Laboratory investigation of waste tire rubber and amorphous poly alpha olefin modified asphalt

In recent years, waste tire rubber (WTR) has been widely used as an asphalt modifier, due to its good interaction with asphalt particles. Another modifier, amorphous poly alpha olefin (APAO) also gains popular interest from researchers because of its excellent miscibility with rubber, asphalt, and its remarkable aging resistance. This study aims at investigating the compound modification effect of WTR/APAO on the properties of asphalt binders. Their rheological features were measured through conventional and dynamic shear tests; low temperature performance was investigated by bending beam rheometer test; mixture stability was measured by storage stability test. The result of decreased penetration, increased softening point, elastic recovery, viscosity and complex modulus indicates that WTR/APAO compound modification improves the high temperature performance and rutting resistance of asphalt binders. Moreover the binders with additional incorporation of APAO obviously performed better than those modified with WTR alone, especially in storage stability. However, the modification effect of WTR and APAO on low temperature rheological properties of asphalt is unclear and controversial, as both creep stiffness and m-value decreased in the BBR test.

Conceptualization of permanent deformation characteristics of rubber modified asphalt binders: Energy-based algorithm and rheological modeling

The objective of this study was to conceptualize and develop energy-based algorithm to characterize the comprehensive rheological behaviour of different asphalt binders with and without rubber modification. The scope included advanced asphalt binder characterization and analyses using viscoelastic parametric relationships. A total of thirteen different asphalt binders covering over 5000 data points were utilized, including: three virgin binders, one industrially available crumb rubber modified (CRM), and nine laboratory prepared CRM binders with varying dosages. Dissipated energy parameter tanδ was estimated, which helped in assessing the rutting resistance of asphalt binders. CRM binders produced flatter tanδ master curves and with lower magnitudes compared to the virgin binders indicative of higher rutting resistance with reduced energy dissipation-temperature susceptibility. Further, Weibull distribution function modeling on Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) test data quantified the contributions of various viscoelastic components of the asphalt binders. Rheological modeling and dissipated energy methodologies conceptualized as part of the study indicated that rubber inclusions in asphalt binder would aid in the improvement of the materials’ rutting resistance. Overall, it is envisaged that the algorithm developed in this research pertinent to asphalt binders’ advanced rheological characterization would further the state-of-the-art in designing rut-resistant asphalts.

Improvement in performance properties of asphalt using a novel boron-containing additive

In current times, many additives are used to improve the performance characteristics of asphalt. In this study, a new additive that contains boron, given the short name of cyclic borate ester (CBE), was chemically synthesised in laboratory conditions. It was added to the asphalt binder as 1%, 2%, 4% and 6% ratios of asphalt by weight, and modified asphalt samples were produced. The effects of CBE on the conventional properties of asphalt binder (penetration, softening point, ductility, flash point, Fraass breaking point) were examined using a dynamic shear rheometer, rotational viscosity, a rolling thin film oven, a pressure aging vessel and bending beam rheometer test methods. Results showed that the use of CBE additive increased the hardness, softening point, viscosity, flash-point value and rutting resistance of asphalt binder and decreased temperature sensitivity. CBE also enhanced elastic responses (increased complex shear modulus and decreased phase angle), aging resistance and low-temperature cracking resistance and did not change the cohesion property.