PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE MODIFIED BITUMEN AND MIXTURES

Abstract

Interconnectivity necessitates the use of transportation facilities and infrastructure. All highway design agencies seek acceptable, long-lasting, and cost-effective strategies while designing these facilities. The traffic demands on roads are much higher than they have been in the past. Increased traffic loads, larger traffic volumes, and insufficient maintenance have all contributed to serious road surface distress (e.g., rutting and cracking) due to rapid development. As conventional asphalt combinations are unable to withstand high axle loads and tire pressures, interest in polymer-modified asphalt has grown. Polymer modification of asphalt is one of the most effective ways to improve asphalt qualities. The practical temperature range of binders is greatly expanded by polymers. The inclusion of the polymer can considerably improve the binder qualities by increasing the stiffness of the bitumen and enhancing its temperature susceptibility, enabling the building of safer roads and lower maintenance costs. This research presents a laboratory investigation of the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) polymer-modified bitumen. NHA-B gradation, PARCO 60/70 grade bitumen, and EVA polymer of TPI Polene Public Company Limited were used. Penetration, softening point, ductility, and viscosity tests were used to evaluate the conventional properties of the asphalt binders. Three different percentages of polymers were used i.e., 2%, 4%, and 6%. The impact of the EVA polymer on permanent deformation and moisture susceptibility was investigated. A double wheel tracker (DWT) was used to quantify permanent deformation (rutting), and a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) was used to examine moisture susceptibility using an Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) test. For different percentages of bitumen volumetric properties according to Marshall Mix Design procedure were measured, and then Optimum Bitumen Content (OBC) was evaluated. Performance tests were performed using above mentioned percentages of EVA. The rutting potential of mixes was improved by the addition of EVA as compared to control asphalt mixes. The same effect of the polymer was on the moisture susceptibility of the prepared samples. This showed that EVA polymer can be used in flexible pavements to reduce permanent deformation and high-temperature problems.