Understanding rutting susceptibility of polymer modified asphalt mixes for different traffic loading conditions using binder characterization and simple performance tests

Abstract

The present study investigated the rutting performance of plant produced polymer modified asphalt mixes using binder characterization and simple performance tests. The asphalt binder rutting properties were estimated in terms of non-recoverable creep compliance (J_nr), Superpave rutting factor (|G*|/Sinδ), failure temperature, and softening point. The rutting resistance of asphalt mixes was evaluated using high temperature indirect tensile strength (HT-IDT) test, ideal rutting test (IDEAL-RT), and Marshall rutting test (Marshall-RT). Six different plant-produced SBS (elastomeric) modified asphalt mixtures and binders having a performance grade (PG) of 76-XX or higher were evaluated. The findings showed strong correlations between the asphalt mixtures and asphalt binder rutting parameters. Moreover, preliminary threshold acceptance criteria were established for the simple performance tests at 50°C corresponding to binder J_{[email protected]} for different traffic loading categories. These threshold values can be helpful in production of rut-resistant asphalt mixtures during the mix design and plant-production stages for quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) purposes. Moreover, the study established preliminary threshold criteria for asphalt binder parameters which aids in selecting high-quality binders to enhance the performance of asphalt mixtures. Overall, this study provides a practical framework to highway agencies and practitioners to accurately evaluate the rutting resistance of polymer modified asphalt mixtures, highlighting the critical role of binder properties in producing high-performance asphalt mixtures.