SOĞUK BÖLGELERDE KULLANILACAK SAF BİTÜMÜN MODİFİKASYONU VE BETON ASFALT ÜRETİMİNDE KULLANIMI: B70/100 BİTÜM ÖRNEĞİ

In addition to traffic loads, asphalt - paved roads in cold - climatic regions are subjected to thermally - induced stresses, resulting in low - temperature cracks. As such, improving the physical and rheological properties of binder by some bitumen modifications is very essential. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of Polymer - Modified - Bitumen (PMB) and to determine the optimal polymer amount. Accordingly, standard neat B70/100 penetration grade bitumen was modified with 4%, 4.5%, and 5% Styrene - Butadiene - Styrene (SBS) in this study. After obtaining the optimum SBS amount, the asphaltic specimens with PMB for wearing course were manufactured according to the standard Marshall design method. Mechanical and volumetric properties of Marshall briquettes were evaluated to further investigate the effect of SBS modification. Overall, it is concluded that asphalt concretes containing 5.2% PMB (modified with 4% SBS) performed satisfactorily in line with Turkey General Directorate of Highways’ (KGM) technical specifications and they are promising for cold - climatic regions.