Evaluation method of modification effect of direct-to-plant SBS modifier on asphalt

To accurately evaluate the modification effect of direct-to-plant styrene–butadiene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) modifier on asphalt, a collection method for direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt was proposed in this paper, the qualitative and quantitative evaluation index system was established, and the feasibility of quantitative evaluation based on fluorescence microscopy images and visual inspection of the mixing effect was evaluated, the feasibility of quantitative evaluation indicators was also verified based on the asphalt indicators, rheological properties, and asphalt mixtures's pavement performances. The research results indicate that based on fluorescence microscopy images, by observing the distribution and swelling state of direct-to-plant SBS modifiers can qualitatively evaluate the modification effect of direct-to-plant SBS modifiers on asphalt. Based on the visual inspection of the mixing effect, observe the size and quantity of unmelted particles, determine the melting state of the direct-to-plant SBS modifier, and its modification effect on asphalt can be qualitatively evaluated. For the same direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt, the percentage of rotation viscosity between direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt and traditional SBS-modified asphalt at 135 ℃ (DAη(135℃)) and discrete coefficient of 135 ℃ rotational viscosity of direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt (CVη(135℃)) exhibit a linear relationship with direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt's penetration, softening point, and ductility, the smaller the CVη(135℃), the greater the DAη(135℃). The smaller the CVη(135℃) (the larger the DAη(135℃)), the larger the dynamic shear modulus (G*), the smaller the phase angle (δ), and the larger the rutting factor (G*/sinδ) at the same scanning temperature. The relationship between CVη(135℃) (DAη(135℃)) and direct-to-plant SBS modifier on the main technical indicators and rheological performance indicators of asphalt is relatively stable. There is a clear relationship between CVη(135℃) (DAη(135℃)) and the high-temperature stability, low-temperature crack resistance, and water stability of direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt mixture, all of which show that as CVη(135℃) decreases (DAη(135℃) increases), the pavement performances improve. •The collection method for direct-to-plant SBS-modified asphalt is proposed.•A qualitative evaluation method for the modification effect of direct-to-plant SBS modifier on asphalt is proposed.•The quantitative evaluatio