Using polymers to improve asphalt pavement performance, A review

Pavement structures are subjected to high traffic loads, which deteriorates the pavement over time. In recent years, various techniques for improving the performance of asphalt pavements have gained popularity. One of these technologies is polymer-modified-binders (PMB) in asphalt mixtures, which are gaining popularity due to reduction in thermal susceptibility and increase in fatigue and rutting resistance. As a result, this paper provides a relative assessment of the recycled polymers utmost recently addressed as bitumen modifiers to enable their selection and cover the utilization of bitumen. The melting point of the polymer, the mixing environments, and the maximum amount of polymer supplemented are all studied. Their influences on the mechanical performance and constancy of asphalt binders in the pavement with and without additives are also discussed. Polymer modification has a major consequence on the rheological characteristics of asphalt binder, according to the findings. The findings of this paper will be useful to the local road construction industry in determining the properties of locally available asphalts and modified versions. A case study of the performance of 3 polymer forms in asphalt paving mixtures is provided; namely Polystyrene-Polymer, Polyvinyl-chloride (PVC), and Phenol-resin. These modified asphalt mixtures were made with asphalt cement that had been modified previously with 2%, 4%, and 6% with weight of asphalt polymer. The effect of polymer modification on mix performance was investigated utilizing Retained Stability Tests (RST) and Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS). Two separate measuring temperatures (25°C and 45°C) are used to evaluate the behavior of the mixture due to the change in the temperature. According to the findings of a case study, using a small percentage of polystyrene polymer lead to an increase in tensile strength, permitting polystyrene modified asphalt mixtures to be used in cold climates. The test results also revealed that offering phenol resin in modified asphalt mixes can increase deformation resistance and strength, allowing it to be used in hot climates.