Rheological and MECHANICAL Performance of Asphalt Binders and Mixtures Incorporating CaCO3 and LLDPE

This study was conducted to assess the performance of modified asphalt binders and engineering properties of mixtures prepared with incorporation 3 vol%and 6 vol%of calcium carbonate(CaCO3),linear low-density polyethylene(LLDPE),and combinations of CaCO3 and LLDPE.The rheological properties of control and modified asphalt binders were evaluated using a series of testing such as rotational viscometer(RV),multiple stress creep recovery(MSCR)and bending beam rheometer(BBR)tests.Meanwhile,four-point beam fatigue test,the dynamic modulus(E*)test and tensile strength ratio(TSR)test were conducted to assess the engineering properties of asphalt mixtures.Based on the findings,the RV and MSCR test result shows that all modified asphalt binders have improved performance in comparison to the neat asphalt binders in terms of higher viscosity and improved permanent deformation resistance.A higher amount of CaCO3 and LLDPE have led modified asphalt binders to better recovery percentage,except the asphalt binders modified using a combination of CaCO3 and LLDPE.However,the inclusion of LLDPE into asphalt binder has lowered the thermal cracking resistance.The incorporation of CaCO3 in asphalt mixtures was found beneficial,especially in improving the ability to resist fatigue cracking of asphalt mixture.In contrast,asphalt mixtures show better moisture sensitivity through the addition of LLDPE.The addition of LLDPE has significantly enhanced the indirect tensile strength values and tensile strength ratio of asphalt mixtures.

Mechanical performance of cold mix asphalt containing cup lump rubber as a sustainable bio-modifier

The road construction industry aims to contribute to the protection of already compromised environment.Cold mix asphalt(CMA)is a measure initiated by the road industry to protect the environment and preserve energy.Despite having additional benefits,CMA has attracted little attention due to its inferior performance.CMA's performance is enhanced using a sustainable binder bio-modifier,natural cup lump rubber(CLR)is one of them.This study evaluated the tensile properties,rutting,moisture susceptibility,and adhesion properties of CLR-modified CMA(CMA-CR).The tensile property was enhanced by 26%due to CLR modification.CMA-CR had excellent rutting resistance of less than 2 mm rut depth at 10,000 load cycles,showing 70%improvement compared with conventional CMA.Moisture susceptibility evaluation indicated that CMA-CR had tensile strength ratio(TSR)value of 104%,satisfying the minimum 80%requirement of AASHTO T283.It also retained more than 96%bitumen coating.The moisture damage resistance was improved by 12%and 10%in terms of TSR and stripping,respectively.The durability results revealed that the CMA-CR mixture prevented higher mass loss,representing 14%improvement compared with conventional CMA.