Influence of Polymer Additives on Physical Properties of Asphalt Concrete under Marshal, Flexure and Compressive Stresses

Abstract

Abstract

The polymer modified asphalt cement is used today to reduce early pavement distress and extend service life by enhancing adhesion, cohesion, and elasticity. This work studies the impact of polymer additives (SBS, LDPE, and rubber) to asphalt cement on the physical properties of asphalt concrete subjected to compression and flexure stresses, and Marshal volumetric properties. Asphalt concrete cylindrical specimens of 101.6 mm diameter and 127 mm height for compressive strength determination, and Marshal specimen of 100mm diameter with 63mm thickness, and beam specimens of 381.0 mm length, 76.2 mm width, and 76.2mm thickness for flexure strength determination have been prepared with optimum asphalt content requirement and with extra 0.5% asphalt above and below the optimum and tested. It was concluded that polymer additives have positive impact on the physical properties in general. For (SBS, LDPE, and rubber) modified mixes, Marshal stability increases by (10, 5, and) %, while the stiffness increases by (10, 6, 19) % respectively as compared with control mix. On the other hand, compressive and flexure strength increases by (1.3, 13, and 37.4) % and (20, 5, and 33) % for (SBS, LDPE, and rubber) modified mixes respectively at its optimum requirement.

Keywords:Modified asphalt concrete, flexure, compression, stability, stiffness

Cite this Article
Saad Issa Sarsam, Sara Ali Jasim. Influence
of Polymer Additives on Physical
Properties of Asphalt Concrete under
Marshal, Flexure and Compressive
Stresses. Trends in Transport Engineering
and Applications. 2017; 4(3): 8–17p.