Investigation of Using Polymers to Improve Asphalt Pavement Performance

As the traffic volume becomes greater in recent years, the performance of asphalt pavement has decreased. Modified bituminous materials can increase performance and reduce highway maintenance. The goal of this study is to investigate the influence of polymer modification for improving pavement performance. A detailed laboratory study is carried out by preparing modified asphalt mixtures specimens using (40-50) grade asphalt from dourah refinery. A comparative study of laboratory performance of application of three polymer types: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Phenol resin, and Polystyrene Polymer in asphalt paving mixtures is investigated. These modified asphalt mixtures were prepared with asphalt cement previously modified by using three percent of polymer (2,4and 6%) by weight of asphalt. To evaluate mix performance, effect of polymer modification was studied by performing indirect tensile strength and retained stability test. In order to evaluate the mixture behavior due to temperature change, two different testing temperatures are used (25,45C?). From the results of this study, it is concluded that with the incorporation of low percentage of polystyrene polymer tensile strength increase, therefore polystyrene modified asphalt mixtures can be used in cold climate conditions. In addition, it can indicate, that using phenol resin in modified asphalt mixes will increase strength and resistance to deformation, then it can be used in hot climate conditions. The results of the present study indicated that the modified mixtures exhibited improved performance when the polymer was used.