Influence of reclaimed asphalt with polymer modified bitumen on properties of different asphalts for a wearing course

A laboratory investigation was performed to study the effect of reclaimed asphalt with polymer modified bitumen on the properties describing asphalt performance. Three types of asphalts used for wearing courses in Europe (SMA 11, AC 11 and PA 8) were investigated. Five combinations of reclaimed asphalt, virgin aggregate, paving grade and polymer modified bitumen were tested for each type of asphalt. The results show the water sensitivity of mixtures containing reclaimed asphalt is expected to meet the requirements. Rutting resistance of the mixtures with reclaimed asphalt and virgin polymer modified bitumen was comparable to the mixture only with virgin polymer modified bitumen. Mixtures with reclaimed asphalt had a higher stiffness compared to the mixtures without reclaimed asphalt. It was also proved the penetration of the blended binder relates to indirect tensile strength and stiffness of mixtures and rutting resistance of asphalts is strongly related to softening point of blended binder. © 2014 Taylor & Francis Group