Combined effect of SBS and devulcanized rubber (DVR) modification on performance grade and fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt binders

Abstract

Polymer modification of asphalt binders has gained quite popularity in many transportation agencies, primarily due to the superior crack- and rut-resistant performance. However, added cost of polymer modification results in an appreciable increase in the initial cost of an asphalt pavement. There are more economical and sustainable alternatives to polymers, such as the so-called “De-Vulcanized Rubber (DVR)". Primary advantage of DVR technology is that, it is made from scrap tires and when mixed with asphalt binder, the particles completely dissolve within the binder. Therefore, the final product is a complete fluid, not a suspension. The main objective of this study was to investigate the relative performances of the SBS polymer and DVR in an asphalt binder. The impact of the modifications on performance grade (PG) and fatigue cracking resistance was investigated. The results have shown that more sustainable modification of asphalt binders can be achieved by replacing the entire or some amount of SBS with DVR.