Main standard indicators of polymer asphalt concretes

Abstract

The main indicators of 29 types of asphalt and polymer asphalt concretes prepared with the use of neat bitumens of 2 grades and 7 types of polymer bitumens have been determined and comparatively analyzed in the work. The bitumens of grades BND 100/130 and BND 130/200 produced by the Pavlodar petrochemical plant have been selected for preparation of the asphalt concretes, polymer bitumens and polymer asphalt concretes. 7 types of the polymers (Elvaloy 4170, Elvaloy AM, Kraton D 1192A, Calprene 501, SBS L 30-01 A, KUMHO KTR, Butonal NS 198) have been selected for the modification of the bitumens. Short procedure has been represented for the preparation of the polymer bitumens. 29 types of the asphalt and the polymer asphalt concretes have been prepared with the use of the above bitumens and polymer bitumens (asphalt concrete of type A-7, asphalt concrete of type B-15, stone mastic asphalt concrete SMA-15-1, stone mastic asphalt concrete SMA-20-6). The following main indicators of quality have been determined for the asphalt concretes and polymer asphalt concretes by testing in relevant laboratory devices: 1) rut depth at the temperature of 60 °С after 10 000 passages of the wheel (ST RK EN 12697-22-2012); 2) tensile strength at the temperature of-30 °С (pr. EN 12697-46-2012); 3) compression strength at the temperature of 50 °С (ST RK 1218-2003); 4) water saturation (ST RK 1218-2003). It is found out that the modification of the bitumens with the polymers increases essentially the main standard indicators of the asphalt concretes: rutting resistance, strength at high temperatures and low temperatures, resistance to the cyclic freezing and thawing (frost resistance). The reactive polymers Elvaloy 4170 and Elvaloy AM are the most efficient among the used ones.