The Effect of Plastomers Polymer Type and Concentration on Asphalt and Moisture Damage of SMA Mixtures

Abstract

In this investigation, two plastomers polymer types namely: polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) were used to modify asphalt cement. Nine different blends including conventional mixture were subjected to binder testing such as rheological tests before and after aging, as well as to some other tests related to the uniformity of the system. Marshall stability, Marshall Quotient, static tensile strength, tensile strength ratio, static compressive strength and index of retained strength were carried out on the stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures. Research results indicate that the addition of these polymers enhance the unaged and aged rheological properties of base binder. The results also indicated that the modified binders are complying with the ASTM D491 specifications for asphalt used in waterproofing applications. As well as, the SMA mixtures containing such binders can satisfy the performance requirement of high-temperature and much rain zone.