Abstract for presentation (Poster or Podium) with a Paper in the Conference Proceedings
Highway Pavements
Ainalem Nega, PhD, MIEAust, S.M.ASCE
Lecturer
University of Queensland
Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
Ainalem Nega, PhD, MIEAust, S.M.ASCE
Lecturer
University of Queensland
Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
Daba S. Gedafa, Ph.D., P.E., ENV SP, F. ASCE
Chair and Professor
University of North Dakota
GRAND FORKS, North Dakota, United States
David Williams, Ph.D.
Professor
School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Ainalem Nega, PhD, MIEAust, S.M.ASCE
Lecturer
University of Queensland
Dutton Park, Queensland, Australia
The dynamic modulus of asphalt mixtures depends on temperature and the time rate of loadings. This behavior directly affects the mechanistic-empirical (M-E) of flexible pavement design procedures. The main purpose of this study was to determine the dynamic modulus, develop a master curve and assess the impact of polymer-modified binder on asphalt mixes of flexible pavement that are used in Western Australia. Eight asphalt concrete mixtures containing various types of polymer-modified binders (PMB) were produced in a laboratory. The PMBs were set to alter the performance of regular unmodified asphalt mixtures. The effects of selecting polymers on the asphalt mixture dynamic modulus, |E*| were investigated. The effects of temperature, loading rate, and confining pressure on the measured dynamic modulus were also analyzed. Results revealed that some of the asphalt mixtures which contain a large percentage of butadiene, elvaloy, and EVA, exhibit improved low-temperature properties and dynamic modulus as compared to other asphalt mixtures. However, the results of rheological tests with the other asphalt mixture performed poorly. This suggested that laboratory tests using various temperatures and loading frequencies with a specified polymer modifier can improve and strengthen the asphalt mixtures. A large increase in viscosity can also improve the low-temperature cracking resistance of the asphalt mixtures.