Binder Rheology, Morphology and Adhesion Effects on Asphalt Mixtures

Some polymer systems are being increasingly used in asphalt concrete pavements because of their role in reducing several types of pavement distress and enhancing pavement performance. The Michigan Department of Transportation sponsored a research program to investigate the micro and macro-structural, morphological, and engineering properties of polymer modified asphalt binders (PMA) and mixtures. This paper presents the interaction of the rheological, morphological and adhesive properties of binders to the engineering properties of asphalt mixtures modified with five different polymers. The rheological and adhesive properties of binders and the elastic, fatigue, tensile, and permanent deformation properties of PMA mixtures were studied. It was found that the improvements in the structural and engineering properties of PMA mixtures are due to improvements in the rheological, morphology and binder-aggregate adhesion properties of binders. Some PMA systems show better resistance to fatigue cracking and rut potential than others. Two PMA systems were more effective in reducing the low temperature cracking relative to other systems.