Comparing Ground Tire Rubber, Styrene-Butadyene-Styrene, and GTR-SBS Hybrids as Asphalt Binder Modifiers
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33, Issue 5
Abstract
This technical note evaluated hybrid asphalt binders modified with a combination of styrene-butadyene-styrene (SBS) and postconsumer ground tire rubber (GTR). These hybrid blends were evaluated in laboratory mixture experiments against more traditionally modified binder using either SBS or GTR. Mechanical properties measured during laboratory experiments were supplemented with a literature review, followed by a discussion of trade-offs between these modification options within the context of a sustainability triple bottom line of environment, economics, and social well-being. This technical note also discussed test sections containing hybrid binders and how some state departments of transportation have incorporated hybrid binders into their specifications. Overall, this work suggests that performance leans toward SBS, sustainability leans toward GTR, economics sometimes leans toward GTR, and social well-being benefits from consideration of all these factors simultaneously. A hybrid binder containing 1%–2% SBS and 3%–8% GTR should allow for high-temperature grading increases and the use of GTR in a wider range of mix types than have historical approaches.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions, through Paragon Technical Services (PTSi), provided financial support and materials. Full Circle Technologies provided project data, and Eric Biehl, Merrill E. Zwanka, Cliff B. Selkinghaus, Gregory A. Sholar, and Mark Woods provided information on DOT practices.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33 • Issue 5 • May 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 15, 2020
Accepted: Oct 12, 2020
Published online: Mar 5, 2021
Published in print: May 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Aug 5, 2021
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