UPGRADE OF POLYMER MODIFIED BITUMEN FOR DURABLE ASPHALT PAVEMENT: A NEW APPROACH
Abstract
Asphalt pavements face higher axle loads and rising temperatures, requiring improved binders. A first study in 2024 compared AC22 BASE mixtures using PmB 45/80‑65 and B50/70 modified with 3% of an isocyanate reactive additive (ISO P101). Both met moisture resistance; the isocyanate-based mix had slightly lower rut depth and substantially higher high‑temperature stiffness while maintaining comparable low‑temperature stiffness. Fatigue tests favored PmB in lab indirect‑tension, though isocyanate’s higher stiffness may reduce structural strains in pavements. Building on this, hybrid mix designs combining SBS and isocyanate chemistry were developed. Rheological tests (BTSV, MSCR, elastic recovery) and mix trials showed that adding ISO P101 to commercial PmB increases high‑temperature stiffness and rutting resistance while preserving low‑temperature behavior, with field trials demonstrating workability, storage stability and compatibility with up to 50% of Reclaimed Asphalt. These results support reactive isocyanate modifiers as a practical route to more durable and perpetual pavements.
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