• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.7 no.4 s.26
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• pp.49-56
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• 2005

The effect of modified asphalts is evaluated by simple comparison of a single parameter (i.e., tensile strength, stiffness, etc.) between modified asphalt mixture and unmodified mixture. The use of a single parameter to evaluate the effect of modified asphalt must be questioned. Rather, a single unified framework that accounts for changes in key mixture properties is needed to effectively evaluate the modified asphalt mixtures. This study used a new performance-based fracture parameter as a single unified framework, the Energy Ratio (ER), for quantifying the effect of modified asphalts oil the fracture resistance of mixtures. The Energy Ratio was then used as a performance criterion for calculating the construction cost of two modified asphalt pavements (SBS and Crumb Rubber) and unmodified asphalt pavement. The results showed that the Energy Ratio of SBS modified asphalt was higher than those of crumb rubber and unmodified asphalt. Cost analyses indicated that the construction cost of the AC layer would be reduced by up to 24% by SBS modification. Based on the results, the Energy Ratio is capable of evaluating the effect of modified mixtures, and may form the basis of a promising fracture criterion for performance-based thickness design in asphalt pavements.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.3 no.2 s.8
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• pp.91-102
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• 2001

On the basis of several experiments peformed, Bahia et al. (1998) concluded that the current Superpave PG-grading system failed to characterize grading specification of fill modified binders. This conclusion motivates us to investigate the correct grating system suited for modified asphalt binders. The main concept of this development is originated from the relationship between rut depth and binder properties at high temperatures. A new grading system for modified asphalt binders suggested here somewhat resembles to the unmodified binder grading one developed by Huh et al. (2000). Thus, this investigation will provide a unified single theoretical equation of high temperature grading that can apply both to modified and unmodified binders, and will check its effectiveness with the laboratory and the field rut data reported by independent studies. Successful results observed may allow to construction of a correct grading system in the near future.

• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.7 no.2 s.24
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• pp.57-67
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• 2005

Almost most of literatures treat behaviors of asphalt binders as a homogeneous single-phase fluid, but this generalization turns out to be a serious mistake. This study introduces all the characteristic equations for asphalt binders, which are modified or unmodified. Especially, characteristic equations for a unhomogeneous multi-phase fluid for modified asphalts is first time proposed. Characteristics of each equations introduced are explained by employing dynamic shear testing data actually measured for specific asphalt binders. Differences of moving behaviors and characteristic equations between a homogeneous single-phase and a unhomogeneous multi-phase fluid are emphasized. These differences help us understand which characteristic equations must be used for a given asphalt fluid and what kinds of properties must be investigated for analysis of a specific asphalt binder. Results of this study provide how to analyse modified and unmodified asphalts, and informations necessary for binder grading.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.166-172
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• 1997

The objective in this study was investigated temperature susceptibility and low temperature fracture of rubber modified asphalt. A chlorinated polyethylene elastomer, Tyrin CM0730, was added to 200/300 grade asphalt with 3.0 and 5.0wt% to improve campatibility. The elastomer modified asphalts were analyzed for temperature susceptibility relating to penetration index(PI) and penetration-viscosity number(PVN) as well as low temperature fracture relating to fracture energy $(G_{IC})$. These indices were obtained from the measurements of penetration, viscosity, failure load and modulus. The addition of small amounts of elastomer to the asphalt resulted in a significant increase of both the PI and PVN over an unmodified asphalt. Also, the fracture energy increased with the addition of elastomer to asphalt. These significant improvement at both the high and low temperature result in enhanced performance.