Enhancement the Performance of Asphalt Mixtures Using Polymers Additives in Dry Process

Abstract

This study began with a review of the literature on bitumen, hot mix asphalt, marshall method, using polymer, and using SUPERPLAST as a modifier with hot asphalt mixtures in a dry process. Second, an experimental programme was designed to investigate the ability of SUPERPLAST to be used as an enhancer to hot asphalt mixtures used in Egypt. Dolomite stones brought from the ATAQAH quarry in Suez were the aggregate type in all the asphalt mixtures in this study. The selected aggregate gradation is (4-C). The experimental programme was divided into two phases. The first phase was a set of tests to investigate the quality of the used materials. Bitumen tests included softening point, penetration, and rotational viscosity. Absorption, the Los Angeles test, flakiness, and elongation tests were performed on aggregate. In the second phase, control mixture design using the Marshall Design method was carried out to be compared with SUPERPLAST modified mixtures. The modifier percentage ranges from 5 to 12.5 percent of the asphalt binder's weight. The SUPERPLAST was mixed dry 175 ºC. Marshall properties, indirect tensile tests (IDT), loss of stability tests, dynamic modulus tests, and flow number were used to evaluate mixture properties and performance.