Construction and Building Materials 41 (2013) 777–783

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Construction and Building Materials

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Evaluation of SBS modified stone mastic asphalt pavement performance

Celaleddin E. Sengul a, Seref Oruc b, Erol Iskender c,⇑, Atakan Aksoy d
a
General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works, Chief Engineering of Melen-I, 34696 Istanbul, Turkey
b
Karadeniz Technical University, Engineering Faculty, Civil Engineering Department, Trabzon, Turkey
c
Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Technology, Civil Engineering Department, 61830 Trabzon, Turkey
d
Avrasya University, Engineering and Architectural Faculty, Civil Engineering Department, 61010 Trabzon, Turkey

h i g h l i g h t s

" Performance of SBS modified SMA mixtures was evaluated with different test methods.
" LCPC wheel tracking test, repeated creep test, indirect tensile strength test, and Marshall Quotient approach were used.
" Higher performances were obtained from the modified mixtures than the control ones.
" For SMA mixtures, efficiency of SBS polymer was confirmed with MQ approach.

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The purpose of this study is to research SBS polymer modified stone mastic asphalt (SMA) pavement per-
Received 12 September 2012 formance. With this scope Marshall test (ASTM D1559) test was verified and optimal bitumen contents
Received in revised form 27 November 2012 were calculated with experimental stages. At the optimal bitumen content control and SBS SMA mixtures
Accepted 19 December 2012
were evaluated with Marshall Quotient (MQ) approach, repeated creep test (RCT), indirect tensile
Available online 4 February 2013
strength test (ITST), Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussees (LCPC) Wheel tracking tests. According
to the MQ results SBS modified samples gives higher values than conventional control mixtures. Higher
Keywords:
MQ can be thought as more resistance to the plastic deformation. Controversial results can be obtained
LCPC wheel tracking test
Repeated creep test
with MQ approach for some types of asphalt mixture gradations. Because of structural integrity and stone
SBS on stone contact gradation for SMA MQ approach gives more harmonious results. Efficiency of SBS poly-
Mechanical testing mer was confirmed with MQ method. Modified samples gave higher indirect tensile strength than control
Plastic deformation ones. RCT and LCPC wheel tracking test results shows that SBS modified mixtures have lower rutting val-
Stone mastic asphalt ues than the conventional mixtures.
Ó 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
Asphalt concrete (AC) is a typical multi-phase composite mate-
rial. The characteristics of each constituent material in this com-
posite and their interactions all contribute to the overall
performance of the asphalt pavement, which may also be affected
by the distribution and the volume fractions of these components.
Particularly, these factors include the modulus and fractions of
coarse aggregates and asphalt mastic which consists of asphalt
and fine aggregates, air void fraction, and so on. The conventional
continuum based models cannot take account of these factors in
the analysis and design, and hence fail to quantitatively capture
the complex mechanical behavior of the AC upon loading [1].
⇑ Corresponding author. Tel.: +90 462 7717250; fax: +90 462 7717251.
E-mail addresses: celensen@hotmail.com (C.E. Sengul), oruc@ktu.edu.tr (S.
Oruc), eroliskender@gmail.com, eiskender@ktu.edu.tr (E. Iskender), aaksoyau@g-
mail.com (A. Aksoy).
Stone matrix asphalt SMA is a gap-graded hot mix that has
gained popularity world-wide. SMA was first devised in Germany
in the 1960s. In the United States, the SMA technology started an
evolution in the early 1990s and has been widely used since. Most
of the reports by the researchers highlighted the mixtures great
potential in resisting permanent deformation or rutting, but ig-
nored any potential fatigue resistance of the SMA. Some of the
properties of SMA mixtures include its high rut resistance, high
durability, improved resistance to reflective cracking and reduced
noise pollution; however drainage of binder and higher primary
costs could be mentioned of its disadvantages. Due to both the
gap-graded nature of SMA mixes and the relatively large propor-
tion of asphalt content, it needs stabilization in order to inhibit
drain-down of asphalt and this requirement is commonly achieved
by adding fibers or polymer modifiers to the mix [2].
It has been shown that the use of stone matrix asphalt (SMA) on
road surfaces can achieve better rut resistance and durability. The
SMA mixtures are designed to have high aggregate content, high

0950-0618/$ - see front matter Ó 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2012.12.065
778 C.E. Sengul et al. / Construction and Building Materials 41 (2013) 777–783

asphalt content typically 5.5–7% and high filler content. For ordin- Table 4
ary SMA, the use of regular asphalt cement together with fibrous Conventional properties of cellulose fiber.

material as a drainage inhibitor is sufficient. Under high tempera- Properties Value

tures and heavy loading, a harder asphalt grade will also suffice. A Cellulose content (%) 66.7
polymer (such as PE, PP or SBS) modified binder may be used to Bitumen content (%) 33.3
substitute the fibrous material. It is possible to increase the capa- Inflammability temperature (°C) 500
bility of resistance to permanent deformation at the expense of a Apparent density (g/l) 480–530
Average particle thickness (mm) 4±1
higher price and greater instability. The demand for higher pave- Average particle size (mm) 2–8
ment quality from users is ever increasing. The cost of a pavement Physical shape Cylindrical dollop
failure is also mounting higher; hence there is a strong desire to
have better asphalt mixture from highway agencies [3].
The gap-graded aggregate mixture provides a stable stone-to-
Table 5
stone skeleton that is held together by a rich mixture of asphalt Typical properties of SBS additives [5].
mastic, which is a mixture of bitumen, filler, sand and stabilizing
Properties Test method Value
additives. Stabilizing additives can be organic or mineral fibers,
or less often, polymers. They stabilize the asphalt mortar and tend 300% Modulus (MPa)a ISO 37 2.9
Tensile strength (MPa)a ISO 37 33
to thicken or bulk the bitumen to prevent binder run-off from the
Elongation at break (%)a ISO 37 880
aggregate. Thus, they ensure the homogeneity of the mixture. Melt flow rate, 200 °C/5 kg, g/10 min ISO 1133 <1
Aggregate interlock and particle friction are maximized and gives Specific gravity ISO 2781 0.94
the structure its stability and strength [4]. Hardness, shore A (30 s)b ISO 868 72
The purpose of this study is to research SBS polymer modified Bulk density (kg/dm3) 37ASTM D1895 Method B 0.4

asphalt performance for SMA pavements. MQ approach, indirect a

Measured on compression molded slabs.
b
tensile strength test, repeated creep test and LCPC wheel tracking Measured on films cast from a solution in toluene.
test were used as performance indicators.

100
2. Used materials
90
Experimental tests were applied one aggregate combination, one asphalt ce- 80
Percentage passing, %

ment, SBS polymer modifier and fiber material for drainage inhibitor. Aggregate
70
and bitumen properties were presented in Tables 1 and 2. Specific gravities of the
used aggregate fractions were shown in Table 3 (see Fig. 1). Cellulose fiber values 60
were defined with Table 4. Table 5 shows SBS elastomeric polymer properties.
50
Design parameters obtained with the ASTM D1559 Marshall method and opti-
mal mixture parameters were presented in Table 6 according to the test. 40
In this study SMA control and SBS mixtures were studied. Properties of SMA 30
control and SBS modified mixtures compacted samples were illustrated in Tables
7 and 8. Compacted samples were produced with identical optimal properties with 20
10
0
Table 1 0.01 0.10 1.00 10.00 100.00
Engineering properties of the used aggregate. Sieve size, mm
Properties Test method Value
Fig. 1. Aggregate distribution on gradation chart.
L.A. Abrasion (%) ASTM C-131 10.6
Flakiness (%) BS 812 (Part 105) 14.7
Stripping resistance (%) ASTM D-1664 30–35 Table 6
Water absorption (%) ASTM C-127 0.85 Marshall design test results.
Soundness in NaSO4 (%) ASTM C-88 2.8
Polished stone value BS 812 (Part 114) 0.60 Design parameters Mixtures-values Board in Turkey
Plasticity index for sandy aggregate TS 1900 Non-plastic
C SBS Min. Max.
Bulk specific gravity, Gmb 2.452 2.449 – –
Marshall stability (kg) 980 1050 – –
Air voids, Pa (%) 3.2 2.55 2 4
Table 2
Void filled with asphalt, Vf (%) 80.2 84.7 – –
The results of tests performed on asphalt cement (AC 50-70).
Flow, F, 1/100 in. 3.5 3.6 – –
Properties Test method Unit Value Asphalt cement, Wa 6.05 6.61
Voids in mineral aggregate (%) 16.2 16.70 16 –
Specific gravity (25 °C) ASTM D-70 g/cm3 1.025 Schellenberger binder drainage test (%) 0.20 0.13 – 0.3
Softening point (°C) ASTM D36-76 °C 52
Flash point (Cleveland) ASTM D-92 °C 210
Penetration (25 °C) ASTM D-5 0.1 mm 63
Ductility (25 °C) ASTM D-113 cm 100+

great care because of angularity and segregation effects and sample homogeneity.
18 samples were constructed for control and modified mixtures and identical sam-
ples were used in mechanical test procedures.
Table 3
Aggregate specific gravities (g/cm3).
3. Test methods and discussions
Grain-size fraction Apparent specific gravity Bulk specific gravity
Coarse aggregate 2.825 2.770 3.1. Marshall Quotient
Fine aggregate 2.770 2.735
Filler aggregate 2.730 – The Marshall Mixture design method is simple and inexpensive to use. Due to
its widespread use throughout the world, a lot of experience has been gained in
 C.E. Sengul et al. / Construction and Building Materials 41 (2013) 777–783 779

Table 7
Properties of the control samples.

Sample number Average height (mm) Practical density (g/cm3) Max. T. density (g/cm3) Air voids (%) VMA (%) VFA (%)
1 63.1 2.448 2.53 3.19 16.21 80.30
2 62.8 2.453 2.53 2.99 16.03 81.38
3 62.6 2.452 2.53 3.03 16.07 81.15
4 64.1 2.445 2.53 3.31 16.31 79.72
5 63.3 2.450 2.53 3.21 16.08 80.75
6 63.4 2.449 2.53 3.25 16.11 80.56
7 63.7 2.449 2.53 3.15 16.18 80.52
8 63.3 2.452 2.53 3.03 16.07 81.14
9 63.6 2.447 2.53 3.24 16.26 80.06
10 63.9 2.451 2.53 3.07 16.10 80.97
11 63.3 2.448 2.53 3.19 16.21 80.34
12 63.6 2.449 2.53 3.15 16.18 80.52
13 63.2 2.457 2.53 2.83 15.90 82.21
14 64.2 2.456 2.53 2.88 15.94 81.94
15 62.2 2.454 2.53 2.95 16.01 81.54
16 63.2 2.446 2.53 3.26 16.28 79.94

Table 8
Properties of the SBS modified samples.

Sample number Average height (mm) Practical density (g/cm3) Max. T. density (g/cm3) Air voids (%) VMA (%) VFA (%)
1 64.4 2.449 2.51 2.41 16.62 85.50
2 63.3 2.447 2.51 2.47 16.67 85.19
3 63.5 2.451 2.51 2.32 16.54 86.00
4 64.2 2.449 2.51 2.41 16.62 85.51
5 65.5 2.451 2.51 2.33 16.55 85.94
6 63.1 2.448 2.51 2.44 16.65 85.36
7 63.6 2.454 2.51 2.21 16.45 86.59
8 64.3 2.446 2.51 2.53 16.73 84.86
9 64.5 2.452 2.51 2.29 16.52 86.12
10 63.9 2.453 2.51 2.26 16.49 86.32
11 64.5 2.447 2.51 2.49 16.69 85.07
12 63.0 2.450 2.51 2.37 16.59 85.70
13 64.5 2.453 2.51 2.24 16.48 86.41
14 65.2 2.446 2.51 2.53 16.72 84.88
15 64.4 2.449 2.51 2.40 16.62 85.54
16 63.8 2.452 2.51 2.28 16.51 86.19

deformation for stone mastic asphalt mixtures. SBS mixtures show the highest
Table 9
resistance to the permanent deformation and harmonious results are concern with
Marshall Quotient results.
the repeated creep tests [11].
Mixture Sample no. Flow Stability Marshall Quotient The stability, flow and MQ values were illustrated in Table 9. Variation of Mar-
(mm) (kg) (kg/mm) shall parameters were come together in Fig. 2.
Flow values were obtained with similar values but higher stability and MQ val-
Control 5 4.95 835.00 168.69 ues were calculated with SBS mixtures than control ones.
6 5.33 817.00 153.28 Although the Marshall stability of the plastiphalt mix is much higher than the
7 5.72 875.00 152.97 control mix, the flow values of plastiphalt mixes are also greater indicating higher
Average 5.33 842.33 158.31 strain capacities to achieve failure. The value of MQ of the plastiphalt is higher than
SBS 5 3.68 1084.00 294.57 of the control mix. It is well recognized that the MQ is a measure of the materials
6 6.22 1163.00 186.98 resistance to shear stresses, permanent deformation and hence rutting [12].
7 6.10 1078.00 176.72
Average 5.33 1108.33 219.42 3.2. Indirect tensile strength test

the use of this method. Results of the Marshall stability test are somewhat related
the performance of the asphalt mixture. The Marshall stability is related to the ten-
sile strength, while a high Marshall flow is related to low resistance to rutting of the
asphalt mixture. The disadvantage of the Marshall Mixture design method is that
the aggregate orientation in the compacted Marshall specimens is not representa-
tive of that in the field-compacted mixtures. The aggregates in the Marshall com-
pacted specimens tend to get crushed at high compaction levels [6].
The ratio of the Marshall stability to Marshall Flow is termed the Marshall Quo-
tient (MQ) and is an indication of stiffness of the mix and the resistance against the
deformation of the asphalt concrete. MQ values are calculated to evaluate the resis-
tance of the deformation of the modified specimens. A higher value of MQ indicates
a stiffer mixture and, hence, indicates that the mixture is likely more resistant [7–
9]. It is thought that Marshall Quotient is not an accepted measure of deformation
resistance for selected hydrated lime and polymer modified mixtures [10].
Marshall stability values were found generally higher than the control mixtures.
Only AP mixture gives lower stability. AP and BE mixtures have lower flow value. As
far as the Marshall test results are concerned for both control and modified mix-
tures Marshall Quotient may not be a good indicator of measuring permanent
ITST test results were given in Table 10 and Figs. 3 and 4. Moisture damage
problem can be evaluated with the rational approaches. Both indirect tensile
strength tests were applied and defined moisture conditioning system was intro-
duced to half of the samples and ratios were calculated with moisture damage
evaluation.
Moisture damage evaluation was only realized with 25 °C. The moisture suscep-
tibility test procedure was performed on the six SMA mixes. Samples in each mix-
ture were divided in two groups. Three Marshall specimens were prepared for the
dry group and also three specimens for the wet group for each mixture type. Sam-
ples of dry group (unconditioned samples) were soaked during 2 h at 25 °C and
then, indirect tensile strength (ITS) test was carried out. Samples in wet group were
selected to be conditioned by saturating with water (55–80% saturation level) fol-
lowed by a freeze cycle ( 18 °C for 16 h) and subsequently having a warm-water
soaking cycle (60 °C water bath for 24 h). The specimens were tested for ITS by
loading the specimens at a constant rate (50 mm/min vertical deformation at
25 °C) and ITS values were measured.
Both unconditioned control mixtures and conditioned control mixtures have
lower strength values with respect to SBS mixtures for 25 °C and 40 °C shown in
Figs. 3 and 4. It was understood that SBS polymer modified mixtures have higher
780 C.E. Sengul et al. / Construction and Building Materials 41 (2013) 777–783

6.0 1200 250

Marshall quotient, kg/mm

5.0 1000
200

4.0 800

Stability, kg
Flow, mm
150
3.0 600
100
2.0 400

50
1.0 200

0.0 0 0
Cont. SBS Cont. SBS Cont. SBS
Mixture type Mixture type Mixture type

Fig. 2. Marshall parameters for control and SBS mixtures, flow, stability and MQ values.

Table 10
Indirect tensile strength test results.

Mixtures Unconditioned Conditioned ITSR

Sample no. Indirect tensile strength (kg/cm2) Sample no. Indirect tensile strength (kg/cm2) Indirect tensile strength ratio
Control 8 5.20 11 6.19 1.19
9 6.16 12 6.65 1.08
10 7.35 13 5.95 0.81
Average 6.24 6.26 1.03
SBS 8 9.27 11 7.37 0.80
9 6.82 12 8.62 1.26
10 8.96 13 7.51 0.84
Average 8.35 7.83 0.97

10 10 1.4
Indirect tensile strength, kg/cm2

Indirect tensile strength, kg/cm2

1.2
8 8
1.0
6 6
0.8
ITSR

4 4 0.6

2 0.4
2
0.2
0 0
0.0
8 9 10 Avr. 8 9 10 Avr. 11 12 13 Avr. 11 12 13 Avr. Control SBS
Control SBS Control SBS Mixture type

Mixture type & Sample number Mixture type & Sample number

Fig. 3. Indirect tension strength test results for unconditioned and conditioned mixtures at 25 °C and ITST ratios in terms of moisture sensitivity.

400 load spreading capacity. This result indicates higher resistance to rutting. As regard
with the ITSR values SBS mixtures have higher moisture damage resistance accord-
350 ing to the conventional control mixtures.
Indirect tensile strength, kPa

300 The tensile strength of an HMA mix is generated by the cohesive strength of the
asphalt binder and the bond strength at the binder–aggregate interface. The tensile
250 strength is calculated from the maximum load the sample can undergo prior to
200 cracking. A mix with higher tensile strength provides better resistance to fatigue
and thermal cracking. Therefore, any additives that can generate a higher tensile
150 strength in the HMA mix in the dry and moisture-conditioned stages will improve
the long-term performance of an HMA pavement. This test involves loading a cylin-
100
drical specimen with vertical compressive loads; this generates a relatively uniform
50 tensile stress along the vertical diametrical plane. Failure usually occurs in the form
of splitting along this loaded plane [13].
0
Internal resistances in hot mix asphalts were evaluated. This research indicated
14 15 16 Avr. 14 16 Avr. that the aggregate interlocking greatly occurred in the coarse aggregate. The image
evaluation of aggregate morphological characteristic demonstrated that a stable
aggregate skeleton resulted in more internal resistance. Traditional tests such as
Control SBS
Marshall stability and the indirect tensile strength were considered to be inade-
Mixture type & Sample number quate to measure the internal resistance in HMA [14].
The indirect tensile strengths of the modified mixtures were higher than the
Fig. 4. Indirect tension strength test results for control–SBS mixtures at 40 °C. control mix. This indicates that the mixtures containing additives have higher
 C.E. Sengul et al. / Construction and Building Materials 41 (2013) 777–783 781

values of tensile strength at failure indirect tensile strength under static loading. Table 12
This would further imply that modified mixtures appear to be capable of withstand- Permanent deformation values for some test times at 25 °C and 40 °C temperatures.
ing larger tensile strains prior to cracking (internal resistance) [11].
6
Indirect tension strength ratios can be used as an indicator of moisture damage Sample number and permanent deformation (10 in./in.)
potential. Conditioned strength is divided to control strength and ratio is calculated. Pulse 40 °C 25 °C
Generally 0.70 as an acceptable value is allowable value. Higher ratios are thought
as acceptable mixtures [15]. Tensile strength ratios were illustrated. Only one ratio C1 C2 SBS 1 SBS 2 C3 C4 SBS 3 SBS 4
was found below 0.70 for third conditioning at 10 °C. Laboratory samples gave high- 1 664 272 1154 480 565 258 362 45
er ratios than field samples. Laboratory mixtures proved less stripping propensity 100 2957 1903 4270 2442 4252 2672 1740 533
[16]. 1000 4459 3662 5254 3874 6389 4150 2637 1322
10,000 6026 6215 5905 5578 7813 5391 3649 2249
30,045 6629 8288 6256 6411 8416 6107 4383 2643
3.3. Repeated creep test 64,730 6963 10,648 6485 7040 8913 6662 5055 2855

An axial compression creep test can be used to evaluate the permanent defor-
mation of cylindrical specimens by static or repeated loading. Under static loading
there is an immediate strain but no further accumulation with time. In a repeated
loading axial creep test, the specimen is subjected to repeated applications of axial
stress. Repeated loading, however, does cause permanent strains to build up. The 10000
C1 40°C

Permanent deformation (10-6 in/in)

significant differences in results between compression tests with static and under
repeated load conditions were very clear. Repeated loading is considered essential C2 40°C
when measuring the permanent deformation resistance of bituminous mixtures in 8000
order to properly assess the response of the aggregate structure [17,18]. SBS1 40°C
The resistance of the bituminous mixtures to the plastic deformation was deter-
mined by repeated creep test. The test equipment was the same as that used for the 6000 SBS2 40°C
static creep test but repeated loading was carried out differently. The repeated load
uniaxial creep tests were performed with the following test parameters illustrated C3 25°C
in Table 11. Test frame based on Nottingham Asphalt Tester was shown in Fig. 5. 4000
RCT test results were presented in Table 12. Permanent deformation values C4 25°C
were transformed into Figs. 6 and 7.
SBS mixtures show the highest resistance to the permanent deformation and 2000 SBS3 25°C
harmonious results are concern with the repeated creep tests [11]. SBS modified as-
phalt mixtures have higher permanent deformation resistance than the control SBS4 25°C
mixtures for both 25 °C and 40 °C test temperatures. SBS modified mixtures was 0
particularly found as a superior additive for rutting. As far as the temperature is 0 20000 40000 60000
concerned rutting at high temperature is quite higher than the moderate tempera- Number of pulses
ture conditions such as 20 °C and 25 °C. The dominant factor on permanent defor-
mations is temperature but plastic deformation was found lower at 40 °C for SBS Fig. 6. RCT graphs for mixtures at 25 °C and 40 °C test temperatures according to
mixtures than control mixtures at 25 °C test temperature. In terms of this results sample numbers.
SBS polymer additive is an outstanding performance asphalt additive for rutting

9000
Table 11
RCT parameters for control and SBS asphalt mixtures. 8000
Test parameters Values
7000
Permanent deformation (10-6 in/in)

Temperature 25 °C, 40 °C
Conditioning stress 30 kPa
Conditioning stress time 1 min 6000
Conditioning stress rest time 1 min
Test stress 300 kPa
Loading period 1000 ms 5000
Time loaded 500 ms
Time unloaded 500 ms
4000
Pulse number 64,800 (18 h)
Resting time 60 min
3000

2000

Actuator C 25°C C 40°C

1000
SBS 25°C SBS 40°C
0
0 20000 40000 60000
Number of pulses

Fig. 7. RCT graphs for mixtures at 25 °C and 40 °C test temperatures (average

values).

resistance. At moderate temperature (25 °C) SBS mixtures shows utmost perfor-
Load cell mance and it is said that fatigue performance of SBS modified mixtures was
increased.
The efficiency of SBS polymer additive was clearly observed at high temperature
(40 °C) for both static and repeated creep tests. The pre-modified (PM) mixtures
showed slightly increased resistance to the permanent deformation than the labo-
Fig. 5. Nottingham Asphalt Tester Test Frame [19]. ratory-modified (M) mixtures. The static creep test was found to be a good indicator
782 C.E. Sengul et al. / Construction and Building Materials 41 (2013) 777–783

of the permanent deformation resistance at high temperature (40 °C) for conven- temperature was reached at 60 °C, pre-compacting (1000 cycles) was realized. Pre-
tional and modified mixtures. The repeated creep test was shown to be a good indi- conditioning temperature was regulated and values were saved. After the values
cator of rutting and the superior performance of polymer-modified mixtures in were saved rutting was calculated with Y = A⁄(N/1000)B where A is the rutting for
terms of rutting was clarified for the dense skeleton. It was clearly observed that 1000 cycle, N is the cycle number and B is the tangent of linear line in logarithm
at the higher temperature (40 °C) all conventional samples disintegrated and crack- coordinate. Two identical samples were used for each alternatives. Rutting values
ing planes were obtained; however, the modified samples retained their structural in terms of left–right and average were presented in Table 13.
integrity. The modification with SBS was very effective in increasing the rutting Fig. 8 shows interaction between control and SBS mixtures rutting values. SBS
resistance of a mixture. When measured at 40 °C, the modified mixtures showed mixtures reveal highest performance according to the control mixtures. SBS poly-
higher resistance to rutting by factors of between 6 and 10 in comparison with mer modified asphalt mixtures gives at least double rutting resistance for
the conventional ones at the end of repeated creep duration [19]. 50,000 cycles with LCPC test results.
Numerous investigations have been carried out on incorporating polymer SBS polymer and lime–SBS modified asphalt mixtures were evaluated in a view
modified bitumen to improve the performance of bituminous composites. This in- of rutting performance. LCPC wheel tracking compaction effort was interrogated
cluded bitumen modified with SBS or EVA or SBR (natural and ground tyer rubber) with the field roller compaction in LCPC loading system. And also 100 mm and
in various concentrations. Most of the results obtained from laboratory and full- 150 mm samples were prepared and repeated creep tests for these samples were
scale trials demonstrate to varying extents an improvement in the performance realized. Regression interaction between different samples dimensions and LCPC
of these modified bituminous mixes in terms of increased resistance to permanent tests were researched. LCPC wheel-tracking test results show that lime–SBS mix-
deformation, improvement in fatigue life, improved durability and resistance to tures reveal highest performance according to the other mixtures types. Polymer
moisture damage [20,21]. Polymer (styrene) modified mixtures showed higher modification increased rutting resistance of lime modified ones. Both original LCPC
performance than the conventional mixtures and increased load spread ability for compactor and field roller compaction showed resemble results. 150 mm samples
field core samples [22]. showed highest correlation (higher than R2 = 0.80) between LCPC test and repeated
Pre-modified mixtures (PMs) showed higher rutting resistance than the labora- creep test for different compaction types and different moisture conditionings. It
tory modified mixtures. The efficiency of SBS additive was clearly observed like was shown that LCPC compactor shows good correlation with the real field roller.
other researches [23–25]. Field roller compacted samples showed higher permanent deformation than the
Variation between SBS identical samples was shown more homogenous for con- LCPC compactor. It is thought that higher void contents can be concerned in high-
trol and conditioned samples. SBS mixtures propound synchronize mixtures. This is way pavements. Laboratory prepared samples for both compacted cylindrically
important in view of quality control. According to the repeated creep test with the samples (Marshall Compaction) and slabs (wheel tracking compactors) gives higher
increasing of moisture effect SBS mixture protects own structural integrity and rut resistance because of the compaction simulation differences [27].
maintains its efficiency but in recognition of rutting AS creep portions gain onto Mechanical properties of control and modified asphalt mixtures were evalu-
the control mixtures [26]. ated. Conventional and five modified asphalt mixtures were studied on hot mix as-
phalt permanent deformation resistance. Amorphous polyalphaolefin, cellulose
fiber, polyolefin, bituminous cellulose fiber and styrene butadiene styrene were
3.4. LCPC wheel tracking test used as modifiers. According to the LCPC wheel tracking and repeated creep test re-
sults SBS mixtures were found as the most resistance mixtures in view of the rut-
Rutting test was verified with the LCPC method. This test has been used in ting. Additives performed different performance levels but showed more
France for over 20 years to successfully prevent rutting in HMA pavements. In re- resistance to permanent deformation according to the conventional mixtures [11].
cent years, the test has been used in the United States. This test is capable of simul-
taneously testing two HMA slabs. Slab dimensions are typically 180 mm wide,
500 mm long, and 20–100 mm thick. Research indicates good correlation between 4. Conclusions
LCPC test results and actual field performance Samples were prepared at 500 mm
length, 180 mm width, 100 mm height. Test temperature was 60 °C. Samples were
SBS polymer modified asphalt performance for SMA pavements
kept at least 12 h at this temperature. Each tire was applied 5000 N load. Tire pres-
sure was 0.6 MPa (87 psi) [27]. Samples must be compacted as a determined degree
was evaluated. MQ approach, indirect tensile strength test, re-
of compaction. Samples were compacted at 98% field compaction degree. Before the peated creep test and LCPC wheel tracking test were used as per-
formance indicators. Below considerations can be drawn with
Table 13 this research: Higher stability and MQ values were calculated with
Left and right tyre rutting values for LCPC wheel tracking test for control–SBS SBS mixtures than control ones. SBS polymer modified mixtures
mixtures.
have higher load spreading capacity. This result indicates higher
Control mixtures resistance to rutting. As regard with the ITSR values SBS mixtures
Load pulses 1000 3000 5000 10,000 30,000 50,000 have higher moisture damage resistance according to the conven-
RUT left sample 4.16 4.82 5.43 5.73 6.29 6.80
tional control mixtures. SBS modified mixtures was particularly
RUT right sample 5.01 6.96 7.49 7.86 8.41 8.84
found as a superior additive for rutting. In terms of this results
Average 4.58 5.89 6.46 6.80 7.35 7.82
SBS polymer additive is an outstanding performance asphalt addi-
SBS modified mixtures tive for rutting resistance. At moderate temperature (25 °C) SBS
Load pulses 1000 3000 5000 10,000 30,000 50,000 mixtures shows utmost performance and it is said that fatigue per-
RUT left sample 1.58 2.03 2.43 2.61 2.85 3.07 formance of SBS modified mixtures was increased. SBS mixtures
RUT right sample 2.31 3.09 3.43 3.75 4.10 4.37 reveal highest performance according to the control mixtures.
Average 1.95 2.56 2.93 3.18 3.48 3.72 SBS polymer modified asphalt mixtures gives at least double rut-
ting resistance for 50,000 cycles with LCPC test results.

10 10 10
Left wheel Right wheel Average
8 8 8
Rutting ratio, %

Rutting ratio, %

Rutting ratio, %

6 6 6

4 4 4

2 2 2
Control SBS Control SBS Control SBS
0 0 0
0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000
Number of load pulses Number of load pulses Number of load pulses

Fig. 8. Rutting and number of load pulses interaction between control and SBS mixtures.
 C.E. Sengul et al. / Construction and Building Materials 41 (2013) 777–783 783

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