Performance evaluation of sulfur as alternative binder additive for asphalt mixtures

The performance of sulfur as alternative binder additive in asphalt mixtures was presented in this study. The effect of different sulfur contents was investigated to evaluate the rutting and cracking performances of sulfur modified asphalt mixtures. First, the engineering properties and morphologies of the sulfur modified asphalt binder were investigated using traditional binder tests and the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Second, further testing was conducted such as the Marshall stability (MS) test, wheel tracking (WT) test, indirect tensile (IDT) test, and indirect tensile fatigue (IDTF) test, to evaluate the performance resistance of sulfur modified asphalt mixtures. It was found that the sulfur modified binder can improve not only the mechanical properties of asphalt binder but also the rutting performance as well as cracking resistance of asphalt pavement significantly. Finally, the performance of sulfur modified asphalt mixtures was evaluated using the mechanistic empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG) program. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the addition of sulfur can enhance the performance of asphalt mixtures significantly.