Evaluation of Polymer-Modified Hot-Mix Asphalt: Laboratory Characterization

This paper presents a comprehensive study to evaluate the characteristics of polymer-modified asphalt binders and mixes using both the conventional and SuperPave tests. The polymers investigated included styrene–butadiene–styrene, styrene–butadiene–rubber, and complex polymers (or C-polymer). It is shown that the characteristics of polymer-modified asphalt binders and mixes may vary with the polymer type, polymer dosage, asphalt source, aggregate type, and mix type. As the polymer dosage increases, the high- and low-temperature characteristics of the asphalt binder become better, the creep stiffness decreases, the m -value may increase, and the aging characteristics improve. The use of a polymer can enhance the dynamic stability of asphalt mix and the use of the rut depth can better measure the rut resistance. The presence of a polymer can also enhance the bending behavior of the asphalt mix at low temperatures. It is concluded that the AC-13 mix may generate better pavement performance than the AC-16 mix...