Effect of Using Polymers on Bituminous Mixtures Characteristics in Egypt

Attention has been increasing towards the use of polymer modified asphalt, because conventional asphalt mixtures cannot resist the high axle loads and tire pressures. Several classes of modified binders have been used in asphalt pavements. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of adding several types of polymers on asphalt cement and asphalt concrete mixtures. Experimental program involved two phases. The first phase was modifying the asphalt using six types of polymers then evaluating the properties of the modified asphalt. The second phase was evaluating the effect of binder modification on Marshall mix design characteristics and indirect tensile strength of the asphalt concrete mixtures. It was found that the optimum percentage of PVC, plastic bags and novolac was 4%, and the optimum percentage of HDPE was 5% by weight of asphalt. These percentages caused increase in kinematic viscosity, stability, and indirect tensile strength and caused reduction in penetration.