LONG TERM AGEING PROPERTIES OF POLYMER-MODIFIED BINDERS, THEORY & EXPERIENCE

Based upon 15 years experience with polymer modified bitumen in Austria, a study dealing with the long term ageing properties of this binder is presented. 19 binders (three different grades) were recovered from different asphalt layers up to 13 years old according to the most common modified asphalt mixes used in Austria: SMA, pmAB (asphalt concrete), DA (porous asphalt) & BT-HS (asphalt base - highly stable). Several investigations were made: increase of traffic loads, relation to climatic conditions, surface condition (rutting, cracking, ...), asphalt testing, conventional binder testing and binder testing using new test methods. Additionally, relations were made between the results of the recovered binders and performance grade testing of new binders. Conclusions were drawn about the need of modification in asphalt layers regarding the ageing behaviour of the binder. For the covering abstract see ITRD E121480.