Investigation on performance of polyphosphoric acid (PPA)/SBR compound-modified asphalt mixture at high and low temperatures

Abstract

With the aim of improving the asphalt and asphalt mixture performance at high and low temperatures, polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) were added to achieve a modification in this study. The effects of PPA and SBR compound modifiers on the rheological and mechanical properties of asphalt and asphalt mixture were characterised by conventional and novelty tests. It was demonstrated that PPA can dramatically improve the anti-rutting performance of base and SBR-modified asphalt and mixture. In addition, resistance against low-temperature cracking of PPA/SBR compound-modified asphalt and mixture was also desirable. Furthermore, the performance indicators were ranked and analysed. As a consequence, 0.75%PPA/2.5%SBR is beneficial to achieve the desired properties comprehensively. The novel tests mentioned in the paper are proper and recommended. Effective indicators have been proposed for their potential to characterise the performance of asphalt and mixture.

Keywords:

• SBR
• polyphosphoric acid
• deformation strength
• semicircular bending test
• thermal stress-restrained specimen test
• performance indicators

Additional information

Funding

The research is supported by the funds of the National Nature Science Foundation of China (NSFC) (No 51278060). The authors appreciate its financial support gratefully.