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Cover of Performance of Asphalt and Spray Grade PMBs in Asphalt Mixes
Performance of Asphalt and Spray Grade PMBs in Asphalt Mixes
  • Publication no: AP-T337-18
  • ISBN: 978-1-925671-75-9
  • Published: 12 September 2018

The Australian polymer modified binder (PMB) specification (AGPT/T190) currently requires different binder grades to be used in sprayed sealing and asphalt applications. This study compared the performance of PMBs representing four AGPT/T190 grades (i.e. A20E, S20E, A15E and S25E) in asphalt to determine whether the use of A20E or S20E grade PMBs, or A15E or S25E grade PMBs, had a significant effect on asphalt performance.

Representative samples of the four PMBs were initially produced in the laboratory using identical raw materials. The relative performance of comparable asphalt and spray grade PMBs was then assessed after each of the binders was incorporated into a single type of 10 mm dense‑graded asphalt mix. Representative samples of A20E and S20E grade PMBs showed very similar performance in asphalt. Representative samples of A15E and S25E grade PMBs also did not show marked differences in asphalt performance.

Laboratory experiments have been proposed for 2018–19 to compare the performance of the same binders in sprayed seals. AGPT/T190 may be able to be simplified to include fewer PMB grades, if comparable asphalt and spray grade PMBs (i.e. A20E/S20E or A15E/S25E) also show similar performance in sprayed seals.

  • Summary
  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. Experimental Design
    • 2.1 Binder Materials
    • 2.2 PMB Sample Manufacture
    • 2.3 Binder Test Procedures
    • 2.4 Asphalt Mix Design and Test Procedures
  • 3. Binder Testing and Manufacture
    • 3.1 Bitumen and Polymer Combining Oil Properties
    • 3.2 PMB Blend Manufacture and Testing
      • 3.2.1 Formulation Work Background
      • 3.2.2 Unsuccessful Trial A15E/S25E Blends
      • 3.2.3 Representative PMB Blends
    • 3.3 Summary
  • 4. Asphalt Performance Studies
    • 4.1 Introduction
    • 4.2 Asphalt Results for C320 Bitumen
      • 4.2.1 VicRoads Specified Tests for a Type 10H Mix
      • 4.2.2 Asphalt Fatigue Tests
    • 4.3 Asphalt Results for A20E and S20E Grade Binders
    • 4.4 Asphalt Results for A15E and S25E Grade Binders
    • 4.5 Discussion
  • 5. Summary and Conclusions
  • References
  • Appendix A Individual Sample Results Obtained during Asphalt Tests
    • A.1 Marshall Stability/Flow: Individual Sample Results
    • A.2 Resilient Modulus: Individual Sample Results
    • A.3 Moisture Sensitivity: Individual Sample Results
    • A.4 Individual Sample Results Obtained in Fatigue Tests
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