Polymer Modified Asphalt Concrete for Pilot Project on Highway Pavement

Abstract

Poor quality of asphalt binder is one of the causes for early deterioration of asphalt concrete surface, especially with high traffic volume roads. During the past 30 years, rutting in conventional asphalt concrete highway due to the substantial increase in traffic volume has become major problem facing motorists. Engineers have tried to attack the problem by using 60-70 penetration grade asphalt instead of the usual 80-100. This, however, resulted in fatigue cracking and fretting and hence became a serious problem. Polymer modified asphalt has then been used to improve the asphalt cement properties. Asphalt concrete has more resistance to deformation, more stiffness and elasticity after the application of polymer modified asphalt. The mixture demonstrates high resistance to rutting, fatigue cracking and fretting. From the first modified asphalt concrete highway pavement in Thailand as a pilot project, it was found that the durability, stability, strength index and bond between aggregates and binder of the polymer modified asphalt were improved.