Rheological Properties of High-Viscosity Modified Asphalt Containing Warm-Mix Additives

Abstract

High-viscosity modified asphalt (HVMA) is the most commonly applied method in drainage asphalt pavements. However, some disadvantages of hot-mix HVMA, including high energy consumption and unavoidable environmental pollution, should be improved. Therefore, warm-mix additive (WMA) was introduced. In this paper, the effects of WMA on the rheological and microstructural properties of HVMA were studied to select optimum WMA conditions. WMAs mainly include foam warm mix (1%, 3%, and 5%), Sasobit (1%, 3%, and 5%), Evotherm (0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2%), and the newly introduced warm additive glow brand (GLWBR) (0.4%, 0.8%, and 1.2%). Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR) tests were performed on HVMA after rheological processes. Also, microstructural properties were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. Based on the obtained results, all WMAs reduced the viscosity (135°C) of HVMA and achieved warm mixing effects. However, absolute viscosity (60°C) was enhanced by Sasobit and GLWBR. In addition, GLWBR improved high-temperature rheological performance and had no significant effect on the low-temperature and aging performance of HVMA. These findings were further verified by morphological observations.