Effect of Weathering on Rubberized Porous European Mixture

Abstract

This project investigated the effect of weathering (UV light, oxidative, and water) on the performance of rubberized porous European mix (PEM) by laboratory tests and field pavement investigation. Three rubberized PEM mixes were produced by three processes: the dry process, the wet process, and the terminal blend in the laboratory. For comparison purposes, PEM mixture containing styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified binder was also used. Weathering for 1,000 and 3,000 h on compacted PEM mixes were conducted. Dynamic modulus, rutting/moisture resistance, and Cantabro loss were measured for each mixture and aging condition. Additionally, the test sections of rubberized and SBS-modified PEM in Georgia were investigated through a visual inspection on the pavements and laboratory testing on core samples. The results indicated that (1) the weathering had increased the elastic properties and the rutting resistance, but had no significant effect on the moisture resistance and decreased the raveling resistance of PEM mixes; (2) the effect of weathering was more on the performance properties of rubberized PEM mixes in the dry process and the wet process than those of the SBS control PEM; (3) the first 1,000-h weathering had more effect on the dynamic modulus and the Cantabro loss of PEM mixes than the last 2,000-h weathering; and (4) all PEM field test sections of the dry process, the wet process, and the control showed excellent performance after 3 or 5 years of service.