Characterizing Temperature Performance of Bio-Modified Binders Containing RAP Binder

Abstract

The present study was conducted to define low, intermediate, and high temperature performance of date seed oil modified binders (DOMB) mixed with different amounts of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder varying from to 3%. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) test was applied to evaluate the chemical structure of date seed oil (DSO) as virgin and modified binders. Rheological properties of binders were measured applying Brookfield viscosity test. Fatigue and rutting behavior of blends were predicted utilizing linear amplitude sweep (LAS) and multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) tests, respectively. Results showed that the inclusion of DSO affected chemical properties of the binders and resulted in reduced viscosities. The Superpave high performance grade (PG) of binders was increased by one grade due to the addition of RAP; whereas the addition of DSO balanced that. In addition, fatigue behavior of the binders was improved significantly with the addition of DSO to the RAP blended as virgin binder (up to 7%). However, rutting resistance of the blends was adversely affected due to the softening effect of DSO.