Superpave performance grading of bitumen modification with crumb rubber

Abstract

This research presents the outcome of an experimental study in the laboratory to identify the performance enhancement, which is possible to be obtained when adding crumb rubber to bitumen. Crumb rubber is obtained from discarded tire rubber using the Ambient Grinding Process and for blending, the Wet Process is used. The aim of this project is to find modified bitumen blends that satisfy Superpave standards for performance grading. The environmental advantages are taken into considered because the modifier used is derived from the recycling of the rubber tires, which is a material dumped in landfills in most countries. Notably, this experimental studys purpose is to determine an optimized laboratory protocol to single out amongst several crumb rubber modified bitumen blends, in accordance with crumb rubber modifier gradations, digestion times, and controlling the temperature throughout the whole process. In pursuance of that, many tests were made to determine and compare Bitumen criterias for rutting, and fatigue resistance. In result, this study demonstrate that mixing a specified percentage of crumb rubber from scrap tires , with the proposed optimized laboratory protocol it is achievable to get an improved modified bitumen complying to certain needs of regions with warm climates, especially the Mediterranean area.