Investigation on tensile strength ratio (TSR)‎ specimen to predict moisture sensitivity of asphalt pavements mixture and using polymer to reduce moisture damage

الملخص EN

Moisture damage of asphalt concrete is defined as losing the strength and Permanence caused by the active presence of moisture.The most common technique to reduce moisture damage is using modifiers with the asphalt binder or the aggregate.The goal of this study was to explore the effect of various modifiers of polymer on the moisture susceptibility mixture of asphaltic concrete pavement.

Modifiers included in this research selected two kinds of polymers Crumb Rubber No 50 (CR No 50) and Methyl Methacrylates (MMA(which are available in the local markets in Iraq and have been used in three percentages for each type.

These percentages are (5, 10 and 15)% for (CR No 50) and (2.5, 5 and 7.5(% for (MMA).Each type of these polymers is blended with asphalt by wet process at constant blending times for a suitable range of temperatures.

The experimental works showed that all polymers modified mixtures have indirect tensile strength higher than control asphalt mixtures, its about (2-15) %, dependent on different type of polymer and polymer concentration under predicted suitable blending time.Test results of indirect tensile strength indicated betterment in modifying the proprieties of mixture, the increased resistance mixture of asphalt concrete pavement versus moisture damage, and reduced the effect of water on asphalt concrete properties.

The final result is the addition of (10% CR No 50) and (5% MMA) to asphalt mixtures showed an improved mixture of asphalt concrete properties and produced strong mixtures for road construction.One model is predicted for tensile strength ratio [TSR]to estimate the effects of polymer modification on moisture susceptibility mixture of asphalt concrete.