Study of crumb rubber modified local asphalts using classical tests

Abstract EN

The rapid growth of population and industrialization levels around the world requires higher number of vehicles for transportation and better road qualities, on one hand, on the other hand this growth causes a huge number of scrap tires.

Incorporating scrap tires into the asphalt pavements will help in saving the environment beside improving some of its properties and recycle the scrap tires.

This study investigates the effect of Crumb Rubber Modifier (CRM) on the asphalt properties using classical tests.

Different percentages of CRM by weight of the asphalt was added to three locally produced asphalts of different sources and grades.

The results of this study show that higher CRM contents lead to decrease penetration and ductility values, while it causes increase of the softening point, elastic recovery and penetration index.

Higher softening point and elastic recovery indicate better resistance against rutting and high temperature deteriorations, higher penetration index indicates lower temperature susceptibility and better road life performance.