A Design Method of Styreneic Methyl Copolymers Normal Temperature Modified Asphalt Mixture Based on Performance...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Civil Engineering
• Pavement Engineering

Background:

• Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMC) can suffer from high-temperature rutting and water instability.
• Existing design methods may not adequately address these performance issues.
• A balanced approach is needed for optimal SMC mixture design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a performance-balanced design method for normal temperature modified SMC asphalt mixtures.
• To address the deterioration effects on high-temperature rutting and water stability.
• To provide a practical solution for durable asphalt pavement construction.

Main Methods:

• Proposed a power function curve model for aggregate gradation, focusing on key particle sizes (0.075 mm, 4.75 mm, nominal maximum particle size).
• Developed a quadratic curve model to determine the optimum asphalt-aggregate ratio, considering skeleton-density structure.
• Conducted comprehensive performance tests including rutting, bending, freeze-thaw, permeability, texture depth, and roughness.

Main Results:

• The aggregate gradation model precisely controlled passing rates at critical sizes.
• The asphalt-aggregate ratio method ensured optimal mixture composition.
• All conducted tests met or exceeded Chinese highway asphalt pavement construction specifications.
• High-temperature performance and water stability properties showed significant improvement.

Conclusions:

• The proposed design method for SMC normal temperature modified asphalt mixtures is effective and practical.
• The performance balance approach successfully enhances rutting resistance and water stability.
• This research provides a reliable framework for designing durable and high-performing asphalt pavements.