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Comparative Review of Marshall and Superpave Mix Designs: Enhancing Asphalt Performance with Polymers
Gulzar Hussain Jatoi1,2, Giuseppe Loprencipe1, Laura Moretti1
1Department of Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Eudossiana 18, 00184 Rome, Italy.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|September 27, 2025
Summary
This review compares asphalt mix design methods, finding Superpave superior to Marshall for pavement durability. Superpave, especially with polymer-modified bitumen (PMB), enhances road longevity and reduces maintenance.
Area of Science:
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Infrastructure
Background:
- Asphalt pavement durability is vital for sustainable road infrastructure.
- Current mix design methods face challenges in meeting modern performance demands.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare Marshall and Superpave asphalt mix design protocols.
- Evaluate the integration of polymer-modified bitumen (PMB) and rejuvenators.
- Recommend transitioning to performance-based frameworks for enhanced pavement resilience.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review comparing Marshall and Superpave design protocols.
- Analysis of polymer modification (SBS, SBR, PE) and rejuvenator effects.
- Examination of pavement performance metrics like rutting, fatigue, and moisture damage.
Main Results:
- Superpave system demonstrates superior resistance to rutting, fatigue, and moisture damage compared to Marshall.
- Polymers significantly enhance asphalt mixture mechanical properties.
- Rejuvenators aid in restoring aged binders and facilitating pavement recycling.
Conclusions:
- Superpave offers enhanced pavement durability and performance over the Marshall method.
- Incorporating PMB and rejuvenators is key to improving asphalt mixture properties and sustainability.
- Adoption of Superpave promotes innovation, reduces lifecycle costs, and ensures long-term road resilience.
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