Conceptualization of permanent deformation characteristics of rubber modified asphalt binders: Energy-based algorithm and rheological modeling

The objective of this study was to conceptualize and develop energy-based algorithm to characterize the comprehensive rheological behaviour of different asphalt binders with and without rubber modification. The scope included advanced asphalt binder characterization and analyses using viscoelastic parametric relationships. A total of thirteen different asphalt binders covering over 5000 data points were utilized, including: three virgin binders, one industrially available crumb rubber modified (CRM), and nine laboratory prepared CRM binders with varying dosages. Dissipated energy parameter tan delta was estimated, which helped in assessing the rutting resistance of asphalt binders. CRM binders produced flatter tan delta master curves and with lower magnitudes compared to the virgin binders indicative of higher rutting resistance with reduced energy dissipation-temperature susceptibility. Further, Weibull distribution function modeling on Multiple Stress Creep and Recovery (MSCR) test data quantified the contributions of various viscoelastic components of the asphalt binders. Rheological modeling and dissipated energy methodologies conceptualized as part of the study indicated that rubber inclusions in asphalt binder would aid in the improvement of the materials' rutting resistance. Overall, it is envisaged that the algorithm developed in this research pertinent to asphalt binders' advanced rheological characterization would further the state-of-the-art in designing rut-resistant asphalts. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.