Investigation of the Road Performance of AH-30 Bitumen and Its Mixture: Comparison with AH-70 and SBS-Modified Bitumen

Abstract

AH-30 is a type of high-viscosity matrix asphalt. The asphalt mixture made by AH-30 as a binder has an excellent antirutting performance. However, the other road performance of AH-30 was still worthy of attention. This research aims to reveal the properties of AH-30 and its impact on the road performance of asphalt mixtures (AH30-AC20/25). The AH-70 neat asphalt and SBS modified asphalt were prepared for comparison. The high-temperature sensitivity and fatigue resistance of AH-30 are evaluated by the dynamic shear rheological (DSR) test. The low-temperature performance is evaluated by the bending beam rheometer (BBR) test. The high-temperature stability (HTS) of AH30-AC20/25 is carried out by the wheel tracking (WT) test and the repeated shear constant height (RSCH) test. The low-temperature crack resistance (LTCR) is carried out by the direct stretching (DS) test. The fatigue property is carried out by the three-point bending test. Water stability (WS) is carried out by the Marshall residual stability (MRS) and the intensity ratio of the frozen and melted (IRFM) test. The test results show that the high-temperature resistance of AH-30 is better than that of AH-70. The low-temperature crack resistance of AH-30 is equivalent to that of AH-70. The AH-30 as a binder can meet the requirements of the roads, which are located at a minimum temperature of not less than −10.5°C in winter. The fatigue property of the AH-30 asphalt mixture is poor, which may be one reason why AH-30 asphalt pavement is more prone to cracking. The water stability of the AH30-AC (20/25) asphalt mixture can meet the specification requirements, and AH30-AC20 is better than the other two asphalt mixtures. The research of this paper will provide a basis and reference for the popularization and application of AH-30 in asphalt pavement.