Laboratory Evaluation of Binder Types Used in Iran Based on Multiple Stress Creep Recovery System

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Saeed Ahmadi 1
Aghil Ghadim 2
Mohamad Rahi 3
1 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Imam Hossein Comprehensive University, Tehran, Iran.
2 M.Sc., Grad., Housing & Urban Development Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
3 M.Sc., Grad., Manager of R&D Department of Pasargad Oil Company, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/road.2025.540632.2424
Abstract
Exponential traffic growth, vehicle overloading, and significant daily/seasonal temperature variations have compromised the performance of conventional bitumen, driving the adoption of modified binders in recent years to enhance pavement resistance against distresses. Asphalt mixtures require sufficient flexibility at low service temperatures to prevent cracking and adequate stiffness at high temperatures to rutting resistance. This study evaluates various bitumen samples from Shiraz and Tehran refineries at multiple temperatures with three penetration grades (40/50, 60/70, 85/100). Rheological properties of base bitumen and binders modified with SBS polymer and Crumb Rubber Modifier (CRM) were assessed using the MSCR test. The influence of MSCR-derived parameters on polymer-modified bitumen performance across temperatures was investigated. Results indicated performance variations between refineries stem from: Differences in vacuum bottom properties, Base bitumen penetration grades, Polymer-bitumen compatibility, Interactions between polymers and base bitumen. Notably, Shiraz refinery's 4% SBS-modified sample achieved "V" MSCR classification, demonstrating exceptional heavy-traffic resistance, while Tehran refinery's product met "S" requirements with adequate standard-traffic performance.
Keywords
Modified Bitumen, SBS Polymer, Crumb Rubber, MSCR, Rutting Failure
-Brûlé, B. (1996). Polymer-modified asphalt cements used in the road construction industry: basic principles. Transportation Research Record 1535(1): 48–53.
 -Duan, H., et al. (2021). Effect of crumb rubber percentages and bitumen sources on high-temperature rheological properties of less smell crumb rubber modified bitumen. Construction and Building Materials 277: 122248.
-Huang, W., et al. (2024). Comprehensive study on the performance of SBS and crumb rubber composite modified asphalt based on the rubber pretreatment technology. Case Studies in Construction Materials 20: e03141.
-Jeong, K.-D., et al. (2010). Interaction effects of crumb rubber modified asphalt binders. Construction and Building Materials 24(5): 824–831.
           
-Lee, S.-J., et al. (2008). The effect of crumb rubber modifier (CRM) on the performance properties of rubberized binders in HMA pavements. Construction and Building Materials 22(7): 1368–1376.
-Li, H., et al. (2025). Investigation on high-content pretreated crumb rubber asphalt modified with polymers for sustainable and resilient pavement. Construction and Building Materials 465: 140163.
 - Li, X., et al. (2011). Laboratory evaluation of asphalt binders and mixtures containing polyphosphoric acid. Transportation Research Record 2210(1): 47–56.
           
- Liu, Z. and Z. Wang (2022). Development of terminal blend rubber and SBS modified asphalt: A case study. Construction and Building Materials 334: 127459.
 -Mashaan, N. S., et al. (2012). An overview of crumb rubber modified asphalt. International Journal of Physical Sciences 7(2): 166–170.
         
-Mata, D. and S. Salari (2022). Evaluation of Non-SBS Modified Binders using the Multiple Stress Creep Recovery Test, Louisiana. Department of Transportation and Development.
 -Mull, M., et al. (2002). Fracture resistance characterization of chemically modified crumb rubber asphalt pavement. Journal of Materials Science 37: 557–566.
-Navarro, F., et al. (2009). Bitumen modification with reactive and non-reactive (virgin and recycled) polymers: a comparative analysis. Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 15(4): 458–464.          
-Navarro, F., et al. (2004). Thermo-rheological behaviour and storage stability of ground tire rubber-modified bitumens. Fuel 83(14-15): 2041–2049.           
-Nejad, F. M., et al. (2012). Investigating the properties of crumb rubber modified bitumen using classic and SHRP testing methods. Construction and Building Materials 26(1): 481–489.
-Polacco, G., et al. (2005). Asphalt modification with different polyethylene-based polymers. European Polymer Journal 41(12): 2831–2844.         
-Wang, H., et al. (2012). aboratory evaluation on high temperature viscosity and low temperature stiffness of asphalt binder with high percent scrap tire rubber. Construction and Building Materials 26(1): 583–590.           
-Wong, C. C. and W.-g. Wong (2007). Effect of crumb rubber modifiers on high temperature susceptibility of wearing course mixtures. Construction and Building Materials 21(8): 1741–1745.           
-Yildirim, Y. (2007). Polymer modified asphalt binders. Construction and Building Materials 21(1): 66–72.           
-Zhu, J., et al. (2014). Polymer modification of bitumen: Advances and challenges. European Polymer Journal 54: 18–38.