STRUCTURAL AND ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF SBS POLYMER-MODIFIED ASPHALT UNDER HEAVY TRAFFIC LOAD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55766/sujst12117Keywords:
Heavy traffic load, Life-cycle cost analysis, Moisture durability, Polymer interaction, Rutting resistance, SBS-modified asphaltAbstract
This study investigates the structural and economic performance of SBS polymer-modified asphalt under heavy traffic loading, emphasizing polymer interaction, rutting resistance, and moisture durability. XRD analysis revealed enhanced polymer–bitumen interaction, indicating effective integration of SBS into the asphalt matrix. Laboratory evaluations of Dense Bituminous Macadam (DBM) and Bituminous Concrete (BC) demonstrated substantial improvements compared with conventional mixes. At the optimum SBS content of 4%, the Marshall Stability increased by 22.49% for DBM and 30.31% for BC, while the Marshall Quotient (MQ) rose by 31.96% and 10.32% respectively. Percentage improvement was calculated with respect to the control mix values, indicating superior resistance to permanent deformation under traffic loading. Moisture susceptibility assessed using Retained Marshall Stability (RMS), showed significant improvement, indicating enhanced durability under wet conditions. Furthermore, life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) highlighted the economic benefits of SBS modification, including potential reductions in maintenance costs over the pavement lifespan. Overall, the findings demonstrate that SBS-modified asphalt provides enhanced structural performance, durability, and cost efficiency, making it highly suitable for high-traffic highways.
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