The role of stress sensitivity of modified binders with the same linear viscoelastic properties in evaluating rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures

In the present study, stress sensitivity of modified binders in the multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) test and its relationship with rutting resistance of the asphalt mixtures are investigated. For this purpose, different groups of styrene butadiene styrene (SBS), polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and SBS + PPA modified binders were produced; in each of which, the binders have the same continuous high temperature performance gradings (PGs) and linear viscoelastic (LVE) properties. The MSCR tests were performed at 40 degrees C, 55 degrees C, and at the PG temperatures of the modified binders to consider a wide range of high pavement temperatures. To depict the stress sensitivity, stress levels of 12.8, 25.6, and 40 kPa were added to the MSCR standard procedure and the non-recoverable compliance (J(nr)) and percent recovery (R) parameters were obtained at all the stress levels applied. To study the rutting resistance of asphalt mixtures prepared with the same asphalt binders, the flow number (FN) and |E*| parameters were determined at 40 degrees C and 55 degrees C, through the dynamic creep and dynamic modulus performance tests, respectively. Results of the MSCR test show that at the temperature range considered, the standard stresses are not sufficient to enter the modified binders into nonlinear region, thus higher stress levels should be applied to assess the nonlinearity and address the true rutting potential. Results of the mixtures performance tests show great correlations with the results of the MSCR of the modified binders at the nonlinear stress levels, especially with the J(nr) parameter, regardless of the test temperatures.