PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF RUBBERIZED BITUMEN
Abstract
The incorporation of crumb rubber derived from recycled tires into bituminous materials has
gained significant attention in the field of road construction and pavement engineering. This
project focuses on the comprehensive performance evaluation of rubberized bitumen, a novel
asphalt binder modified with crumb rubber, to assess its suitability for use in asphalt pavements.
The objective is to investigate the impact of crumb rubber addition on key performance
parameters, including mechanical properties such as density, flow, marshal stiffness, Marshall
Stability. The study employs a systematic approach, combining laboratory testing and numerical
simulations to analyze the behavior of rubberized bitumen under various loading and
environmental conditions. After sampling of materials, rubberized bitumen was manufactured
through the mixture of shredded crumb rubber which is melted and mixed with melted bitumen
with different proportion of crumb rubber which are 0% (control), 3%, 6%, 9%. Mechanical
properties such as stiffness, tensile strength, and elastic recovery was assessed through standard
testing methods, while the durability of the modified binder was evaluated under aging and
moisture susceptibility conditions. Furthermore, this research explores the fatigue performance
of rubberized bitumen by subjecting samples to cyclic loading, simulating the effects of
traffic-induced stresses over the pavement's service life. The project also considers the
environmental benefits associated with crumb rubber utilization, including waste tire diversion
and potential energy savings. The findings of this study are expected to contribute valuable
insights into the feasibility and performance characteristics of rubberized bitumen in asphalt
pavements. The outcomes will assist in enhancing the understanding of the material's behavior,
guiding the development of sustainable and resilient road infrastructure. This research has
implications for both the recycling industry and transportation agencies seeking environmentally
friendly and durable solutions for road construction.
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