Superpave design mixture performance evaluation using Epolene modifier for cold semi-arid climatic region of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

To evaluate the superpave design performance using Epolene (EE-2) as modifier, since SUPERPAVE design is a modified and sophisticated aspect as compared to previous mix design for asphalt mixtures. This is primarily due to the fact that superpave design mix also takes into consideration properties of materials beside asphalt. This study was conducted using Epolene (EE-2) as modifier in order to evaluate the performance of SUPERPAVE suitability for construction of roads in Alfaraa campus (King Khalid University) Abha, in Asir Province of Saudi Arabia. Glow number test, dynamic modulus test and indirect tensile strength test were conducted to evaluate the performance of EE-2 modifier against the control mixture. This study was conducted using Epolene (EE-2) as modifier in order to evaluate the performance of SUPERPAVE suitability for construction of roads in Alfaraa campus (King Khalid University) Abha, in Asir Province of Saudi Arabia. Glow number test, dynamic modulus test and indirect tensile strength test were conducted to evaluate the performance of EE-2 modifier against the control mixture. A modified asphalt mixture has been proposed that has better performance at higher and lower temperatures. The developed asphalt mixture is more resistant to moisture damage than the compared to control mixture.