Abstract
PURPOSES : The main distress of asphalt pavements in monsoon climate regions are caused by water damage and plastic deformation due to repeated rain season and increased heavy vehicle traffic volume. In this study, the mechanical properties of polymer-modified warm mix asphalt (PWMA) materials are evaluated to use in monsoon climate regions such as Indonesia. METHODS : Comprehensive laboratory tests are conducted to evaluate moisture resistance and permanent deformation resistance for three different asphalt mixtures such as the Indonesian conventional hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixture, the polymer-modified asphalt mixture, and the polymer-modified warm mix asphalt (PWMA) mixture. Dynamic immersion test and indirect tensile strength ratio test are performed to evaluate moisture resistance. The wheel tracking test is performed to evaluate rutting resistance. Additionally, the Hamburg wheel tracking test is performed to evaluate rutting and moisture resistances simultaneously. RESULTS :The dynamic immersion test results indicate that the PWMA mixture shows the highest resistance to moisture. The indirect tensile strength ratio test indicates that TSR values of PWMA mixture, Indonesian PMA mixture, and Indonesian HMA mixture show 87.2%, 84.1%, and 67.9%, respectively. The wheel tracking test results indicate that the PWMA mixture is found to be more resistant to plastic deformation than the Indonesian PMA. The dynamic stability values are 2,739 times/mm and 3,150 times/mm, respectively. Moreover, the Hamburg wheel tracking test results indicate that PWMA mixture is more resistant to plastic deformation than Indonesian PMA and HMA mixtures. CONCLUSIONS :Based on limited laboratory test results, it is concluded that rutting resistance and moisture susceptibility of the PWMA mixture is superior to Indonesian HMA and Indonesian PMA mixtures. It is postulated that PWMA mixture would be suitable for climate and traffic conditions in Indonesia.
