Using Advanced Binder Rheological Parameters to Predict Cracking Potential of Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures with Modified Binders

Al-Qadi, Imad; Sulaiman, Abdulgafar; Mohamed Ali, Uthman; Lang, Hong; García Mainieri, Javier

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129797 Copy

Description

Title

Using Advanced Binder Rheological Parameters to Predict Cracking Potential of Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures with Modified Binders

Author(s)

• Al-Qadi, Imad
• Sulaiman, Abdulgafar
• Mohamed Ali, Uthman
• Lang, Hong
• García Mainieri, Javier

Issue Date

2025-10

Keyword(s)

• Binder Modification
• Polymer-Modified Binder
• Softener-Modified Binder
• Polymer-Softener-Modified Binder
• Binder Rheology
• Delta Tc
• Delta G Star

Date of Ingest

2025-10-22T12:35:48-05:00

Abstract

This study provides insights into the complexities of asphalt binder modifications and their impact on hot-mix asphalt (HMA) cracking potential. An experimental program was developed to assess the cracking potential of HMA from binder characteristics. Various binder types, including polymer-softener-modified binders, were considered. Rheological tests were performed on binders at short- and long-term aging conditions. A multiple stress creep recovery test was conducted to evaluate the stress-dependent rutting potential of binder blends, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate oxidative aging and polymer degradation of the binder. Rheological parameters of binders were used to predict HMA cracking potential utilizing test results of the Illinois Flexibility Index Test. Statistical analyses, primarily based on multi-linear regression, were used to develop predictive models linking binder rheological properties to HMA cracking potential. The HMA flexibility index (FI) was predicted using the following binder rheological parameters: creep stiffness at 60 s (S-value), rate of stress relaxation at 60 s (m-value), asphalt binder content (BC), asphalt binder replacement (ABR), number of design gyrations (Ngyr), and Δ|G*|peak τ. For simplicity, short- and long-term aged HMA FI prediction models are based on S-value, m-value, and ABR. Three uncertainty categories of predicting FI from binder rheological parameters are introduced. The categories are associated with binder acceptance based on potential cracking risk.

Publisher

Illinois Center for Transportation/Illinois Department of Transportation

Has Part

ISSN: 0197-9191

Series/Report Name or Number

FHWA-ICT-25-011

Type of Resource

text

Genre of Resource

technical report

Language

eng

DOI

https://doi.org/10.36501/0197-9191/25-011

Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)

IDOT-R27-250

Copyright and License Information

No restrictions. This document is available through the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161.

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