Performance Evaluation of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Modified Bitumen and Mixtures

Abstract

Interconnectivity necessitates the use of transportation facilities and infrastructure. All highway design agencies seek for acceptable, long-lasting, and cost-effective strategies while designing these facilities. A well-functioning transportation system is critical to the economy of every country. A large number of people in our country travel by means of road on daily basis. In many nations, the rise in road traffic over the previous two decades, combined with a lack of maintenance, has exacerbated the deterioration of road structures. The traffic demands on our roads are much higher than they have been in the past. Many severe road surface distresses were caused by increased traffic load, higher traffic volume, and insufficient maintenance (e.g., rutting and cracking) as a result of the rapid development. Because conventional asphalt combinations are unable to withstand high axle loads and tire pressures, interest in polymer modified asphalt has grown. Polymer modification of asphalt is one of the most effective ways to improve asphalt qualities. The practical temperature range of binders is greatly expanded by polymers. By raising the stiffness of the bitumen and improving its temperature susceptibility, the additional polymer can significantly improve the binder qualities, allowing for the construction of safer roads and the reduction of maintenance costs. This research presents a laboratory investigation of the Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) polymer modified bitumen. NHA-B gradation, PARCO 60/70 grade bitumen and EVA polymer of TPI Polene Public Company Limited was used. Penetration, ductility, softening point, and viscosity tests were used to evaluate the physical properties of the asphalt binders. Three different percentages of polymers were used i.e., 2%, 4% and 6%. The impact of the EVA polymer on permanent deformation and moisture susceptibility was investigated. A double wheel tracker (DWT) was used to quantify permanent deformation (rutting), and a Universal Testing Machine (UTM) was used to examine moisture susceptibility using an Indirect Tensile Strength (ITS) test. For different percentages of bitumen volumetric properties according to Marshall Mix Design procedure were measured, and then Optimum Bitumen Content (OBC) was evaluated. Performance tests were performed using above mentioned percentages of EVA. The rutting potential of mixes was improved by addition of EVA as compared to control asphalt mixes. Same effect of polymer was on the moisture susceptibility of the prepared samples. This showed that EVA polymer can be used in flexible pavements to reduce permanent deformation and high temperature problems.