Characterization of Bitumen Rubber

Climate diversity, bitumen price increase, and such failures as premature aging and limited heat resistance of domestic bitumen products make necessary the use of methods that increase pavement desireability and durability. Rubber asphalt not only makes bitumen production economical, but it also decreases the environmental pollution, improves resistance against fatigue and heat cracks, reduces rutting and, most important of all, reduces the maintenance costs and increases the pavement life expectancy. In this research, an optimum mixture of bitumen, rubber powder, and rubber oil was obtained using high shear velocity mixers. Rubber powder increases softening point and permeability index, but decreases penetration rate and Fraass breaking point. Rubber oil increases low temperature tolerability and gives good stability to rubber asphalt.