applied

sciences
Article
Performance Test on Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS)
Modified Asphalt Based on the Different
Evaluation Methods
Chen Zhang 1,2 , Hainian Wang 3, *, Zhanping You 4 , Junfeng Gao 3,4 and Muhammad Irfan 5
1 NO. 259 West Erhuan, Xi’an Aeronautical University, School of Energy and Architecture, Xi’an 710077,
Shaanxi, China; zlw19861108@aliyun.com
2 Key Laboratory of Special Environment Road Engineering of Hunan Province, Changsha University of
Science & Technology, Changsha 410004, Hunan, China
3 South Erhuan Middle Section, Key Laboratory of Transport Industry of Road Structure and Materials (Xi’an),
Chang’an University, Xi’an 710064, Shaanxi, China; gaojunfeng@chd.edu.cn
4 Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend
Drive, Houghton, MI 49931, USA; zyou@mtu.edu
5 College of Civil Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), NUST Campus,
Risalpur 24080, Pakistan; mirfan@mce.nust.edu.pk
* Correspondence: wanghn@chd.edu.cn




Received: 8 December 2018; Accepted: 22 January 2019; Published: 30 January 2019


Abstract: To uniform the evaluation indicators of Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) modified asphalt,

the SK70# and SK90# matrix asphalt were modified by different SBS modifier dosage in this study.
The test methods in China and Superpave were used to test the performance of each SBS-modified
asphalt respectively, from which the appropriate evaluation index of SBS-modified asphalt was
determined. The results showed that the addition of SBS modifier improved the high temperature
performance and lowered the temperature sensitivity of asphalt binder, while it increased the viscosity
of asphalt binder in high temperatures. Due to the variability that appeared in the results of the
penetration test by the swelling of SBS-modified asphalt, the penetration test was not recommended to
evaluate the performances of SBS-modified asphalt. The softening point of SBS-modified asphalt with
the modifier dosages of 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6% increased 5.7%, 12.8%, 22.5% and 26.4% respectively
compared to the matrix asphalt for SK70# matrix asphalt, and increased 21.2%, 26.3%, 33.6% and 46.6%
respectively compared to the matrix asphalt for SK90# matrix asphalt. The effect of SBS-modifier on
the softening point of SK90# matrix asphalt is significantly better than that of SK70# matrix asphalt.
The improvement effect of SBS modifier on low temperature performance of matrix asphalt decreased
with a decrease in test temperature. When studying the influence of the SBS modifier on the low
temperature performance of asphalt binder, it was recommended to use the bending beam rheometer
(BBR) test to evaluate the low temperature performance of SBS-modified asphalt.

Keywords: highway engineering; SBS modified asphalt; laboratory test; evaluation index

1. Introduction
Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) is a common modifier with high molecular polymer, which could
make the asphalt binder modified by miscible with asphalt binder [1]. The SBS-modified asphalt could
improve the high temperature rutting resistance, low-temperature crack resistance and anti-fatigue
performance of asphalt pavement [2]. The SBS-modified asphalt has been applied widely in many
high-grade pavement in China at present to satisfy the increasing traffic. SBS modified asphalt has
wide scope of application [3]. In recent years, many scholars in China and other countries research

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 467; doi:10.3390/app9030467 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 467 2 of 11

much about SBS-modified asphalt. Khodaii (2009) conducted dynamic creep test on unmodified
and SBS-modified samples, and the creep behavior of the samples was estimated by the three-stage
creep model. The result showed that dense-graded mixtures had higher permanent deformation
susceptibility than coarse graded mixtures, and lower stress levels in dynamic creep test could not
show the actual behavior of asphalt mixtures and particularly the modified mixtures [4]. Forough
(2014) used the creep curves derived from the dynamic creep tests to investigate the effects of loading
frequency and temperature on the moisture sensitivity of dense-graded polymer-modified asphalt
mixtures. The results showed that both the variables of loading frequency and temperature had
significant effects on the permanent strains of both the dry and wet asphalt mixtures [5]. Huang
(2015) used multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR) test to investigate the effect of cross-linking agent
and SBS content on SBS-modified asphalt. The result showed the effect of increasing SBS content
was more prominent for binders at lower SBS content. MSCR test failed to distinguish 5.0% and
5.5% SBS-modified asphalt in the study [6]. Wang (2017) conducted three points bending test and
deformations test to evaluate the low-temperature performance and fatigue resistance of recycled
SBS-modified asphalt mixture. The results showed that fatigue resistance of modified recycling of
asphalt mixture with different RAPs did not vary much under low-temperature while displaying
an obvious difference under higher temperature [7]. However, the test index used to evaluate the
performance of SBS-modified asphalt is diversified, and lack of unification. This study based on
the Chinese test methods of penetration test, softening point test, ductility test, elastic recovery test
and Superpave test methods of dynamic shear rheometer test (DSR), Brookfield rotary viscosity test,
bending beam rheometer (BBR) test, to analyze the influence of SBS modifier on asphalt performance.
By comparing each performance index, it provides theoretical support for unifying the performance
evaluation index of SBS modified asphalt.

2. Material

2.1. Matrix Asphalt

The matrix asphalt used in this study was SK70# and SK90#, and the technical indicators are
shown in Table 1.

Table 1. The technical indicators of matrix asphalt.

SK90# SK70#
Technical Indicators Units Technical Technical
Test Result Test Result
Requirement Requirement
Penetration (15 ◦ C, 100 g, 5 s) 0.1 mm 31 / 26 /
Penetration (25 ◦ C, 100 g, 5 s) 0.1 mm 91 80–100 73 60–80
Penetration (30 ◦ C, 100 g, 5 s) 0.1 mm 162 / 129 /
PI −1.24 −1.5–+1.0 −1.39 −1.5–+1.0
Softening point ◦C 47 ≥45 49 ≥46
Ductility (5 ◦ C, 5 cm/min) cm 105.4 ≥45 79.8 ≥20
Rotary viscosity (135 ◦ C) Pa·s 0.756 ≤3 0.723 ≤3
Density (15 ◦ C) g/cm3 0.913 / 0.974 /

2.2. SBS Modifier

The line type SBS modifier was used in this study, which is development by a materials company
and widely used in Shaanxi province, China. According to the manufacturer’s suggestion, the SBS
modifier dosages were 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6%. Technical indicators of this SBS modifier are shown in
Table 2.
 Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 12

75 2.2. SBS Modifier

76 The9,line
Appl. Sci. 2019, 467 type SBS modifier was used in this study, which is development by a materials company3 of 11
77 and widely used in Shaanxi province, China. According to the manufacturer's suggestion, the SBS
78 modifier dosages were 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6%. Technical indicators of this SBS modifier are shown
79 in Table 2. Table 2. Technical indicators of line type SBS modifier.

80 Technical S/B Mass TableVolatile Tensile Strength

2. Technical indicators of line type SBS modifier 300% Stress at Definite
Ash (%)
Parameters Ratio (%) (MPa) Elongation (MPa)
Technical S/B mass Volatile Tensile Ash 300% stress at definite
Test Results 30/70 ≤0.7 18.5 ≤0.2 2.4
parameters ratio (%) strength (MPa) (%) elongation (MPa)
Test Results 30/70 ≤0.7 18.5 ≤0.2 2.4
3. Results and Discussion
81 3. Results and Discussion
3.1. Performance Test of SBS Modified Asphalt with Chinese Evaluation Methods
82 3.1. Performance Test of SBS Modified Asphalt with Chinese Evaluation Methods
3.1.1. Penetration
83 3.1.1. Penetration
The test temperatures were set as 15 ◦ C, 20 ◦ C, 25 ◦ C and 30 ◦ C in this study. The penetration of
84 The test
matrix asphalt andtemperatures
SBS-modifiedwere set as 15
asphalt for°C, 20 °C, 25
different °Ctemperatures
test and 30 °C in this study. The
is shown penetration
in Figure 1. ForofSK70#
85 matrix asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt for different test temperatures is shown
and SK90# matrix asphalt, the SBS modifier could lower the penetration of them, which lead in Figure 1. Forto the
86
asphalt binder being hardened. Take the test temperature of 25 C and SK90# matrix asphalt aslead
SK70# and SK90# matrix asphalt, the SBS modifier could lower◦ the penetration of them, which example,
87 to the asphalt binder being hardened. Take the test temperature of 25°C and SK90# matrix asphalt as
the penetration of SBS modified asphalt with SBS dosages of 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, and 6% decreased by
88 example, the penetration of SBS modified asphalt with SBS dosages of 4.5%, 5%, 5.5%, and 6%
10.3%, 12.9%, 14.4% and 15.5% respectively, compared to the matrix asphalt.
89 decreased by 10.3%, 12.9%, 14.4% and 15.5% respectively, compared to the matrix asphalt.

0%
2.2
4.5%
5%
2.0 5.5%
6%
penetration (0.1mm)

1.8

1.6

1.4

1.2

15 20 25 30 35
o
90 Test temperature ( C)
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 12
91 (a) 70# asphalt binder.

0%
2.2 4.5%
5%
5.5%
2.0 6%
penetration (0.1mm)

1.8

1.6

1.4

15 20 25 30 35
o
92 Test temperature ( C)

93 (b) 90# asphalt binder.

94 Figure
Figure 1. Penetrationtest
1. Penetration testof
of matrix
matrix asphalt
asphaltand
andSBS
SBSmodified
modifiedasphalt.
asphalt.

95 For studying the influence of SBS modifier dosage on penetration of asphalt binder, the variance
96 analysis of temperature and SBS modifier dosage on penetration of SK70# and SK90# matrix asphalt
97 were conducted, as shown in Table 3.

98 Table 3. Variance analysis of penetration for SBS modified asphalt.

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 467 4 of 11

For studying the influence of SBS modifier dosage on penetration of asphalt binder, the variance
analysis of temperature and SBS modifier dosage on penetration of SK70# and SK90# matrix asphalt
were conducted, as shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Variance analysis of penetration for SBS modified asphalt.

Source df F-Value p-Value

70# matrix asphalt 4 7.65 0.064
SBS modifier dosage
90# matrix asphalt 4 5.89 0.076
70# matrix asphalt 2 37.64 0.001
Temperature
90# matrix asphalt 2 16.88 0.007

In Table 3, the significance level is 0.05, when the p-value less than 0.05, that means SBS modifier
dosage or temperature has a significant impact on penetration in significance level of 0.05. The smaller
the p-value is, the more significant the effect is. The results showed that, the temperature had a
significant effect on penetration of SBS modified asphalt, while the SBS modifier dosage had no
considerable influence on it [8,9]. In addition, the aromatic hydrocarbon and resin in matrix asphalt
could be absorbed by SBS modifier, which lead to the swelling behavior. This caused the great
variability in the test result of penetration.

3.1.2. Softening Point

Softening point is one of the indicators used to characterize the high temperature performance of
asphalt binder. It is the critical temperature which the physical state of asphalt shifts from viscid-plastic
to viscous flow. The higher the softening point, the better the high temperature performance of asphalt
binder [10]. The softening point of the asphalt binder with different SBS modifier dosages is as shown
in Figure 2.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 12

100
70# matrix asphalt
90# matrix asphalt
80
Softening point(oC)

60

40

20

0
0 4.5 5 5.5 6
114 SBS dosage(%)

115 Figure
Figure 2. Softening
2. Softening pointofofmatrix
point matrix asphalt
asphaltand
andSBS modified
SBS asphalt.
modified asphalt.

116 From Figure

From Figure
2, for2,SK70#
for SK70#
andand SK90#matrix
SK90# matrix asphalt,
asphalt, the addition
the of SBS
addition modifier
of SBS increased
modifier the
increased the
117 softening point of the asphalt binder. The softening point of SBS modified asphalt with the modifier
softening point of the asphalt binder. The softening point of SBS modified asphalt with the modifier
118 dosage of 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6% increased 5.7%, 12.8%, 22.5% and 26.4% respectively compared to
dosage of 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6% increased 5.7%, 12.8%, 22.5% and 26.4% respectively compared to the
119 the SK70# matrix asphalt. The increase was 21.2%, 26.3%, 33.6% and 46.6% respectively, compared to
SK70#
120 matrix asphalt.
the SK90# matrixThe increase
asphalt wassingle
[11]. The 21.2%, 26.3%,
factor 33.6%analysis
variance and 46.6% respectively,
was conducted withcompared
different to the
SK90#
121 matrix
asphalt binder types and different SBS modifier dosages for softening point of the asphalt binder. The asphalt
asphalt [11]. The single factor variance analysis was conducted with different
122 resultsand
binder types are as shown inSBS
different Table 4.
modifier dosages for softening point of the asphalt binder. The results
123 From Table
are as shown in Table 4. 4, the SBS modifier had significant influence on the softening point in both SK70#
124 and SK90# matrix asphalt, which meant the addition of SBS modifier could improve the temperature
From Table 4, the SBS modifier had significant influence on the softening point in both SK70#
125 performance of asphalt binder [12]. The F-value of two kinds of asphalt binder in the variance analysis
and
126 SK90# matrix asphalt, which meant the addition of SBS modifier could improve the temperature
was compared and the results showed that the F-value of SK90# matrix asphalt was bigger than that
127 of SK70# matrix asphalt. Therefore, the improving effects of SBS modifier on the softening point of
128 SK90# matrix asphalt were significantly more than that of SK70# matrix asphalt, which meant the SBS
129 modifier had the better improving effects on fluxed bitumen.

130 Table 4. Variance analysis of softening point for SBS modified asphalt
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 467 5 of 11

performance of asphalt binder [12]. The F-value of two kinds of asphalt binder in the variance analysis
was compared and the results showed that the F-value of SK90# matrix asphalt was bigger than that
of SK70# matrix asphalt. Therefore, the improving effects of SBS modifier on the softening point of
SK90# matrix asphalt were significantly more than that of SK70# matrix asphalt, which meant the SBS
modifier had the better improving effects on fluxed bitumen.

Table 4. Variance analysis of softening point for SBS modified asphalt.

Source df F-Value p-Value

SBS modifier dosage 70# matrix asphalt 4 268.47 0.25
SBS modifier dosage 90# matrix asphalt 4 8641.65 0.02

3.1.3. Ductility and Elastic Recovery

Ductility is a test index used to characterize the low temperature performance of asphalt binder.
The higher the ductility, the better the low-temperature crack resistance of asphalt binder. The elastic
recovery of asphalt binder is a mechanical index, which could reflect the elasticity capacity of asphalt
binder from stress to recovery [13]. The elastic recovery index directly reflects the high temperature,
low temperature, fatigue and durability performance. The temperature of ductility test was 5 ◦ C,
the stretching velocity was 5cm/min, and the temperature of the elastic recovery test was 25 ◦ C. The results
of ductility test and elastic recovery test of matrix asphalt and SBS modified asphalt are shown in Figure 3.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 12

12
70# matrix asphalt
90# matrix asphalt
10

8
Ductility (cm)

0
4.5 5 5.5 6

141 SBS dosage(%)

142 (a) Ductility.

100
70# matrix asphalt
90# matrix asphalt
80
Elastic recovery (%)

60

40

20

0
4.5 5 5.5 6

143 SBS dosage(%)

144 (b) Elastic recovery.

145 Figure 3. Ductility and elastic

Figure 3. Ductility recovery
and elastic result
recovery resultof matrixasphalt
of matrix asphalt
and and SBS modified
SBS modified asphalt. asphalt.

146 From Figure 3, the ductility and elastic recovery of 90# matrix asphalt was higher than that of
147 70# matrix asphalt. The ductility and elastic recovery of asphalt binder increases with the increase of
148 SBS modifier dosage, which meant the addition of SBS modifier could improve the low temperature
149 performance and elastic recovery performance of asphalt binder [14,15]. The variance analysis for the
150 influence of SBS modifier on the ductility and elastic recovery of asphalt binder is shown in Table 5.
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 467 6 of 11

From Figure 3, the ductility and elastic recovery of 90# matrix asphalt was higher than that of
70# matrix asphalt. The ductility and elastic recovery of asphalt binder increases with the increase of
SBS modifier dosage, which meant the addition of SBS modifier could improve the low temperature
performance and elastic recovery performance of asphalt binder [14,15]. The variance analysis for the
influence of SBS modifier on the ductility and elastic recovery of asphalt binder is shown in Table 5.

Table 5. Variance analysis result of ductility and elastic recovery for SBS modified asphalt.

Source df F Sig.
70# matrix asphalt 3 72.58 0.001
Ductility
90# matrix asphalt 3 36.47 0.002
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 70# matrix asphalt 3 874.62 0.001 7 of 12
Elastic recovery
90# matrix asphalt 3 153.87 0.002
152
153 It can be seen that SBS modifier had a significant influence on the ductility and elastic recovery
It can be seen that SBS modifier had a significant influence on the ductility and elastic recovery
154 of asphalt binder. For the ductility and elastic recovery of asphalt binder, the F-value of 70# matrix
of asphalt binder. For the ductility and elastic recovery of asphalt binder, the F-value of 70# matrix
155 asphalt was bigger than that of 90# matrix asphalt, which meant the effects of SBS modifier on the
asphalt was bigger than that of 90# matrix asphalt, which meant the effects of SBS modifier on the
156 ductility and elastic recovery of SK70# matrix asphalt was significantly greater than that of SK90#
ductility and elastic recovery of SK70# matrix asphalt was significantly greater than that of SK90#
157 matrix asphalt.
matrix asphalt.
158 3.2.
3.2. Test
Test Result
Result of
of Superpave Method for
Superpave Method for SBS
SBS Modified
Modified Asphalt
Asphalt

159 3.2.1.
3.2.1. Dynamic
Dynamic Shear
Shear Rheological
Rheological (DSR)
(DSR) Test
Test
160 The
The anti-rutting
anti-rutting factor
factor G*/sinδ
G*/sinδ of
of SBS
SBS modified
modified asphalt
asphalt was
was tested
tested to
to study
study the
the anti-rutting
anti-rutting
161 performance the temperature of 45◦°C,50 ◦
°C ,55 ◦
performance of SBS modified asphalt at the temperature of 45 C, 50 C, 55 C, 60 C, 65 C and
of SBS modified asphalt at °C ,60 ◦
°C, 65 ◦
°C and 70 ◦C
70 °C
162 respectively. The larger the G*/sinδ, the better the high-temperature performance of asphalt,
respectively. The larger the G*/sinδ, the better the high-temperature performance of asphalt, which which
163 means
means the high-temperaturerutting
the high-temperature ruttingresistance
resistanceisisbetter
better[16].
[16]. The
The modifier
modifier dosages
dosages were
were 4.5%,
4.5%, 5%,5%，
5.5%
164 5.5% and 6%, and the matrix asphalt was SK90# asphalt binder. The test results are shown
and 6%, and the matrix asphalt was SK90# asphalt binder. The test results are shown in Figure 4. in Figure
165 4.
45
Matrix asphalt
40 4.5% SBS dosage
5% SBS dosage
35 5.5% SBS dosage
6% SBS dosage
G /sinδ (kpa)

30

25
*

20

15

10

5
45 50 55 60 65 70
o
166 Test temperature( C)
167 Figure 4.4.Rutting
Figure Ruttingresistance factor
resistance of matrix
factor asphaltasphalt
of matrix and SBS and
modified
SBS asphalt at different
modified asphalt temperatures.
at different
168 temperatures.
From Figure 4, for the matrix asphalt and SBS modified asphalt, the G*/sinδ decreased with the
169 increase
FromofFigure
temperature, and
4, for the the addition
matrix of SBS
asphalt and SBSmodifier
modifiedcan significantly
asphalt, improve
the G*/sinδ the G*/sinδ
decreased of
with the
170 asphalt binder, and enhance the high-temperature rutting resistance of asphalt [17].
increase of temperature, and the addition of SBS modifier can significantly improve the G*/sinδ of
171 asphalt binder, and enhance the high-temperature rutting resistance of asphalt [17].
172 The difference analysis of G*/sinδ was conducted in different SBS modifier dosage, and the
173 analysis results are shown in Table 6. The results showed that when the SBS modifier dosages
174 increase from 0% to 5.5%, the high-temperature rutting resistance of SBS-modified asphalt increases
175 continuously, and the difference between each pair of them was significant. When the SBS modifier
176 dosages increased from 5.5% to 6%, there were no obvious difference between each pair of them,
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 467 7 of 11

The difference analysis of G*/sinδ was conducted in different SBS modifier dosage, and the
analysis results are shown in Table 6. The results showed that when the SBS modifier dosages
increase from 0% to 5.5%, the high-temperature rutting resistance of SBS-modified asphalt increases
continuously, and the difference between each pair of them was significant. When the SBS modifier
dosages increased
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FORfrom
PEER5.5% to 6%, there were no obvious difference between each pair of them, which
REVIEW 8 of 12
meant the increase of high-temperature rutting resistance of asphalt was not significant when the
180 modifier dosagesTable 6. Difference
increased analysis
from 5.5% to 6%.of G*/sin δ at different SBS modifier dosages.

0%of G*/sin
Table 6. Difference analysis 4.5% δ5% 5.5% SBS
at different 6%modifier dosages.
0% 0% ─ S
4.5% S5% S 5.5%S 6%
0% 4.5%– ─
S SS S S S S
4.5% 5% – ─S S S S S
5% – S S
5.5% 5.5% ─ – N N
6% 6% ─ –
Note: S = Significant; N = Non-significant.
181 Note: S = Significant; N = Non-significant

182 3.2.2. Brookfield Rotary Viscosity Test

Test
183 Another index
index to
to measure
measurethe theperformance
performanceofofasphalt
asphalt binder
binder is is
thethe viscosity.
viscosity. TheThe smaller
smaller the
184 the viscosity
viscosity of asphalt
of asphalt attemperature,
at high high temperature, thethe
the better better themixture
asphalt asphaltcan mixture can and
be mixed be mixed
compactedand
185 compacted [18].the
[18]. Therefore, Therefore, the SHRP
SHRP method method
requires therequires the rotary
rotary viscosity at viscosity not◦ C
at 135
135 °C shall shall 3not
exceed exceed
Pa.s. The
186 3Brookfield rotary viscometer
Pa.s. The Brookfield was adopted
rotary viscometer wasin this paper
adopted to paper
in this determine the rotational
to determine viscosity
the rotational of SBS
viscosity
187 of SBS modified
modified asphalt.
asphalt. In the In thethe
test, test, the speed
rotor rotor speed
was 20 was 20 rpm/min,
rpm/min, the rotor
the rotor of SBSofmodified
SBS modified asphalt
asphalt was
188 27#, 27#,
was and the
andmass was 10.5
the mass was g, theg,mass
10.5 of 90#
the mass ofmatrix asphalt
90# matrix sample
asphalt was 8.5
sample wasg 8.5
using 21# rotor.
g using The
21# rotor.
189 The test temperature
test temperature werewere
135 135 ◦ C, 140
°C, 140 ◦ C, 150
°C, 150 ◦ C, °C,
°C, 160 ◦ C, °C,
160 170 ◦ C, °C
170 177 ◦ C and
177and ◦ C respectively,
190respectively,
190 °C andandthe
190 dosages
the of SBS
dosages modifier
of SBS were
modifier 0%,0%,
were 4.5%, 5%,5%,
4.5%, 5.5% andand
5.5% 6%.6%.
TheThetesttest
results are are
results shown
shownin Figure 5. 5.
in Figure

20
Viscosity

15
Viscosity (Pa.s)

10

0
0 4.5 5 5.5 6
191 SBS dosage(%)
192 (a) Viscosity of SBS modified asphalt with different modifier dosages

Figure 5. Cont.
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 467 8 of 11
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 12

15
4.5% dosage
5% dosage
12 5.5% dosage
6% dosage

viscosity (pa.s)
9

0
130 140 150 160 170 180 190
o
193 Test temperature ( C)
194 (b) Viscosity of SBS modified asphalt with different temperature

195 Figure 5. Rotary

Figure 5. Rotary viscosity
viscosity of
of asphalt
asphalt binder.
binder.

From Figure 5, the addition of SBS modifier could significantly improve the rotary viscosity
196 From Figure 5, the addition of SBS modifier could significantly improve the rotary viscosity of
of asphalt binder. Compared to the rotary viscosity °at 135◦ C of matrix asphalt, when the SBS
197 asphalt binder. Compared to the rotary viscosity at 135 C of matrix asphalt, when the SBS modifier
modifier dosages were 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6% respectively, the rotary viscosity of asphalt binder
198 dosages were 4.5%, 5%, 5.5% and 6% respectively, the rotary viscosity of asphalt binder increased by
increased by 2.42 times, 9.14 times, 16.96 times and 22.31 times respectively. And with the increase
199 2.42 times, 9.14 times, 16.96 times and 22.31 times respectively. And with the increase of SBS modifier
of SBS modifier dosage, the rotary viscosity of asphalt binder increased significantly. In general,
200 dosage, the rotary viscosity of asphalt binder increased significantly. In general, the viscosity-
the viscosity-temperature curve was used to characterize the relations of viscosity and temperature of
201 temperature curve was used to characterize the relations of viscosity and temperature of SBS
SBS modified asphalt, as shown in Equation (1) [19].
202 modified asphalt, as shown in Equation (1) [19].
log
loglog (η ) == n𝑛−
log(𝜂) −VTS log( T )
𝑉𝑇𝑆 log(𝑇) (1)
(1)
203 Which, ηη is
Which, is the
the asphalt
asphalt viscosity
viscosity (cPa
(cPa··s);
s); T
T is
is the
the test
test temperature;
temperature; nn is
is the
the regression
regression coefficient;
coefficient;
204 VTS is represents the temperature sensitivity of asphalt binder.
VTS is represents the temperature sensitivity of asphalt binder.
205 Which,
The η is the
viscosity asphalt
of SBS viscosity
modified (cPa.s);
asphalt withTdifferent
is the test
SBStemperature; n is the
modifier dosage wasregression coefficient;
fitted by Equation (1),
206 VTS is represents the temperature sensitivity of asphalt binder.
and the relations of viscosity and temperature was determined. The results are shown in Table 7.
207 The viscosity of SBS modified asphalt with different SBS modifier dosage was fitted by Equation
Table 7. Fitting result of viscosity-temperature curve for SBS modified asphalt.
208 (1), and the relations of viscosity and temperature was determined. The results are shown in Table 7.
SBS Modifier Dosage N VTS R2
209 Table 7. Fitting result of viscosity-temperature curve for SBS modified asphalt.
4.5% 3.426 0.869 0.997
SBS Modifier Dosage 5% N 3.351 0.743
VTS 0.997 R2
5.5% 3.254 0.715 0.995
4.5% 6%
3.426 3.139
0.869 0.993
0.637
0.997
5% 3.351 0.743 0.997
5.5% 3.254 0.715 0.995
From Table 7, the fitting coefficient R 2 of viscosity-temperature curve of SBS modified asphalt
6% 3.139 0.637 0.993
were all greater than 0.99, which meant that the viscosity-temperature relationship of SBS modified
210 asphalt could
From be characterized
Table better by Refutas
7, the fitting coefficient curve. The VTS represent
R2 of viscosity-temperature curvetheoftemperature sensitivity
SBS modified asphalt
211 of SBS modified asphalt, and the bigger value of VTS, the more distinct temperature sensitivity
were all greater than 0.99, which meant that the viscosity-temperature relationship of SBS modified [20].
212 From Table 7, the VTS value decreased with the increase of SBS modifier dosage, which meant
asphalt could be characterized better by Refutas curve. The VTS represent the temperature sensitivity that the
213 SBS modifier could significant lower the temperature sensitivity of asphalt binder.
of SBS modified asphalt, and the bigger value of VTS, the more distinct temperature sensitivity [20].
214 From Table 7, the VTS value decreased with the increase of SBS modifier dosage, which meant that
215 the SBS modifier could significant lower the temperature sensitivity of asphalt binder.
216
 Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 467 9 of 11
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 12

217 3.2.3. Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR) Test

Test
218 The bending beam rheometer test (BBR) is used to analyze the stiffness of SBS modified asphalt
219 in SHRP testtest methods,
methods,by bywhich
whichthe thelow
lowtemperature
temperatureperformance
performance of of
SBSSBS modified
modified asphalt
asphalt could
could be
220 be characterized
characterized [21].
[21]. TheThe
SBS SBS modified
modified asphaltsample
asphalt sampleisisconducted
conductedshortshortterm
termaging
aging with
with RTFOT
221 method first, and then conducted stress aging with with pressure
pressure aging
aging vessel
vessel (PAV).
(PAV).
222 The test
test is
is loaded
loaded240240sseconds
at the stress of stress
at the 100 g (980 mN),
of 100g and the creep
(980mN), and thestiffness S(t) at t =S(t)
creep stiffness 60 satistused
= 60
223 as one ofisthe
seconds evaluation
used as one index
of theofevaluation
low temperature
index ofperformance of SBS performance
low temperature modified asphalt.of SBS The smaller
modified
224 the S(t), the
asphalt. Thebetter
smaller low
thetemperature performance
S(t), the better of SBS modified
low temperature performanceasphalt.
of SBS The m valueasphalt.
modified is the other
The
225 index of BBR test, which characterize the change of S(t) over time. The S(t) value is
m value is the other index of BBR test, which characterize the change of S(t) over time. The S(t) value required less than
226 300 MPa, and
is required lessthethan
m value
300MPa,is required
and themore than is
m value 0.3required
in SHRPmore
method.
thanThe
0.3 test temperature
in SHRP method.ofThe ◦C
−12test
227 and
temperature ◦
−18 C was usedand
of -12°C in this
-18°C study, and three
was used in thisparallel-samples
study, and threewere prepared forwere
parallel-samples the test. The test
prepared for
228 results
the test.ofThe
S(t)test
of SK90#
resultsmatrix
of S(t) asphalt
of SK90#and SBS asphalt
matrix modified andasphalt are shown
SBS modified in Figure
asphalt 6.
are shown in Figure
229 6.
500
-18oC
-12oC
400

300Mpa
S(t) (Mpa)

300

200

100

0
0 4.5 5 5.5 6
230 SBS dosage(%)

231 Figure 6.
Figure Creep stiffness
6. Creep stiffness S(t)
S(t) of
of SK90# matrix asphalt
SK90# matrix asphalt and
and SBS
SBS modified
modified asphalt.
asphalt.
◦ C was bigger than that at −12 ◦ C, and the S(t) values of both
232 From
From Figure
Figure 6,
6, the
theS(t)
S(t)values
valuesatat− 18 °C
−18 was bigger than that at −12 °C, and the S(t) values of both
233 decreased
decreased with the increase of SBS modifierdosage
with the increase of SBS modifier dosageatatthe
thetemperature 12 ◦°C
temperatureofof−−12 C and
and−18
◦ C, which
−18 °C, which
234 meant the low
meant the lowtemperature
temperatureperformance
performanceofofSBS SBSmodified
modified asphalt
asphalt had
had been
been improved.
improved. To analyze
To analyze the
235 the influence of SBS modifier dosage on S(t), the single factor variance analysis for S(t)
influence of SBS modifier dosage on S(t), the single factor variance analysis for S(t) at different at different
236 temperature
temperature waswas conducted.
conducted. TheThe results
results are
are shown
shown in in Table
Table 8.
8.

237 Table 8.
Table Variance analysis
8. Variance analysis for
for S(t)
S(t) of
of SBS
SBS modified
modified asphalt.
asphalt.
Source df F Sig.
Source df F Sig.
SBS modifier −18 ◦ C 4 198.68 0.001
SBS modifier dosage −18 °C
−12 ◦ C 4 4 376.57 198.68
0.001 0.001
dosage −12 °C 4 376.57 0.001

Form Table 8, the p-value was both 0.001, which meant the SBS modifier dosage had significant
238 Form Table 8, the p-value was both 0.001, which meant the SBS modifier dosage had significant
influence on S(t) of asphalt binder. Through the compared of two F-value at −12 ◦ C and −18 ◦ C,
239 influence on S(t) of asphalt binder. Through the compared of two F-value at −12 °C and −18 °C, the
the influencing effect of SBS modifier dosage on stiffness S(t) at −18 ◦ C was less than that at −12 ◦ C.
240 influencing effect of SBS modifier dosage on stiffness S(t) at −18 °C was less than that at −12 °C.
Therefore, the improvement effect of SBS modifier dosage on the low temperature performance of
241 Therefore, the improvement effect of SBS modifier dosage on the low temperature performance of
asphalt binder reduced with the decrease of the test temperature.
242 asphalt binder reduced with the decrease of the test temperature.

243 4. Conclusions
Appl. Sci. 2019, 9, 467 10 of 11

4. Conclusions
In China, many researchers are confronted with two sets of indicators in evaluating SBS-modified
asphalt, Chinese test methods and Superpave test methods, which are random in practical application.
In order to make the evaluation of SBS-modified asphalt performance more reliable and targeted,
this paper evaluates the adaptability of each indicator through the quantitative analysis of laboratory
tests. The research results provide theoretical support for unifying the performance evaluation index
of SBS-modified asphalt, and provide suitable evaluation index for the selected SBS modifier which is
development by a materials company and widely used in Shaanxi province, China. Some conclusions
are as follows:
(1) According to the performance evaluation tests conducted in China and other countries,
the addition of SBS modifier can significantly improve the high-temperature performance of asphalt,
and can also significantly reduce the temperature sensitivity of asphalt. In addition, it increased the
viscosity of asphalt at high temperatures, and increased the difficulty of mixing and compaction of the
asphalt mixture.
(2) For SK70# and SK90# matrix asphalt, the addition of the SBS modifier can reduce the
penetration of asphalt binder in a certain extent, but the effect was not obvious, and the penetration
index of asphalt binder had no obvious trends between different modifier contents. In addition,
the swelling effect of SBS modified asphalt might lead to great variability of penetration test results,
so the penetration test was not recommended to evaluate the performance of SBS modified asphalt.
(3) The addition of SBS modifier can significantly improve the softening point of asphalt
binder, and this conclusion was in line with the dynamic shear rheological (DSR) test results in
Superpave. Therefore, the softening point can be taken as an evaluation index for the high-temperature
performance of SBS modified asphalt. The variance analysis shows the effects of SBS modifier on the
softening point of SK90# matrix asphalt were significantly better than that of SK70# matrix asphalt.
(4) SBS modifier can considerable enhance the ductility and elastic recovery of asphalt binder,
which was in line with the bending beam rheometer (BBR) test results in Superpave. The analysis
of variance showed that the influence of SBS modifier on the ductility and elasticity recovery of
70# asphalt was greater than that of 90# asphalt, and the influence of SBS modifier on stiffness was
greater than that of the ductility. Therefore, in the study of the influence of SBS modifier on the low
temperature performance of asphalt binder, the effect of BBR test was more obvious than the low
temperature ductility test. In addition, the low temperature ductility value of SBS modified asphalt
was small. Therefore, the possibility of error was greater during the test. Thus, it was recommended to
using the BBR test to evaluate the low-temperature performance of SBS modified asphalt.

Author Contributions: C.Z. and H.W. conceived and designed the experiments; C.Z. performed the experiments;
C.Z. and H.W. analyzed the data; H.W. and Z.Y. contributed reagents/materials; C.Z. wrote the paper; J.G. and
M.I. reviewed and edited the paper.
Funding: This research was funded by the research project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China
(NSFC) (no. 51578075, 51878063), the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Special Environment Road Engineering
of Hunan Province (Changsha University of Science & Technology) (KFJ180503), and the Scientific Research
Foundation of Xi’an Aeronautical University (2018KY0212).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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