Construction and Building Materials 173 (2018) 262–271

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Construction and Building Materials

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Performance properties of asphalt modified with reactive terpolymer

Tacettin Geckil ⇑, Maksut Seloglu
Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Inonu University, Malatya 44280, Turkey

h i g h l i g h t s g r a p h i c a l a b s t r a c t
Ò

Effect of Elvaloy RET on performance
enhancement of asphalt was
investigated.
Ò

Addition of Elvaloy RET increases
stiffness of bitumen and decreases its
temperature sensitivity.

This additive is more convenient to be
used in intermediate and very hot
regions.
Ò

Elvaloy RET-1.0% is the most
effective dosage to enhance rutting
and fatigue resistance.
Ò

Elvaloy RET-0.5% is more convenient
to decrease thermal cracking at low
temperatures.

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: This study aims to investigate the function and impact of the reactive terpolymer (ElvaloyÒ RET) in
Received 12 December 2017 improving the performance properties of modified bitumens. To this end, four different percentages of
Received in revised form 30 March 2018 ElvaloyÒ RET (0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0% by weight of bitumen) were mixed with B-100/150 grade bitumen.
Accepted 4 April 2018
The physical properties of these binder samples were investigated using conventional tests such as pen-
etration, softening point and ductility while their rheological properties were investigated using
Superpave binder tests such as rotational viscosity, dynamic shear rheometer and bending beam rheome-
Keywords:
ter test. The determination of high and low temperature performance grades of binder samples were sup-
Asphalt
Reactive terpolymer
plied with the Superpave specification. The findings indicate that ElvaloyÒ RET-modified bitumens were
Stiffness less sensitive to temperature changes. ElvaloyÒ RET significantly improved the stiffness of bitumen. It
Temperature sensitivity also improved the resistance of bitumen against rutting and fatigue cracking, without causing a serious
Rutting resistance decrease in the resistance of bitumen against thermal cracking.
Performance grade Ó 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction In service temperatures, asphalt pavements undergo severe

Asphalt binders, even though they are used in a limited
proportion such as 5–7% by weight or 15% by volume in hot mix
asphalts, are known to be significantly effective on the
performance of the mixtures because of their physical and
rheological properties [1–3].
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail address: tacettin.geckil@inonu.edu.tr (T. Geckil).
damages such as rutting, fatigue and thermal cracking under
excessive traffic loads and adverse weather conditions. To over-
come these defects, pure asphalts need to be modified chemically
or physically to improve pavement performance. The aim of
asphalt modification is to develop pavements with the aid of
improved resistance to strains such as rutting, fatigue and thermal
cracking [4–7]. Various researches have proved that asphalt mod-
ification improves its physical and rheological properties in accor-
dance with the dose and property of the modifier [8,9].

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.04.036
0950-0618/Ó 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
 T. Geckil, M. Seloglu / Construction and Building Materials 173 (2018) 262–271 263

Nowadays, different modifiers such as natural, mineral, and [18,19,21,26,29]. This condition has been explained by the chemi-
industrial additives are commonly used to improve some proper- cal reaction of carboxylic acid groups in asphaltene with Elvaloy
ties of bitumens and mixtures. However, polymer-based additives [17,19,21,30]. Studies have shown that ElvaloyÒ RET gives a chem-
are generally used to increase the resistance of bitumen and pave- ical reaction with asphalt and eliminates the problem of separation
ment against heat and traffic loads. Some research results indicate which can occur through storage and transportation as a result of
that the polymer additives increase the performance properties of this reaction [5,13,16,28,34]. ElvaloyÒ RET added to asphalt binders
bitumens at low, intermediate and high temperatures [3,10–12]. with different physical properties, gave a chemical reaction with
The two main types of polymer additives, elastomers and plas- bitumen, which clearly showed a 353% increase in the viscosities
tomers, have been utilized extensively for bitumen modification of the bitumens [28]. The results of another study have also
purposes. Plastomers (e.g., polyethylene [PE] and ethylene vinyl showed improvement in rutting resistance of reactive
acetate [EVA]) are used in order to increase the elastic feature of terpolymer-modified asphalt [2]. Some studies have also showed
the asphalt resistance with the aim of decreasing rutting in pave- that the addition of ElvaloyÒ RET to asphalt can cause a decrease
ment at high service temperatures. On the other hand, elastomers in phase angle, while causing an increase in complex modulus. This
reduce the viscous feature of asphalt binder. These additives (e.g. shows a general improvement in rutting resistance of bitumens
styrene-butadienestyrene [SBS]) and (styrene-butadiene rubber [1,31,34,16,17,35]. In a study which investigated the low tempera-
latexes [SBR]) are assumed to help reduce fatigue and thermal ture rheological properties of polymer modified bitumens, the
cracking strain of asphalt binder. However, under a certain load, cracking temperature of ElvaloyÒ RET was found to be higher [5].
elastomers deform faster than plastomers and recover elastically However, the application of reactive terpolymer to bitumen tends
after resisting large strains [3,6,8,13–16]. to increase the high temperature grade without harming the low
In this study, Reactive Terpolymer (ElvaloyÒ RET or Elva- temperature grade significantly [29,30,35].
loyÒ4170), an elastomeric polymer, was used as a modifier to The purpose of this study was to better understand the perfor-
investigate its effect on physical and rheological properties of mance characteristics of modified bitumens containing ElvaloyÒ
asphalt binders. RET through conventional and Superpave binder tests. Experi-
Reactive terpolymer is a polymer comprising functional groups ments such as penetration, softening point, ductility, rotational vis-
capable of forming chemical bonds with some components of bitu- cosity, dynamic shear rheometer and bending beam rheometer
men. This polymer produces a chemical reaction with asphalt were performed to evaluate the engineering properties of modified
which forms an inseparable compound by forming a network bitumens.
around the asphaltenes [16–21]. However, when chemical bonds
are formed, in such a case, a completely useless polymer asphalt 2. Experimental
gel having no melting and dissolving ability can form [17,18,21].
Therefore, the amount of terpolymer that can be used in the asphalt 2.1. Materials
modification must have an upper limit, in order to keep the network
from forming below the chemical gel point [17,18,20]. Although The pure bitumen with a B 100/150 penetration grade used in
this limit is about 2–2.5%, it can be lower than 1% by weight this study was obtained from Turkish Petroleum Refineries Corpo-
[18,21]. According to some investigators, it is thought that better ration (TUPRAS). The physical properties of the pure bitumen are
results could be obtained with a polymer containing less reactive given in Table 1. The reactive terpolymer (ElvaloyÒ RET or ElvaloyÒ
groups. In addition, it is also considered to be an economical disad- 4170) provided by DuPont Company was used as a modifier. Spec-
vantage to use a higher polymer content. In studies, it has been indi- ifications of ElvaloyÒ RET is given in Table 2.
cated that it is not ideal that terpolymers are used alone as the ElvaloyÒ RET, whose structure is given in Fig. 1, is an additive
modifiers, because they may have a weak effect on the performance that gives a chemical reaction with asphalt, and the result of this
of asphalt due to the risk of gel occurring [17–19,21]. When a ter- reaction is as shown in Fig. 2.
polymer is mixed with asphalt, polyphosphoric acid (PPA) is usually This reaction increases the hardness and elasticity of the asphalt
added to the mixture in order to perform a catalyst function and binder by forming a network around the asphaltenes [13,26,19].
accelerate the chemical reaction in mixture [16,17,19,22]. When Glycidyl methacrylate functional groups that are able to corre-
PPA is used in the modification, it improves the properties of mix- late with the carboxylic groups present in asphaltenes give rise to
ture such as rutting, aging and fatigue resistance, and reduces the the reactivity in ethylene terpolymers as given in Fig. 3 [23,28,34].
amount of polymer needed in mixture [16–20,22].
According to previous studies, the use of reactive ethylene ter- 2.2. Research plan
polymer in the bitumen modification resulted in an increase in
softening point and viscosity of binders, and a decrease in ductility The research motivation has been to study the effect of ElvaloyÒ
and penetration values [23–30]. In a study carried out by Witczak RET on the physical and rheological properties of bitumens. To this
et al. [31] in which 0%, 1.5% and 2.0% ElvaloyÒ was used according
to binder weight, the susceptibility of the modified mixtures to
moisture damage was reduced significantly. In addition, the use Table 1
Physical properties of the pure bitumen.
of ElvaloyÒ led to a significant increase in the permanent deforma-
tion resistance of the mixtures. A previous study reported that the Property Standard Specification B 100/150
optimum ratio for Elvaloy additive was 1% in terms of low and high limit
temperature and permanent deformation resistance. This was Penetration at 25 °C, 100 g, 5sec, 0.1 ASTM D5 100–150 146.8
attributed to polymer-linked asphalt resulting from Elvaloy’s mm
Softening point, oC ASTM D36 39–47 45.45
chemical reaction with asphalt. It was also identified that 1% Elva-
Ductility at 25 °C, 5 cm per min, cm ASTM D113 >100 124
loy modified-bitumen showed the least loss of mass among the Flash point, oC ASTM D92 220 234
tested modified mixtures [30]. It is known that mass loss or aging Ignition point, oC ASTM D92 –
of the asphalt is a result of the physical and chemical changes Solubility in trichloroethylene, % ASTM 99 99.8
occurring during its mixing, compaction, and pavement life D2042
Specific gravity at 25 °C, gr/cm3 ASTM D70 1.0–1.1 1.032
[7,19,32,33]. In many studies, it has been determined that Elvaloy
Penetration index (PI) – 0.714
has a very positive effect on aging resistance of modified bitumens
264 T. Geckil, M. Seloglu / Construction and Building Materials 173 (2018) 262–271

Table 2 end, B 100/150 penetration grade bitumen was modified with 0,

Physical properties of ElvaloyÒ RET [34]. 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0% ElvaloyÒ RET by weight and all binders were
Composition Standard ElvaloyÒ RET ensured to get aged in short and long terms. Then, the impact of
Molecular structure – Linear ElvaloyÒ RET on the penetration, softening point, ductility, rota-
Physical properties tional viscosity, high and low temperature resistance was
Density, g/cm3 ASTM D792 0.94 evaluated.
Physical form – Powder, pellet
Melt flow rate, g/10 min ASTM D1238 8
Melting point, °C ASTM D3418 72 2.3. Preparation of samples
Maximum Processing Temperature – 280 °C
The mixing process of ElvaloyÒ RET was carried out following
the instructions described in DuPont’s asphalt modification man-
ual. ElvaloyÒ RET percentages used in the modification were
selected in range of 0.5–2.5% by weight recommended by the man-
ufacturer [34]. In the study, an insoluble gelation occurred in the
mixture containing 1.25% ElvaloyÒ RET due to the chemical reac-
tion during the mixing process. For this reason, ElvaloyÒ RET was
not used more than 1% in modification. Modified bitumens were
prepared by adding ElvaloyÒ RET to pure bitumen in proportion
as 0, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0% by its weight. In order to prepare the
modified binders, the pure bitumen and additives were mixed in
a mixer with a rotating rate of 500 rpm for 120 min. at a tempera-
ture of 185 °C. As a catalyst, super phosphoric acid, 0.3% of pure
bitumen by weight, was added into the mixture and mixing pro-
Fig. 1. Chemical structure of ElvaloyÒ RET [26]. cess was sustained for additional 30 min. After the mixing was
complete, the blended samples were cured at 185 °C for 90 min

Fig. 2. A typical reaction of ElvaloyÒ RET with asphalt [13,26].

Fig. 3. Reactive terpolymer reaction with carboxylic groups in asphaltene [23].

 T. Geckil, M. Seloglu / Construction and Building Materials 173 (2018) 262–271
to obtain a chemical reaction that allowed to form permanently
modified binders. Pure and modified binders used in this study
were coded B, B + 0.5 E, B + 0.75 E and B + 1.0 E, respectively.
3. Testing program
3.1. Aging methods of bitumens
In this study, simulation of aging during mixing and construc-
tion, namely short-term aging, was carried out in laboratory by
the rolling thin film oven test (RTFOT) procedure (ASTM D2872).
A 35 g asphalt inclusive glass-bottle was placed inside a rotating
rack having a speed of 15 rpm in an oven (163 °C) and it was
exposed to air flowing at a rate of 4000 mL/min, for 80 min. The
aging of the service for a period of 8–10 years, namely long term
aging, was simulated by the pressure aging vessel (PAV) procedure
(ASTM D 6521). In the PAV testing, a 50 g asphalt binder sample
aged by RTFOT was subjected to pressurized air (2.10 MPa) at
100 °C for 20 h.
3.2. Conventional bitumen tests
In order to evaluate the physical properties of bitumens, con-
ventional bitumen tests such as penetration, softening point and
ductility were performed according to the ASTM D36, ASTM D5,
and ASTM D113 standard methods, respectively. In addition,
results were used to calculate penetration index (PI), which is a
measure of temperature susceptibility of asphalt binders. PI calcu-
lation has been performed in accordance with the following equa-
tion [36]:
1952  500  logðPen25 Þ  20  SP
PI ¼
50  logðPen25 Þ  SP  120
where, Pen25 is penetration at 25 °C, and SP is the softening point
temperature of bitumen.
Bitumens with lower PI values have higher temperature sensi-
tivities. When bitumens with higher PI are placed into asphalt mix-
tures, the mixtures become more resistant to permanent
deformation and low temperature cracking [37].
3.3. Rotational viscosity (RV) test
The RV test was carried out in line with the procedures in ASTM
D 4402 to determine the flow properties of a binder at high tem-
peratures as a measure of workability of binders. The Asphalt Insti-
tute recommended that the RV test be done at 135 °C and 165 °C to
determine mixture and compaction temperatures of the binders. In
addition, the use of temperature values corresponding to viscosity
values of 170 ± 20 cP for mixture temperature and 280 ± 30 cP for
compaction temperature was recommended [38,39].
3.4. Dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test
At the present time, DSR test has been accepted to qualify the
viscoelastic behaviors of bitumens at high and intermediate service
temperatures. According to ASTM D7175 standard, DSR test is per-
formed by determining the complex modulus (G⁄) and phase angle
(d) to measure the viscoelastic properties of binders and their per-
formance at high and intermediate temperatures. By measuring
these parameters it is possible to predict resistance to fatigue
cracking and rutting in asphalt pavements.The Superpave asphalt
specification defines a rutting parameter, G⁄/sin d, that represents
the high temperature viscous ingredient of the total asphalt stiff-
ness. This parameter is called the high temperature stiffness.
According to the Superpave specification, G⁄/sin d must be a mini-
265
mum 1.00 kPa for the original binder (unaged) and at least 2.20 kPa
after aging in the RTFOT [38]. In the Superpave specification, G⁄.sin
d is also used which is called the intermediate temperature stiff-
ness to help control fatigue in pavements. For fatigue, both PAV
and RTFOT aged binders are used. According to the specification,
G⁄.sin d value must be 5000 kPa at most. While low d and low G⁄
values are essential for fatigue cracking resistance, low d and high
G⁄ are desirable for rutting resistance [38,39].
In this research, tests on the bitumens were conducted at three
phases by using Bohlin DSR II rheometer: unaged (original), aged
by RTFOT and aged by RTFOT and PAV. In the test, Sinusoidal cycles
were applied in stress control mode at a frequency of 10 rad/s.
Unaged and RTFOT aged bitumens were tested at 52, 58, 64, 70
and 76 °C using samples with 25 mm diameter and 1 mm thick-
ness. Then, G⁄ and d values of bitumens were determined, and
these values were used to calculate rutting parameter (G⁄/sin d),
a measure of rutting resistance. In addition, in order to characterize
the fatigue resistance of bitumens, PAV-aged bitumens were tested
under shear loading by using samples with 8 mm diameter and 2
mm thickness, and G⁄.sin d values of bitumens were calculated.
3.5. Bending beam rheometer (BBR) test
BBR test was developed to evaluate the thermal cracking resis-
tance of the bitumens and to determine their creep stiffness at low
air temperatures. When creep stiffness of the bitumen is over high,
the bitumen displays a breakable behavior, and the possibility of
cracking become more likely. In order to avoid this cracking, the
creep stiffness of the bitumens has been limited to a maximum
of 300 MPa according to the BBR test standard (ASTM D6648).
The rate of change of bitumen stiffness over time at low tempera-
ð1Þ tures is controlled using the m-value parameter. It is desirable that
the m-value is high, as the stiffness of binder will change relatively
quickly when the temperature decreases and the thermal stresses
accumulate. A relatively fast change in stiffness means that it could
rise to a level at which cracking at low temperatures would occur.
According to the Superpave binder specification, m-value for ade-
quate cracking resistance at low temperature must be greater than
0.300 [38,39].
In this research, creep tests of binders were carried out at 22
°C, 28 °C and 34 °C using a BBR in line with ASTM D6648. In the
test, asphalt beam specimen (125  12.5  6.25 mm) was kept at
the test temperature for 60 min in a constant temperature bath.
Then, the test was carried out by applying a constant 100 g load
to the center of this simple supported beam for 240 s. Creep stiff-
ness and m-values were determined to evaluate the thermal crack-
ing resistance of the bitumens.
4. Results and discussion
4.1. Conventional bitumen tests
Physical properties of all bitumens, before and after they were
subjected to being aged, were determined using conventional
methods and the results are shown in Table 3, together with PI
values.
As is seen in Table 3, the addition of ElvaloyÒ RET in the range of
0.5 wt%, 0.75 wt% and 1.0 wt% into pure asphalt decreased 24.3%,
27.7%, 31.3% penetration and 22.5%, 33.9%, 41.9% ductility, respec-
tively. At the same time, the accrual of ElvaloyÒ RET in asphalt
increased the softening point up to 23.1% in modified binders.
The decline in penetration and ductility together with the increase
of the softening point signaled a significant increase in hardness of
the bitumen, and a decrease in its temperature susceptibility.
266 T. Geckil, M. Seloglu / Construction and Building Materials 173 (2018) 262–271

Table 3
Physical properties of bitumens before and after RTFOT.

Property/unit Standard Binder types

B B + 0.5 E B + 0.75 E B + 1.0 E
Penetration at 25 °C, 100 g, 5sec, 0.1 mm ASTM D5 146.8 111.1 106.2 100.8
Softening point, oC ASTM D36 45.45 49.80 52.70 55.95
Ductility at 25 °C, 5 cm per min, cm ASTM D113 124 96 82 72
Penetration index (PI) – 0.714 0.995 1.615 2.228
After RTFOT
Loss on heating, wt% ASTM D2872 0.56 0.41 0.34 0.05
Penetration at 25 °C, 100 g, 5sec, 0.1 mm ASTM D5 56.9 49.1 46.7 45.6
Retained penetration, % ASTM D5 39 44 44 45
Softening point,oC ASTM D36 55.25 64.75 68.70 72.65
Change in softening point, oC – 9.8 14.95 16 16.7
Penetration index (PI) – 0.354 1.883 2.439 3.012

When the effects of ElvaloyÒ RET on the PI of bitumen are exam-
ined, as seen in Table 3, it can obviously be seen that ElvaloyÒ RET
modified bitumen has higher PI values in comparison with pure
bitumen. This signifies that ElvaloyÒ RET modified bitumen which
has higher PI turns out to be more resistant to permanent deforma-
tion and thermal cracking.
As for the evaluation of mass loss, the results of all aged bitu-
mens showed that ElvaloyÒ RET modified bitumens had lower
mass loss than pure bitumens, and that the mass loss value of pure
bitumens decreased with the increasing amount of ElvaloyÒ RET.
The amount of this decrease was 26.8%, 39.3% and 91.1%, respec-
tively. In this condition, it can be said that chemical reaction
between the carboxylic acid groups in the asphaltenes with Elva-
loyÒ RET significantly increased temperature and oxidation resis-
tance of the modified bitumens.
When the findings of aged bitumens are examined, a decrease
in the penetrations and an increase in the softening points of bitu-
mens are seen. Furthermore, in comparison with unaged bitumens,
the retained penetration values of aged bitumens have increased
by 39%, 44%, 44% and 45%; and the softening point values have rose
up 9.8 °C, 14.95 °C, 16 °C and 16.7 °C, in this respect. These results
indicate that pure and modified bitumens get stiffer and less fluid
after aging, and become much less sensitive to temperature, in par-
ticular at high temperatures.
4.2. Rotational viscosity
The determination of viscosity values of bitumens in the high
temperatures (135 °C and 165 °C) were done using a Brookfield
DV-III rotary viscometer. The mixing and compaction temperatures
of all binders were determined by means of the temperature-
viscosity graph shown in Fig. 4. Rotational viscosities (g) and mod-
ification indices (g value of modified bitumen is divided by g
value of pure bitumen) of the all bitumens are shown in Table 4.
According to RV results, in parallel with the increase of amount
of ElvaloyÒ RET in the B 100/150, the viscosity values of bitumens
have increased. Namely, at 135 °C the proportion of increase is
52.2%, 82.3% and 156.5%; and at 165 °C is 37.5%, 62.5% and
137.5%, respectively in comparison with pure B 100/150. On the
other hand, mixing and compaction temperatures of modified bitu-
mens increased with 2.3%, 5.6%, 11.5% and with 3.6%, 7.2%, 10.8%
when compared to B 100/150. This shows that with the ElvaloyÒ
RET increase, the binder stiffness increases significantly.
4.3. Rutting and fatigue cracking resistance
In the study, before and after their being aged, rheological prop-
erties (G⁄, d) of pure and modified bitumens at high and interme-
diate temperatures were determined by DSR.

Fig. 4. The illustration of the temperature-viscosity relationship of all bitumens.

 T. Geckil, M. Seloglu / Construction and Building Materials 173 (2018) 262–271 267

Table 4
Viscosity values and the mixing-compaction temperatures of all bitumens.

Binder types Rotational viscosity (cP) gmodified/gpure Temperature range (oC)

135 °C 165 °C 135 °C 165 °C Mixing Compaction
B 287.5 100.0 1.0 1.0 149–155 136–143
B + 0.5E 437.5 137.5 1.52 1.38 153–158 141–148
B + 0.75E 525.0 162.5 1.83 1.63 158–163 146–153
B + 1.0E 737.5 237.5 2.57 2.38 167–172 151–158

With the aid of obtained G⁄/sin (d) parameters, the performance
grades of all bitumens at high temperatures were determined
(Table 5). The relationships of G⁄, d, G⁄/sin (d) and G⁄.sin (d) with
temperature are shown in Fig. 5–7.
Fig. 5 demonstrates that G⁄ values, which are the measure of the
total deformation resistance of bitumens being subjected to shear
stresses, improved significantly in parallel with the increase of
additive in aged and unaged bitumens. However, with the increase
in the amount of additive in bitumen the phase angels of binders
decreased, and this caused ElvaloyÒ RET modified binders behave
as elastic solids. When these two situation are taken into consider-
ation, it is seen that the resistance of bitumens containing additive
against deformation increased. As a consequence of increased
resistance, amount of permanent deformation decreased and elas-
tic properties of binder improved. This is because high G⁄ and low d
values imply a rising in rutting resistance.
It is seen in Table 5 and Fig. 6 that there is a significant
increase in G⁄/sin d rutting parameters of modified binders com-
pared to pure bitumens. When Superpave specification is taken
into consideration, it is seen that performance grade of the pure
B100/150 bitumen in terms of high temperature is PG 58. Simi-
larly, ElvaloyÒ RET modified bitumens (0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 wt%)
were identified to have the performance grades of PG 64, PG
64 and PG 70 accordingly. This indicates that pure binder can

Table 5
DSR test results of all bitumens.

DSR test results

Temperature (°C) G*/sind (kPa) (specification limit min. 1 kPa)
B B + 0.5E B + 0.75E B + 1.0E
58 1.171 2.151 2.556 3.578
64 0.561 1.116 1.389 1.872
70 – 0.586 0.753 1.060
76 – – – 0.582
G*/sin d (kPa) RTFOT residue (specification limit min. 2.2 kPa)
58 7.698 – – –
64 – 7.408 9.745 –
70 – – – 8.337
*
G .sin d (kPa) PAV residue (specification limit max. 5000 kPa)
19 523 829 – –
22 388 634 – –
25 – 473 504 449
28 – – 386 347,7
High temperature performance grades (PG)
58-Y 64-Y 64-Y 70-Y

Fig. 5. Curve of G* and d versus temperature for original (unaged) bitumens.

268 T. Geckil, M. Seloglu / Construction and Building Materials 173 (2018) 262–271

Fig. 6. Curve of G*/sin (d) versus temperature for original and aged modified bitumens.

Fig. 7. Curve of G*.sin (d) versus temperature for PAV aged bitumens.

be used at high temperatures up to 70 °C when modified with
ElvaloyÒ RET.
Furthermore, depending on the Fig. 7, the fatigue crack resis-
tances at intermediate temperatures of the ElvaloyÒ RET modified
binders have been seen to be sufficient. Because G⁄.sin d values, the
fatigue crack resistance parameter, were obtained below the limit
value of max 5000 kPa for all binders. This showed that with the
addition of ElvaloyÒ, the hardness of the binders increased and at
the same time they became an elastic solid. This result means that
fatigue cracks originating from asphalt will not occur in the pave-
ment under repeated loads.
Depending on these results, temperature susceptibilities of
ElvaloyÒ RET modified binders are seen to have decreased signifi-
cantly. Consequently, it has been observed that modified binders
behave like elastic solids and that they have higher rutting resis-
tance, which makes the use of ElvaloyÒRET modified binders pos-
sible at high temperatures.
4.4. Thermal cracking resistance
In order to identify the performance properties of bitumens at
low temperatures, all bitumens aged with PAV were subjected to
BBR test. The performance grades at low temperatures of the bitu-
mens were determined by means of the obtained creep hardness
(S) and creep rate (m-value) parameters (Table 6). The relation-
ships of S and m-value with temperature are shown in Figs. 8
and 9.
As seen From Table 6 and Fig. 8, increasing ElvaloyÒ RET content
caused an increase in the stiffness of bitumens at low tempera-
tures. This means that modified binders display more rigid behav-
iors. However, when m-value results are taken into consideration,
the stiffness of binders can be said to gain a more elastic solidness.
For instance, while S value of B 100/150 bitumen is 158.374 MPa at
22 °C, S value of 1.0% ElvaloyÒ RET modified bitumen seems to
have increased to 370.785 MPa under the same temperature
conditions.
On the other hand, m-value of B 100/150 bitumen seems to
have decreased from 0.315 to 0.260, which shows the addition of
ElvaloyÒ RET into the bitumen has provided the bitumen with a
more rigid property without causing thermal cracking seen at very
low temperatures. Figs. 8 and 9 show that B 100/150 bitumen sat-
isfies the performance limit values (S’s being max 300 MPa and m-
value’s being min 0.300) at 22 °C. The binder which is modified
by 0.5% of ElvaloyÒ RET has also different S and m-values and its
 T. Geckil, M. Seloglu / Construction and Building Materials 173 (2018) 262–271 269

Table 6
BBR test results of all bitumens.

BBR test results

Temperature (°C) m-value (specification limit min. 0.300)
B B + 0.5E B + 0.75E B + 1.0E
16 0.326 0.397 0.371 0.345
22 0.315 0.357 0.293 0.260
28 0.288 0.261 – –
Creep stiffness (Mpa) (specification limit max. 300 MPa)
16 88.031 105.576 136.977 175.574
22 158.374 232.872 305.986 370.785
28 379.012 460.193 – –
Low temperature performance grades (PG)
X-22 X-22 X-16 X-16

performance grade remained unvaried with B 100/150. Similarly,

binders modified by 0.75% and 1.0% of ElvaloyÒ RET have the same
performance grades.
Also, taking into consideration performance grades at high
temperatures, performance grades of all bitumens have been PG
58–22, PG 64–22, PG 64–16 and PG 70–16. Therefore, ElvaloyÒ
RET utilization caused a remarkable increase in bitumens’ stiffness
at low temperatures, which could bring about the consequence of
leading to poor performance at extremely low temperatures with-
out damaging the performance of binders at higher temperatures.
In conclusion, it can be said that PG 70–16 modified by 1.0 wt%
ElvaloyÒ RET can be used in very hot climates, and that PG 64–22
modified by 0.5 wt% ElvaloyÒ RET can be used in very cold
climates.

4.5. The effect of ElvaloyÒ RET on performance of modified bitumen

The influence of ElvaloyÒ RET as a modifier on high (HT) and

Fig. 8. Effect of ElvaloyÒ RET content on creep stiffness of B 100/150.
low (LT) service temperatures, and on performance grading of B
100/150 bitumen is seen in Table 7.
As seen in Table 7, the increased amount of ElvaloyÒRET in B
100/150 bitumen increased its high temperature performance,
and therefore its performance grade. This is why performance
grade of the bitumen increased from 58 °C to 70 °C. However, there
has been a decline in low temperature performance of the bitumen
which is a natural result of the increase in its stiffness. This is why
performance grade of the bitumen has changed from 22 °C to
16 °C.
Finally, it can be concluded that ElvaloyÒRET modified bitumens
display better performance at much higher temperatures com-
pared to pure bitumen, without causing a serious decrease in the
low temperature performance of bitumen.

5. Conclusions

In this study the impact of ElvaloyÒRET additive to performance

properties of bitumen was investigated and the following conclu-
sions were drawn.

1. The results of the conventional tests signify that an increase in

the stiffness of bitumens with the addition of ElvaloyÒ RET into
Fig. 9. Effect of ElvaloyÒ RET content on m-value of B 100/150. pure bitumens, and a decrease in temperature susceptibilities of

Table 7
The effect of ElvaloyÒ RET on performance grading of bitumen.

Binder types HT (oC) LT (oC) HT (oC) Improvement LT (oC) Improvement Performance grading (PG)
B 59.5 25.5 – – PG 58-22
B + 0.5E 65.5 24.0 6.0 1.5 PG 64-22
B + 0.75E 67.0 21.5 7.5 4.0 PG 64-16
B + 1.0E 70.5 19.0 11.0 6.5 PG 70-16
270 T. Geckil, M. Seloglu / Construction and Building Materials 173 (2018) 262–271
bitumens take place. This indicates that ElvaloyÒ RET modified
binders can especially be used at the regions with high
temperatures.
2. The results of RTFOT mass loss show that with the addition of
ElvaloyÒ RET the binders get much less aged; in other words,
modified binders get less hardened throughout mixing and con-
struction. This means that the chemical reaction between Elva-
loyÒ and bitumen significantly increases the temperature and
oxidation resistance of the modified bitumens.
3. RV test results showed that with the addition of ElvaloyÒ RET
the viscosity values of modified bitumens reached to 2.6 times
for 135 °C and to 2.4 times for 165 °C. This signifies that work-
ability temperatures of bitumens increases in parallel with the
stiffness of bitumens.
4. The results of DSR tests indicate that while G⁄ values of modi-
fied bitumens increased, the d values of them decreased with
addition ElvaloyÒRET. This increase in G⁄ values signifies that
the bitumens display a big resistance against repeated loads,
and the decrease in the d values show that the bitumens acquire
a more elastic attribute. The high G⁄ and low d values are desir-
able for rutting resistance. Although Superpave rutting require-
ment was satisfied at 59.5 °C by pure bitumen, the temperature
reached to 70.5 °C following a 1.0% ElvaloyÒRETaddition into
the bitumen. In terms of permanent deformation, high temper-
ature performance grades of all bitumens were identified as PG
58-Y, PG 64-Y, PG 64-Y and PG 70-Y, respectively. The implica-
tion of these results is that ElvaloyÒ RET modified bitumens are
more convenient to be used at higher temperatures.
5. The BBR test results show that the bitumens harden in very low
temperatures, and that an increase in their stiffness, while they
were subjected to load, takes place depending on temperature
fallings. When high and low temperature performances of all
bitumens were evaluated together, their performance grades
were seen to be PG 58-22, PG 64-22, PG 64-16 and PG 70-16,
respectively. The implications of these findings are that while
1.0 wt% ElvaloyÒ RET-modified bitumens are more convenient
to be used at high temperatures, 0.5 wt% ElvaloyÒ RET-
modified bitumens are more convenient to be used at low
temperatures.
6. The results show that when more than 1% by weight of ElvaloyÒ
RET is mixed with bitumen, an insoluble gel emerges in the
mixture due to the chemical reaction occurring during the mix-
ing process. Accordingly, ElvaloyÒ RET limit to be used for B
100/150 bitumen has carefully been determined to be at most
1% to keep the chemical gel point within the permissible range.
In addition, it can be said that the good performance of ElvaloyÒ
RET can be attributed to the polymer-linked asphalt resulting
from the chemical reaction of Elvaloy with asphalt.
Finally, our findings clarify that the addition of ElvaloyÒRET into
bitumens gives rise not only to the decrease of temperature sus-
ceptibility of binders, but also to the increase the rutting and fati-
gue resistance and elastic properties of binders. This leads us to
assume that ElvaloyÒ RET-modified bitumens are more convenient
to be used especially in very hot regions, although they can also be
used in cold and intermediate temperature regions. In addition, the
use of ElvaloyÒ RET in mixtures can extend the service life of pave-
ments and reduce their maintenance-repair costs.
Conflict of interest
None.
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