Micro-Mechanism Study and Road Engineering Application of Asphalt Rubber

Based on the results of electron microscope observation, the formation mechanism of asphalt rubber can be explained as followed: both chemical and physical reaction take place when crumbed rubber and base bitumen are mixed together. Physical swelling of the crumbed rubber particles take place during the process, at the same time a layer of gel comes into being on the surface of the crumbed particles, through which the particles connect with each other and form a network structure. Because of the unique formation mechanism of asphalt rubber, the material provide some much better properties than other kinds of bitumen. The main points of choosing raw material and production technology of asphalt rubber is given out based on the results of a series of contrast tests such as different sizes of crumbed, different crumbed rubber content, different reaction time and different reaction temperatures. The good performance of asphalt rubber in the field of road engineering is proven based on the test results of asphalt rubber premix and road pavement.