Asphalt modification with rubber-EPDM

Asphalts are widely employed in road construction, scientists and engineers are constantly trying to improve the performance of asphalt mixtures by using various methodsincluding asphalt binder modification. The need to improve the performance of asphalt mixes for heavier traffic loads hasled to some developments which include the use of polymers to improve asphalt cement (AC) properties resulting in Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA). Modification of the asphalt binder is oneapproach used to achieve good mixtures [1]. Pavement with polymer modification exhibits greater resistance to rutting andthermal cracking, and decreased fatigue damage, stripping and temperature susceptibility [2]. A large quantity (300Kilotons) of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)is produced by several industries in Louisiana each year. Of this, l to 5 percent represent residual waste and is beinglandfilled at a cost of $50-$70 per ton. The residual may be slightly out of specification or slightly contaminated, butthe bulk properties of the material remain unchanged [3]. In this study the effects of EPDM different percentages on mechanical properties of modified asphalt are investigated.