Performance of rubber asphalt in split mastic asphalt mixture

Abstract

Latex is obtained by cutting the stems of sap-producing plants. Latex can stabilise asphalt mixtures [1]. Rubber asphalt is polymer-modified asphalt to which additives are added as natural rubber in the form of a liquid, namely latex. The type of pavement used in this research is Split Mastic Asphalt (SMA). SMA is a surface layer with a high percentage of fine aggregate than Asphalt-Concrete and Hot-Rolled- Sheets pavement [2]. Tests were carried out using 7% latex of the total asphalt weight. The research was conducted to determine the value of the Marshall characteristics and compare between 7% Rubberized (Rb) Asphalt and Non-Rubberized (NRb) Asphalt. The stability value increased by 43.7% for Rb asphalt in the SMA pavement mixture compared to the NRb Asphalt. The stability increases from 1943.23 kg for NRb asphalt to 2791.712 kg for SMA with 7% rubber (Rb Asphalt). The flow value for Rb Asphalt SMA follows the standard, namely 3.77 mm, with an MQ value of 760.24 kg/mm. With an increase in Marshall parameter values, the rubber Asphalt was appropriate to be added to the SMA pavement. Road surfaces made with rubber SMA may require less frequent maintenance and resurfacing, which can reduce the environmental impact associated with road construction and maintenance activities.