Correlating creep properties of bituminous binders with anti-rutting performance of corresponding mixtures

In the experimental study described in this paper, rutting properties of different bituminous binders and those of corresponding mixtures characterized by common composition and volumetrics were investigated and compared. Single shear creep-recovery (SSCR) tests were carried out on binders for the determination of their creep compliance rate (CCR), whereas bituminous mixtures were evaluated by referring to their Flow Number (FN), derived from repeated compressive loading tests. Analysis of experimental data revealed the existence of a strong correlation between rutting parameter of binders and permanent deformation response of mixtures. This confirmed the potential of the proposed testing procedure of being adopted for the evaluation of rutting properties of bituminous binders and for their consequent performance-related ranking.