Rheological effects of commercial waxes and polyphosphoric acid in bitumen 160/220 – high and medium temperature performance

The effects of adding three commercial waxes and a polyphosphoric acid to three bitumens of 160/220 penetration grade were studied using different types of laboratory equipment, such as Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC), Force Ductilometer (FD) as well as equipment for determining conventional parameters like penetration, softening point and Fraass breaking point. The paper deals with effects at medium and high in-service temperatures likely to affect the rutting performance of an asphalt concrete pavement. The results show that magnitude and type of effect on bitumen rheology depend on the bitumen as well as type and amount of additive used. Bitumen composition was found to be of decisive importance. Adding polyethylene wax or polyphosphoric acid especially to a non-waxy bitumen, showed considerable positive effects on the rheological behaviour at medium and higher temperatures.