Evaluation of rutting resistance of asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures modified with polyphosphoric acid

In this research, a polyphosphoric acid (PPA) additive was used to modify a performance graded binder (PG 58-22). Experimental program included use of three PPA contents (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) by weight of bitumen and use of antistripping limestone aggregates. High-temperature rheological properties of asphalt binders were evaluated through the frequency sweep test. Complex modulus test was also used to evaluate rutting characteristics of asphalt mixtures. Results showed that PPA significantly improved rutting resistance of both unmodified asphalt binder and unmodified asphalt mixture, especially for the asphalt binder.