Rutting and fatigue performance of high-dosage crumb rubber modified bitumen

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56042/ijems.v32i05.22605

Keywords:

Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB), Non Recoverable Creep Compliance (Jnr), Rutting Factor, Rutting Resistance Improvement Ratio (RRIR), Shenoy Parameter, Zero Shear Viscosity (ZSV)

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of crumb rubber (CR) modification on the rheological and performance characteristics of asphalt binders, with a focus on rutting and fatigue resistance. Modified binders were prepared with CR contents 10%, 15%, 20% and 24% by weight of viscosity grade-30 (VG-30) binder. These binders were evaluated using Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR), Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), Zero Shear Viscosity (ZSV), Shenoy parameter, and the Linear Amplitude Sweep (LAS) test. The addition of CR significantly increased the complex shear modulus (G*) and storage modulus (G′) by up to 3.1 and 30.3 times respectively, while reducing the phase angle (δ) by up to 34.6°, indicating improved stiffness and elasticity. Enhanced values of G*/sin δ and Shenoy parameter increased by 5.34 and 10.4 times respectively for CR24 binder demonstrating improved rutting resistance. MSCR results showed percent recovery increased from -0.2% to 75.1%, and non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) decreased from 2.81 to 0.07 kPa⁻¹. The Rutting Resistance Index Ratio (RRIR) was effective in evaluating crumb rubber modified bitumen (CRMB) performance with Jnr showing the highest sensitivity to CR content, establishing it as robust indicator of rutting resistance. Fatigue analysis revealed that the binder with 20% CR offered the best balance between fatigue resistance and strain tolerance, identifying it as the optimal dosage. A strong inverse correlation with r-square value 0.91 was found between elastic recovery (ER-DSR) and Jnr, and a moderate positive correlation with r-square value 0.68 between ER-DSR and fatigue life (Nf), highlighting the interconnected nature of elasticity, rutting resistance, and fatigue performance.

Author Biographies

  • Gajendra Kumar, Research Scholar, Amity University, Noida 201313, Utter Pradesh, India & CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, P.O-CRRI, Delhi-Mathura Road, New Delhi-110025

    I am currently pursuing Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Amity University, Noida – 201313, Uttar Pradesh, India. I am also working as Senior Technical Officer (3) in the Flexible Pavement Division at CSIR-Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), P.O. CRRI, Delhi–Mathura Road, New Delhi – 110025, and have been associated with the CSIR-CRRI since May 1997.

    I possess extensive expertise and confidence in the design, construction, and quality control of flexible pavements, along with the characterization of pavement materials and quality monitoring. My experience also includes working on projects involving the critical analysis and diagnosis of premature pavement failures, as well as the functional and structural evaluation of flexible pavements.

    I have successfully handled and completed more than 140 projects related to the investigation, construction, and quality control of flexible pavements, serving as project leader.

  • R K Tomar, Professor & Head, Civil Engineering Department, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313 India

    Professor R. K. Tomar is currently serving as Professor and Head of the Civil Engineering Department at Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Noida – 201313, India. He has expertise in Civil Engineering, with a focus on materials and sustainable construction.

  • Farhan Ahmad Kidwai, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi 110025, India

    Professor Farhan Ahmad Kidwai is currently working as Head of the Department of Civil Engineering at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi – 110025, India. He is actively involved in traffic studies, the preparation of traffic impact reports, and projects related to transportation planning and pavement engineering.

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Published

2026-01-26

Issue

Vol. 32 No. 05 (2025): IJEMS-OCTOBER 2025

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Rutting and fatigue performance of high-dosage crumb rubber modified bitumen. (2026). Indian Journal of Engineering and Materials Sciences (IJEMS), 32(05), 552-561. https://doi.org/10.56042/ijems.v32i05.22605

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