The crossover temperature: significance and application towards engineering balanced recycled binder blends

Increased quantities of asphalt-based recycled materials can be incorporated in asphalt paving mixtures by using recycling agents. Previous studies demonstrated that restoring the required performance grade (PG) by the inclusion of recycling agents may not be sufficient to guarantee long-term durability. In this study the crossover temperature was used to characterise the viscoelastic properties of asphalt binders at the intermediate service temperature range for asphalt pavements. Durability thresholds for crossover temperature with aging were proposed on a trial basis from a correlation to the Glover–Rowe parameter. In combination with high PG, crossover temperature was used to evaluate rheological balance: resistance to early rutting and long-term embrittlement. Practical recommendations are provided in terms of appropriate materials selection (base binder, recycled, binders, and recycling agents) towards engineering long-lasting rejuvenated binder blends with increased quantities of recycled materials. Limitations and additional considerations for extending the rheological balance approach to evaluate polymer-modified materials are also summarised.