Extension and Replacement of Asphalt Cement with Sulfur: Fid-Bau Portal

Extension and Replacement of Asphalt Cement with Sulfur

D. E. Pickett / D. Saylak / R. L. Lytton / W. E. Conger / D. Newcomb

The potential shortage of asphalt cement and over supply of sulfur make it advantageous to reduce the dependence of the paving industry upon asphalt cement while using readily available sulfur. This report presents the results of an investigation of the use of elemental sulfur as a partial replacement and/or extender of asphalt cement in highway paving mixtures. Physical properties of numerous combinations of sulfur-asphalt emulsions were determined. Various aggregates, asphalt cements, and sulfur were tested in a series of laboratory screening tests utilizing nine independent design variables. Characterization tests were performed on selected combinations of aggregate, asphalt and sulfur using three different mixing methods. The resulting relationships between response characteristics, mixture compositions, and design variables were programmed into the Texas FPS-BISTRO and VESYS IIM design programs. Texas FPS-BISTRO screened a number of design combinations to find the optimum combinations. VESYS IIM was used to evaluate performance of selected optimum pavements. The studies indicate that the addition of sulfur to asphaltic concrete can produce pavements which are more economical with performance characteristics equal or superior to conventional asphaltic concrete pavements.