High performance Hot-Mix Asphalt: laboratory characterization of three different polymer-modified asphalt mixtures realized including steel slags

High-grade asphalt pavement, particularly the surface layer, should exhibit exceptional performance across multiple aspects, including compressive strength, crack resistance, skid resistance, drainage capability, and noise reduction. These properties are crucial for ensuring driving safety, comfort, and long-term durability. This study investigates three high-performance polymer-modified asphalts combined with an identical aggregate proportion to produce three distinct hot mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures, designated as PA, PB, and PV. Steel slag is incorporated as a partial replacement for natural aggregates, thereby reducing dependence on natural resources, minimizing industrial waste emissions, and enhancing environmental sustainability. And a comprehensive laboratory testing program was conducted to evaluate the performance of the three HMA mixtures, including void content analysis, indirect tensile strength (ITS) testing, indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM) testing, skid resistance testing, and wheel tracking testing. The results indicate that PA exhibits excellent skid resistance and high resistance to high-temperature rutting. however, it has relatively low stiffness and poor tensile properties. PV demonstrates the highest stiffness and superior tensile properties but has limited resistance to high-temperature rutting. Among the three materials, PB has the best performance in moisture damage resistance, and its other properties are relatively balanced, with all evaluation indicators performing well.