Description
Due to the chemical affinity between asphalt and hydrocarbons, surface softening, ravelling and deeper damage can arise in asphalt pavements when accidental spilling of oil-derived fuels occurs. Coal-tar pitches, traditionally used for pavement protection in airport systems, filling stations and industrial plants, have been recognized as dangerous for the environment and the human health. Therefore, it is necessary to develop special modified asphalt binders with improved resistance to fuel. With this aim, the effect of crumb rubber modifiers (CRM) was investigated by both solubility tests in jet-fuel A-1 and rheological analysis of the fuel-treated binders. The solubility tests demonstrated that CRM induces an improvement of the fuel resistance, while the rheological measurements allowed to assess the binders residual mechanical performances after the controlled immersion in the fuel. The same tests were also conducted on the unmodified binder in order to have a performance comparison. Final results reveal different aspects related to the compatibility between CRM asphalt binders and service conditions in airports and industrial areas subject to the risk of fuel spilling.
