Fatigue and Rutting Performance of Hybrid Polymer–Crumb Rubber Modified Asphalt Mixtures for Hot Climate Pavement

The performance and longevity of asphalt pavements in hot regions are mostly dependent on the material composition, with rutting, fatigue cracking, and moisture being the main problems. The study discusses the use of recycled resources in place of natural materials to create two types of mechanically robust and sustainable asphalt mixes: crumb rubber and crumb plastic (CR, LDPE, HDPE).To guarantee the dispersion homogeneity and storage stability of these CRP binders (compatibilizers), a balance of elastically, stiffly, and fatigue-resistant CRP homopolymer binders was developed. Repeated loading tests (4-point bending fatigue test) and laboratory Hamburg and MSCR tests were used to assess mechanical characteristics at elevated temperaturesThese comparison findings also imply that the produced hybrid CR/plastic modified mixes have significantly outperformed conventional and single modifier mixes in terms of fatigue life, rutting depth, and moisture resistance. Reusing these materials helps reduce the amount of bitumen and virgin aggregates used, but most significantly, it keeps trash out of landfills, supporting the circular economy's tenets.In terms of fatigue life, rutting depth, and moisture resistance, these comparison results further suggest that the generated hybrid CR/plastic modified mixes have much surpassed conventional and single modifier mixes. Reusing these materials supports the principles of the circular economy by keeping waste out of landfills and reducing the quantity of bitumen and virgin aggregates utilized.