ADAPTATION OF SUPERPAVE ASPHALT BINDER SPECIFICATIONS TO SUDAN

Abstract

Pavement network of roads in Sudan is represented an important asset to the nation. It plays a main role in transportation of people and goods through states and cities of the country. This research develops new specifications for the asphalt materials, which are used in construction of roads and airports. This will lead to increase the pavement life and decrease the cost of maintenance. This study deals with adaptation of Superpave asphalt binder specification to Sudan. Its objectives were to determine suitable temperature zoning for Sudan, evaluate the suitability of currently used asphalt in Sudan based on the strategic highway research program (SHRP) specifications, and study ways of improving asphalt properties to meet the requirements. In this study, meteorological data from different stations were collected and analyzed to develop temperature-zoning map of Sudan. Two different types of asphalt modifiers wre studied to improve asphalt properties to meet the suggested specifications. Finally, this research help in improving asphalt binder materials specifications on the basis of its real performance regard with Sudan environment conditions.