PRESENTATION ON POLYMER MODIFIED ASPHALT (PMA) AT UNRA ON TUE 3

rd
APRIL
2012
INTRODUCTION
The presentation was held in the main boardroom of UNRA and was attended by engineers
from UNRA, Stirling, Gibb and Gauff. Gauff was represented by Mr. Musinguzi Begumisa. The
presentation was made by Paolo Visconti, the Technical Director of Iterchimica Srl of Italy
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PRESENTATION
1. This technology has been around for over 20 years in Europe and America but is relatively
new in Uganda. It involves addition of polymers to the bitumen to be used in the asphalt
concrete.
2. PMA improves the properties of the Wearing Course thus reducing the cost of maintenance
and increasing the lifetime of the road.
3. PMA solves the problem of rutting and thermal cracking in the road pavement.
4. There are 2 types of mixes for PMA
a) Polymer Modified Bitumen (PMB): It is a mix of SBS and adhesion promoter
b) Direct Hot Mix modification: This uses Superplast, which is a polymer . It is added
directly to the plants mixer avoiding special tanks of modified bitumen. The dosage
varies from 4% to 6% of the bitumen weight.
5. The mixing process requires technically qualified personnel and equipment
6. Uses of PMB. It helps in the improvement of :
rutting resistance
thermal cracking
fatigue damage
stripping
temperature susceptibility
7. Applications of PMA
Hot Mix
Cold Mix
Chip seals
Patching
Recycling
Slurry Seal
8. The most commonly used polymer in PMB is SBS Styrene Butadiene Styrene
9. The polymer improves the properties of bitumen such as
Softening point( it is increased)
Fraas Breaking Point
Ductility
Elastic Recovery
Viscosity
Penetration(lowers it)
Makes the bitumen less susceptible to temperature
10. An adhesion promoter/ anti stripping agent is also added to reduce polarity of aggregate to
bitumen. It also helps with the bonding of aggregate and bitumen.
CONCLUSION
Polymer Modified Asphalt is a low cost solution with immense long term benefits