The Comparative Studies of the Properties of Joint Sealants Produced by Manufacturers and in Laboratory Conditions with the Use of Highly Modified Bitumen

Joint sealants produced on the basis of modified bitumen are an effective mean for protection of expansion joints on bridges and for repair of cracks in various road surfaces. A comparative study was performed to evaluate seven hot-applied joint sealants obtained commercially and three joint sealants produced in laboratory conditions with different contents of highly modified asphalt binder (40 to 100%). The basic properties of the joint sealants and asphalt binders were evaluated, including penetration, softening point, breaking point and elastic recovery. Additionally, Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method was used to evaluate the chemical composition of the asphalt binders. The variability of the basic properties of joint sealants was estimated in the range from -77.1% to 43.6% in relation to the base asphalt binder. It has been established that the addition of crumb rubber, hydrated lime and rapeseed oil may be viable in controlling the parameters of the joint sealants.