Design and optimization of polyurethane modified bitumen (PUMB) using response surface method

Abstract This paper discusses the utilization of Response Surface Method (RSM) statistical tool to determine the optimal amount of polyurethane (PU) for modifying 80/100 penetration grade bitumen. Central composite design (CCD) was used to develop an experimental design matrix where bitumen and PU are designated as the factors while penetration, softening point and viscosity are designated as the response. Numerical analysis of polyurethane modified bitumen (PUMB) shows that the optimal amount of PU in the modification of the bitumen is 5%. Verification of the chosen model shows that it is in consistent with the experimental value since the percentage error is less than 5%. Result of the consistency test shows that the addition of 5% PU resulted in higher penetration and viscosity values but lower softening point value, which in consequent improve bonding strength as the flow of bitumen is reduced.

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