ABSTRACT
The suitability of Crumb Rubber (CR) to partially modifying bitumen in Asphalt Emulsion production for use as slurry seal was investigated. Bitumen was replaced with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% Crumb Rubber, and subjected to methyl blue, sand equivalency, cohesion, wet track abrasion (WTA) and loaded wheel tracks (LWT) tests. Preliminary tests: using Penetration, Softening point, Viscosity and Flash and Fire point tests were also performed on the bitumen. Based on the result of the tests, optimum CR content of 17.5% was recommended for use, because it achieved a smooth texture, within mixing time of 200 Seconds and Cohesion at 30 and 60minutes of 23 and 28 Kg-cm respectively. WTA Loss of 365.2g/m2, are within the limits specified by the International Slurry Seal Association. Above the Optimum Crumb Rubber the texture of the mixture was not smooth enough for use as slurry sealant. Successful use of CR will serve as an effective way of converting rubber waste to beneficial use, thereby saving the environment and conserving bitumen.