High-Performance Asphalt Binder Incorporating Trinidad Lake Asphalt and SBS Polymer for Extreme Climates

This study investigates the development of high-performance asphalt binders modified with Trinidad Lake Asphalt (TLA) and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) polymers to enhance pavement durability under extreme climate conditions. A comprehensive evaluation of physical, rheological, and mechanical properties was conducted using Superpave performance tests, Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR), and a Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR). The results indicate that integrating 20% TLA significantly increases stiffness and rutting resistance by 51.7% compared to unmodified PG 64-22 asphalt, while 10% SBS improves elasticity and enhances elastic recovery by 85.3%. However, at 15% SBS, excessive viscosity was observed, reaching 13,000 cP at 135 °C, posing workability challenges and sampling challenges in the lab environment. The MSCR test confirmed that binders modified with 20% TLA and 15% SBS exhibited over 88% recovery and reduced non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr < 0.01 kPa−1), demonstrating superior resistance to permanent deformation. Additionally, low-temperature rheological testing (BBR at −12 °C) revealed that SBS incorporation mitigates excessive stiffness caused by TLA, improving the binder’s flexibility. These findings underscore the potential of TLA-SBS modified binders in achieving long-lasting, traffic-resilient pavements for extreme climatic conditions. Field validation is recommended to assess long-term feasibility in real-world applications.