The use of polymer modified bitumen (PMB) is continuously growing due to the polymer ability to increase the asphalt pavements resistance to rutting, as well as other performance characteristics. However, in practice, asphalt pavements with the same class of PMB perform differently even though the same technical requirements are met. Previous studies have demonstrated that creep and recovery can differ more than 4 times between the same class of PMB. It is known to be influenced by the properties of both base bitumen and polymer. However, there is a lack of more detailed analysis. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine how the properties of both the base bitumen and the polymer affect the creep and recovery of PMB. For this purpose, three 70/100 binders, which differ in fractional composition (asphaltenes, resins, aromatics and saturates – SARA) were laboratory modified with three polymers, which differ in structure and molecular weight. Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS), as one of the most popular modifiers, was selected for bitumen modification. In all cases, 3% of SBS were used to produce PMB. Research showed that the properties of the base binder have a significantly higher effect on the creep and recovery of PMB compared to the properties of SBS when 3% SBS is used.

MSCR; creep; recovery; styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS); polymer modified bitumen (PMB)