Polymers for road applications and their effects on functional propert
ies (permanent deformation, fatigue cracking, low temperature cracking
, stripping, wear resistance and ageing) of asphalt pavements are desc
ribed. The state of the art in test methods for polymer modified bitum
ens is presented. The methods are classified as standardized or non-st
andardized. A general description of each non-standardized test proced
ure is given. Current or proposed specification models for polymer mod
ified bitumens are summarized. The present situation regarding test me
thods and specifications of polymer modified bitumens and the need for
further development are discussed.