Performance of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Concretes with Various Asphalt Binders in Thailand

Abstract

This research presents a laboratory investigation into the effects of polyolefin and aramid fibers as a reinforcement material in hot-mix asphalt (HMA) mixtures, with different asphalt binders. Three commercially available asphalt binders were used: asphalt cement penetration grade AC6/7, natural rubber–modified asphalt (NRMA), and polymer-modified asphalt (PMA). The effect of fiber reinforcement in those asphalt mixtures was evaluated by a detailed laboratory experimental program, which included Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength (ITS), resilient modulus (MR), indirect tensile stiffness modulus (ITSM), dynamic creep, diametrical indirect tensile fatigue, and rutting resistance tests. The performance evaluation was performed by comparing the results between asphalt mixtures with and without fiber reinforcement for the AC6/7, NRMA, and PMA. The laboratory results indicate that without fiber reinforcement, the PMA exhibited better performance than NRMA and AC6/7, respectively. The addition of fibers .5% by mass of the total mixture to asphalt concrete mixtures notably improved the rutting resistance, fatigue life, and resilient modulus, regardless of asphalt binder type. The average values of Marshall stability, MR, ITS, and ITSM of all the fiber-reinforced mixtures was increased by approximately 17, 31, 11, and 33%, respectively, compared with the mixtures without fiber reinforcement. This research confirms that fiber-reinforced asphalt pavements exhibit superior performance to traditional asphalt concrete pavement, hence resulting in longer service life.