Evaluation of aramid fibre-reinforced asphalt mixtures

Abstract

Continuous efforts by scientists and researchers are made to offer high-performance asphalt mixtures with longer service life, thus minimizing negative impacts to the environment, environmental sustainability, costs resulting from the rehabilitation, and maintenance of roads. In this regard, fibers can provide a distinct material in the enhancement of asphalt mixture performances. Fibers have been used in asphalt mixtures for decades due to their abilities in improving of asphalt mixtures performance. Aramid fibers are synthetic fibers with high-performance properties. This study is aimed to assess the ability of Aramid fiber in improving asphalt mixtures performance. Aramid fibers were added to the asphalt mixtures in different contents; i.e., 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3% by total weight of the aggregate. Asphalt mixtures were performed by resilient modulus test at two temperatures 25 and 40 °C that indicates the mixture’s resistance to fatigue and rutting resistance, respectively. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) using Design Expert 6.0 software was used to analyze data obtained. The results indicated that introducing of the Aramid fibers to mixtures increased the performance of mixtures in terms of resilient modulus by around 25% at 25 °C and 20% at 40 °C; compared to the control mixtures without fibers. The optimum content of Aramid Fibers was at 0.05% to the total weight of the aggregate.