Investigating the properties of nylon fiber reinforced asphalt concrete

The performance of asphalt pavements is highly dependent on the mechanical properties ofasphaltic layers. Improving the mechanical properties of asphaltic mixtures by fiberreinforcement is a common method. Randomly distribution of fibers in the bituminousmixtures and placing between the particles develop reinforcing property in all directions inthe mixture and improve their engineering properties. In this research, the effects of thenylon fiber length and content on some engineering properties of a typical binder courseasphalt concrete have been investigated. The fibers at different contents of ۰.۳, ۰.۴ and۰.۵% (by the weight of total mixture), each at three different lengths of ۱۰, ۲۵ and ۴۰ mmhave been used, and the properties of the mixtures, such as, volumetric properties, Marshallstability, flow, Marshall quotient, indirect tensile strength and moisture damage have beenstudied. It is found that the highest Marshall quotient is obtained by using ۰.۴% of ۲۵mmlong nylon fibers. The results also show that the indirect tensile strength and tensilestrength ratio, which is an indication of moisture damage of asphalt concrete, decreaseswith increasing the length of fibers and fiber content.

Keywords:

asphalt concrete , moisture damage , nylon fiber , , tensile strength