Analysis of Aramid Synthetic Fibers in Asphalt Mixes on Local Roads

This report summarizes the results of a research project that was conducted to evaluate the cracking resistance of aramid fiber-reinforced asphalt mixes used for resurfacing applications on local roads and compare it to that of polymer-modified asphalt mixes. This project was divided into two phases. Based on the results of laboratory study in Phase 1, fifteen test sections were constructed during 2020 construction season as part of five projects in the City of Columbus, Fayette County, and the City of Kettering. Two aramid fiber types, one with 0.75 in. (Fiber B) and the other 1.5 in. length (Fiber A) from different sources, were used for this project. During the construction of the test sections, loose asphalt mixtures and field cores were collected for evaluation in the laboratory using semi-circular bend (SCB), indirect tensile asphalt cracking test (IDEAL-CT), and asphalt concrete cracking device (ACCD). The results of laboratory tests conducted on field cores and field-produced laboratory compacted samples indicated that the effects of addition of aramid fiber to asphalt mixture vary depending on binder grade, binder type, and mix type. In general, Fiber A and Fiber B improved the cracking resistance of mixes with PG 64-22. Mixes with PG 64-22 binder and aramid fibers had similar cracking resistance to those with PG 70-22M asphalt mix. Fiber A improved the cracking resistance for mixes with PG 58-28 binder. In addition, Fiber B improved the indirect tensile strength for mixes with PG 58-28 and had similar cracking resistance as those with PG 64-22. The fibers did not improve the low-temperature cracking resistance of asphalt mixes. The statistical analysis of the test results indicated that the properties related to the cracking resistance of the fiber mixes did not significantly change during the different production days.

• Record URL:
  https://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/SPR/Research/reportsandplans/Reports/Final%20Reports/136006-Final%20Report.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401ccp2/id/21069/rec/1
• 
• Summary URL:
  https://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/Planning/SPR/Research/reportsandplans/Reports/Final%20Reports/136006-Fact%20Sheet.pdf
• Record URL:
  https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/58754
• Corporate Authors:

  Ohio University, Athens

  Department of Civil Engineering
  Stocker Center
  Athens, OH  United States  45701-2979

  Ohio's Research Initiative for Locals

  , OH  United States 

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  Office of Statewide Planning and Research
  1980 West Broad Street
  Columbus, OH  United States  43223

  Ohio Department of Transportation

  1600 West Broad Street
  Columbus, Ohio  United States  43223

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Nazzal, Munir D
  • 0000-0002-5677-1280
  • Kim, Sang Soo
  • Abbas, Ala
  • Al-Hosainat, Ahmad
  • Hudaib, Ala
• Publication Date: 2021-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 134p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aramid fibers; Asphalt additives; Asphalt mixtures; Cracking; Low volume roads; Synthetic fibers
• Geographic Terms: Ohio
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01780780
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: FHWA/OH-2021-22
• Contract Numbers: SJN 136006
• Files: NTL, TRIS, ATRI, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Aug 30 2021 2:48PM