CHARACTERISTICS OF GLASS FIBRE REINFORCED ASPHALT CONCRETE FOR HIGHWAY PAVEMENT DURABILITY

Abstract

Fibres have been reported to improve the performance of asphalt against some pavement distresses and have the potential to improve the cohesive and tensile strength of asphalt. Laboratory investiga-tion of the characteristics and properties of glass fibre reinforced asphalt was conducted. Specimens were produced and tested for Stability using Marshall Test. The optimum bitumen content for the con-trol was also determined. Glass fibre of 12 mm length in the range of 0.2 – 0.8% by weight were added to the mix, volumetric parameters were examined using Asphalt Institute specification. Voids in Total Mix was used to determine if there is significant difference in the mean using one-way ANOVA at 5% probability level. The result showed that the penetration of the modified bitumen are lower and there is increase in the optimum bitumen content when compared with the control. Voids in mineral aggregate decreases by 2.72, 1.60, 5.92 and 6.98% when 0.2, 0.4, 0.6 and 0.8% fibre respectively were added. Voids in total mix for both the control and modified asphalt showed no significant difference. The volu-metric parameters falls within the specification. The modified glass fibre would greatly enhance the durability and longevity of highway pavement structures.