Laboratory Evaluation of Rice Husk and Sawdust on the Performance of Asphalt Binders and Mixtures.

Nassef, Manar Moustafa; Gabr, Alaa Rashad; EL-Badawy, Sherif Massoud

doi:10.21608/bfemu.2021.204643

Laboratory Evaluation of Rice Husk and Sawdust on the Performance of Asphalt Binders and Mixtures.

Document Type : Research Studies

Authors

¹ MSc student, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University. Donemstrator at Delta Higher Institute for Engineering and Technology

² Associate Professor, Public Works Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Egypt.

³ Professor, Public Works Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Mansoura University, Egypt

10.21608/bfemu.2021.204643

Abstract

Although waste materials have negative effects on the environment, they can be utilized in civil engineering applications, particularly in pavement construction. This research investigates the feasibility of using agricultural waste and byproduct materials i.e., Rice Husk (RH) and Sawdust (SD) as modifiers to asphalt binders and mixtures. A mechanical mixer was used at 1400 rpm speed, and temperature of 140°C±5°C to blend the byproduct material with a typical 60/70 penetration grade asphalt for 60 minutes. Three different contents of 10, 15, and 20% by total weight of asphalt binder) were employed for modifying asphalt binders. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used for the microstructural and chemical characterization of the modified asphalts. The neat and modified asphalts were tested against conventional properties. Modified asphalt mixtures were prepared and designed by Marshall method utilizing an optimum content of 15% by the total weight of asphalt binder for each of the byproduct materials. The moisture sensitivity was characterized in the laboratory for the control and modified mixes using the Tensile Strength Ratio (TSR) and loss of stability. Results showed that with the increase in the content of the waste/byproduct material, penetration value decreased, softening point temperature increased, and viscosity increased. Marshall stability of the prepared hot asphalt mixture containing RH-modified asphalt binder was the highest but with higher loss of stability compared with other asphalt mixes. The TSR of the control mix was the highest compared with other mixes.

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