Laboratory Study of Asphalt Concrete for Base Course with Reclaimed Asphalt, Recycling Agents, and Jute Fibres

Abstract

The way we treat materials after their lifespan is changing. We are finding a new, more effective way to deal with waste: using it, rather than depositing it in landfills. Since bitumen mixtures are the most popular paving materials by far, and their lifespan is limited, there is a constant availability of old asphalt pavement or reclaimed asphalt (RA). To restore the aged binder properties, we can use recycling agents. In this study, two commercialized biobased recycling agents were used. Furthermore, jute fibers were used as a reinforcement. The influence of the different fiber content and fiber length was investigated in mixtures without the recycling agents. In addition, alkali-treated fibers were used in some mixes for better fiber compatibility with the bitumen matrix. Air voids content, moisture, freeze–thaw susceptibility, stiffness modulus (IT-CY), resistance to crack propagation, and complex modulus tests were conducted. The addition of recycling agents led to a decrease in stiffness. A lower indirect tensile strength ratio (ITSR), increased stiffness, and best crack propagation results were recorded in some mixtures with fibers and recycling agents.