Design optimization and performance evaluation of metakaolin-based geopolymer filled porous (semi-flexible) asphalt mixture

Abstract

This study was conducted to enhance the mixture design proportions and performance of metakaolin based geopolymer (MKG) filled porous asphalt concrete (MKGAC) mixture. The optimum dosage contents of various admixtures, namely fly ash, fine sand, expansion agent, and coupling agent, were determined based on the laboratory evaluation of the mechanical, shrinkage, and fluidity properties of the modified MKG. Additionally, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and surface free energy measurements were also conducted to characterize the morphological structure and interfacial bonding of the basic (unmodified) and modified MKGAC. In the study, the solid content of the basic MKG was varied within a range of 26%–32%, with 30% determined as the optimum content for maximizing workability and performance characteristics, namely fluidity, shrinkage resistance, low-temperature cracking resistance, moisture resistance, high-temperature stability, and fatigue-crack resistance potential. Based on the high-temperature stability, fatigue, low-temperature cracking, and moisture resistance evaluations, 30% fly ash, 40% fine sand, 6% HCSA expansive agent, and 1.25% KH550 coupling agent were recommended as the optimum admixture contents for modifying and maximizing the performance of MKGAC. The SEM, energy spectra, and XRD analyses, on the other hand, showed that the microstructure and morphological compositions of the geopolymer (MKG) were uniformly consistent after modification with the admixtures. Lastly, it was also quantitatively observed that the interfacial energy between the geopolymer and asphalt-binder matrix increased after adding the admixtures, indicating an enhancement in the adhesive bond strength between the geopolymer (MKG) and the asphalt-binder matrix.