Design Optimization of SBS-Modified Asphalt Mixture Reinforced with Eco-Friendly Basalt Fiber Based on Response Surface Methodology.

Wensheng Wang,Guojin Tan,Yongchun Cheng

doi:10.3390/ma11081311

Abstract

This paper investigates the effects of basalt fiber content, length and asphalt-aggregate ratio on the volumetric and strength properties of styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS)-modified asphalt mixture reinforced with eco-friendly basalt fiber. An experimental scheme was designed to optimize three preparation parameters for the Marshall test indices based on response surface methodology (RSM). The results showed that basalt fiber content presents a more significant effect on air voids, voids in mineral aggregates and voids filled with asphalt. Basalt fiber length is more related to Marshall stability, and flow value exhibits a significant variation trend with asphalt-aggregate ratio. The optimization of preparation parameters is determined as follows: basalt fiber content is 0.34%, length is 6 mm, asphalt-aggregate ratio is 6.57%, which possesses favorable and reliable accuracy compared with experimental results. Furthermore, basalt fiber reinforced asphalt binder and mixture were also studied, and it was found that basalt fiber can enhance the performance of asphalt binder and mixture in terms of cone penetration, softening point, force ductility, as well as pavement performance tests.

Highlights

Asphalt mixture is a widely used pavement material around the world due to its superior performance
Test Results of SBS-Modified Asphalt Binder Reinforced with Basalt Fiber
The fiber length had a slight influence on the softening point and strain energy results of bitumen binder when the basalt fiber content was lower

Summary

Introduction

Asphalt mixture is a widely used pavement material around the world due to its superior performance. As an indispensable part of SMA, fiber can stabilize asphalt binder to improve the performance of SMA. Previous studies have shown that fibers can improve rutting resistance, moisture susceptibility and prevent reflective cracks of asphalt mixtures [3,4,5,6]. A lot of research has been carried out to study the influences of basalt fiber on improving the performance of asphalt binder and its mixture by researchers and pavement engineers. Wang et al [8] investigated the influences of basalt fiber on bitumen binder and mastic at low temperatures by using direct tension and fatigue tests

Methods

Results

Conclusion