Evaluating the Rate of Response on Asphalt Concrete Mix Permeability Influenced by Non-Bituminous Modifier on Light Traffic

Abstract

Characterization of material property is fundamental in the Mechanistic-Empirical design of flexible pavement. One such key material property is the stiffness of the pavement these influences tensile strain levels and is imperative for either the determination or pavement cracking synonymous with pavement life. It is on this basis, that the present study explored techniques that will improve the performance of flexible road pavement by modifying its stiffness; dynamic modulus, E* when subjected to permeability or absorption tests. The results of the study revealed that the introduction of modifier especially non-bituminous ones can help pavement stiffness act as damp proof sealant in the asphalt film this can enhancing pavement life synonymous with flexible pavement. Modifier addition into the asphalt concrete mixture produced positive significant changes in the stiffness of the concrete. Results showed that the dynamic modulus increased across the loading frequencies under the modifier content as it is shown in tables. However, threshold modifier content to attain maximum stiffness corresponded to 15% by weight of the asphalt at optimum loading frequencies were investigated; these implies that further addition of candle wax resulted in reduction on values of modulus. Also, the modifier develop influence on the modulus of the asphalt concrete it has also showed similar patterns irrespective on loading frequency. Based on these factors, it was recommended that addition of the non-bituminous modifiers reduced experienced reduction on horizontal stress effects in forms of strains on the asphalt concrete layer thereby prolonging the pavement life.