Effects of carbon fibre on performance properties of asphalt mixtures

Abstract

In this study, the effects of carbon fibre on improving the performance characteristics of asphalt mixtures were investigated. To this end, four percentages of carbon fibre (0%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 0.7% by weight of bitumen) were used as an additive in asphalt mixtures. The mechanical properties of prepared mixture specimens were investigated using tests such as Marshall Stability and flow, Indirect Tensile Stiffness Modulus, Creep Stiffness, Indirect Tensile Strength, and moisture resistance. The results of tests applied to asphalt mixtures showed that the carbon fibre additive increased the resistance to shear stress by 25%, the fatigue life by 51% at 40 °C and the permanent deformation resistance by 2.25 times at 60 °C. It also improved the resistance of mixtures to moisture damage by increasing the durability and cohesion of asphalt mixtures. Experimental results indicated that the carbon fibre provided a positive contribution to the performance properties of asphalt pavements.