The comparative study on the performance of bamboo fiber and sugarcane bagasse fiber as modifiers in asphalt concrete production

Highway pavement structures are expected to be adequately strong and durable for their design life which can be achieved only when the pavements are properly designed, constructed, maintained, and managed. In Ethiopia, most of the asphalt pavement is suffering from fatigue, creep, and rutting in long term. These stresses may be occurred due to the shortage in the mechanistic properties of either the binder or the asphalt mixtures as well as due to the increase in traffic loads. Failures of some roads can be attributed to the poor design of the asphalt mixes and materials being used. The properties and dosage of additive materials in hot mix asphalt affect the overall performance of pavement structure. Hence, modifying the properties of asphalt is necessary to enhance the performance of HMA. This study aims to investigate the performance of bamboo fiber and sugarcane bagasse fiber on the mechanical properties of Hot Mix Asphalt production. This research was conducted by using an experimental research design method and Non-Probability sampling techniques were adopted to collect samples. A sample preparation method of asphalt mixture specimens for asphalt mix design was performed based on AASHTO, ASTM and EN Standard specifications. The tests required were aggregate tests, a Bitumen test, Marshall test, and performance tests such Indirect Tensile Strength test and Rutting Test (RT) were conducted to evaluate a comparative study on the performance of bamboo fiber and sugarcane bagasse fiber as a modified Hot Mix Asphalt production. The preparing HMA mixes using crushed stone coarse aggregate, Fine aggregate, Mineral fillers 60/70 Bitumen, and by using bamboo and sugar cane bagasse fiber as additives were used to compare the results at a varying bitumen content of 4.5,5,5.5,6% bitumen. The Asphalt additives were used in the range from 0.2% to 0.5% of the total weight of the sample. Then, finally, the results of the laboratory were compared to standards of specifications. The optimum both fibers content obtained at 0.3% and OAC & OMF (5.2% & 4%) respectively, suggests that using both BF & SCBF fibers in asphalt concrete mixture improves the performance of asphalt pavements to resist external loads. Both fibers at 0.3% content better modify asphalt marshal stability, ITS of HMA, and Rutting resistance of AC. Finally, based on this study it was proved that the performance and properties of Asphalt concrete are affected by Fiber type and its content.