Utilization of Fiber as a Strength Modifiers in Stone Matrix Asphalt

Construction of highway involves huge outlay of investment. A precise engineering design may save considerable investment as well a reliable performance of the in-service highway can be achieved. Two things are of major considerations in flexible pavement engineering–pavement design and the mix design. The present study is related to the mix design considerations.A good design of bituminous mix is expected to result in a mix which is adequately (i) Strong (ii) Durable (iii) Resistive to fatigue and permanent deformation (iv) Environment friendly (v) economical and so on. A mix designer tries to achieve these requirements through a number of tests on the mix with varied proportions and finalizes with the best one. The objective of the mix design is to produce a bituminous mix by proportioning various components so as to have Sufficient bitumen to ensure a durable pavement, Sufficient strength to resist shear deformation under traffic at higher temperature. Sufficient air voids in the compacted bitumen to allow for additional compaction by traffic, Sufficient workability to permit easy placement without segregation, The SMA samples were prepared using varying bitumen content of 4%, 5.5%, 6%, 6.5%, and 7%. This was done to find out the effect of increasing bitumen content on the stability value. This plot also helps us to find the Optimum binder content for this mix. The plot indicates that the stability value increases initially with increase in bitumen content but then decreases gradually.