Date of Award

12-2011

Degree Name

MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department/Program

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Advisor

Ashraf Rahim

Abstract

This thesis has determined that using fly ash as a mineral filler in asphalt pavements can help strengthen and reduce asphalt moisture damage. Also, dynamic shear rheometer tests show that these additives have a stiffening effect on asphalt binder. Moisture related damage is considered one of the main causes of asphalt pavement failure. As water infiltrates a layer of asphalt, it slowly strips away asphalt binder, weakening the aggregate/binder bond. This process, combined with the cyclic loading of traffic, can lead to several different types of asphalt failure including rutting, raveling, bleeding, and cracking. For several decades, research has been conducted to find a solution to this problem. Currently in practice, hydrated lime and a variety of amine-based chemicals are being used as anti-stripping agents. However, as an emphasis towards sustainability has increased, waste products are now being investigated for this purpose. This thesis investigated the anti-stripping effectiveness of two waste products: fly ash and cement kiln dust (CKD), and compared them with hydrated lime and an amine-based chemical additive. The results indicate that class C fly ash can be used as an asphalt anti-stripping additive; however it is more costly than lime or amine chemicals.

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