Stabilization and Reinforcement Effect of Fibers on a Bitumen Binder

Abstract

This study investigated fibers’ stabilization and reinforcement effect on a bitumen binder. The fibers’ microstructures were primarily observed using scanning electron microscopy, and laboratory tests, including the oven heating and mesh-basket draindown, were designed and carried out on three different fiber–bitumen binders (lignin, mineral, and carbon fiber) in this paper to evaluate the bitumen adsorption and thermal stability, respectively. Then, the cone sink experiment was performed to check the rheological properties of these fiber–bitumen binders. These results reveal that the stabilization and reinforcement effect increases with the fiber content increasing to the optimal value. The optimal fiber content depends on the performance of the fiber–bitumen binder, and the value found in this paper is 0.4 wt %. The results indicate that the fiber enhances the toughness of the bitumen effectively via its spatial framework, adhesion, and stabilization of the fiber–bitumen binder. The rheological properties and rutting resistance were tested by a dynamic shear rheometer, and the results suggested that the fiber could effectively enhance the flow resistance and the rutting resistance of the fiber–bitumen binder.