Influence of Rice Husk Ash and Slag As Fillers in Asphalt Concrete Mixes
Influence of Rice Husk Ash and Slag As Fillers in Asphalt Concrete Mixes
Influence of Rice Husk Ash and Slag As Fillers in Asphalt Concrete Mixes
2017
American Journal of Engineering Research (AJER)
e-ISSN: 2320-0847 p-ISSN : 2320-0936
Volume-6, Issue-1, pp-303-311
www.ajer.org
Research Paper
Open Access
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur,
Bangladesh,
2
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Dhaka University of Engineering & Technology, Gazipur,
Bangladesh
ABSTRACT: Filler is an important ingredient of asphalt concrete mixture. Cement, lime and stone dust are
used as conventional fillers. In this study, an attempt has been made to assess the influence of non-conventional
fillers such as rice husk ash and slag in bitumen paving mixes and also compared with traditional filler stone
dust. From the experimental data, it is seen that specimen made with non-conventional fillers (e.g. slag, rice
husk ash) are found to have satisfactory Marshall Properties, which are almost same as conventional filler (e.g.
stone dust). The optimum asphalt content (5.5%) in case of slag and stone dust are same while for rice husk ash
(5.83%), the same is slightly higher. It is seen that maximum stability is observed by rice husk ash followed by
stone dust and slag as filler materials. The value of retained stability of the asphalt concrete mixture using stone
dust, rice husk ash and slag are 112.2%, 111.52% and 95.68% respectively which satisfies the limiting value
75%. In addition, it has been recommended to use rice husk ash and slag wherever available, not only reducing
the cost of execution, but also partly solve the solid waste disposal problem of the environment.
Keywords: asphalt concrete, mineral fillers, Marshall properties, retained stability
I. INTRODUCTION
The continuing rapid growth in population, along with the increase in traffic demand.The traffic
demand is increasing day by, along with the increase in allowable axle loads. So, it is necessary to improve the
highway paving materials. The main purpose of a highway pavement is to provide a satisfactory surface upon
which highway vehicles can operate. A flexible pavement consists of soil subgrade, sub-base course, base
course and surface course. The sub-base course, base course and surface course may consist of one or more
number of layers of the same or slightly different materials and specifications. The surface course is surfaced
with asphalt materials. They are widely used both on rural highways and on city streets that are subjected to
large volumes of traffic and severe service conditions. Asphalt concrete is a well graded mixture containing
coarse aggregate (50-65%), fine aggregate and filler (35-50%), asphalt (5-8%) of total mass of aggregate [1].
Among them, filler is one of the most important components of asphalt concrete. It plays a significant role on
the properties of asphalt concrete [24]. Properly designed and constructed surfaces of this general type are
capable of carrying almost unlimited volumes of passenger, mixed, or truck traffic, provided only that they are
supported by adequate foundation structures. The majority of these surfaces might be expected to have an
economic life of 20 years or more.
www.ajer.org
Page 303
2017
mixtures. In addition to filling the voids, the fillers component interact with the binder present in the mix
potentially making it stiff and brittle. The change in mix mix properties is strongly related to the properties of
the filler. Ravindra Tomar et al. [5] studied the effect of fillers on bituminous paving mixes. The authors
investigated two types of non-conventional fillers such as brick dust and silica fume. The authors observed that
bituminous mixes with these non-conventional fillers result in satisfactory Marshall Properties though requiring
a bit higher bitumen content, thus substantiating the need for its use. Noor M. Asmael [2] studied the effect of
mineral filler type and content on properties of asphalt concrete mixes. The general overview of this study was
to evaluate the influence of new different fillers extracted from different local sources on the performance of
asphalt mixtures. It was also stated that filler content have a considerable effect on the mixture making it act as a
much stiffer, and thereby affect the HMA pavement performance including its fracture behavior. Above the
circumstances it is clear that filler is an important component of asphalt concrete mixture. Therefore, it is
necessary to investigate which type of filler is effective and economical
%Passing
Specified limit
3/4"(19mm)
1/2"(12mm)
3/8(
#4
#8
#40
#80
#200(Retained)
100
97.2
79.28
58.56
41.5
26.36
11.96
8
100
90-100
76-90
44-74
28-58
8-27
5-17
5-8
Cumulative%
Retained
0
2.8
20.72
41.44
58.52
73.64
88.04
92
100
% Used
Wt. of material, gm
0
2.8
17.92
20.72
17.08
15.12
14.4
3.96
8
0
33.6
215.08
248.64
204.96
181.4
172.8
47.52
96
Total=1200gm
Test Method
Aggregate Crushing
Value (%)
Aggregate
Impact
Value (%)
Specific gravity
Elongation (%)
Flakiness (%)
Water
(%)
Absorption
www.ajer.org
Test value
(FineAgg.)
-
Standard value
BS812:Part 110:1990
Test
value
(Coarse Agg.)
26
BS812:Part 112:1990
9.0
<25
2.630,2.676
2.708
15
<25
19
<25
1.29%,1.19%
<30
Page 304
2017
Asphalt Binder
IRC has recommended three types of PG bitumen. There are 50/60, 60/70 and 80/100. But in
Bangladesh 80/100 PG bitumen is widely used and acceptable for temperature and weather conditions. So, it is
selected to this study. It was collected from local distributor. The important physical properties are summarized
in Table 3.
Table III: Physical properties of asphalt binder
Property
Penetration value
Softening point (C)
Specific gravity
Flash and Fire point
Solubility
Ductility
Test Method
ASTM D5-86
ASTM D36-70
ASTM D70-97
ASTM D92-90
ASTM D113-86
Test Value
100
48C
1.02
320C,341C
99.4%
100+
Standard Value
85-100
30C (Min.)
1.01-1.06
175C (Min. flash point)
50
(Min.)
Mineral Fillers
Fillers play a great role on engineering properties of the bituminous paving mixes. The Asphalt
Institute (TAI) uses the No.8 sieve as the dividing line between fine aggregate and filler. Filler is that mineral
material that passes a No.200 sieve. The specific gravities of different types fillers are given in Table 4.
Table IV: Specific gravities of different typesof fillers
Filler Type
Stone dust
Slag
Rice husk ash
Test Method
ASTM D854
ASTM D854
ASTM D854
Specific gravity
2.46
5.60
1.8
www.ajer.org
Weight percent
Stone dust
58.0516
10.4144
7.6344
11.2939
0.2314
1.4801
3.9270
4.3189
1.9247
0.0298
0.4163
0.0824
0.0321
0.0794
0.0535
0.0126
0.0175
Slag
4.9408
0.5691
0.5335
91.2230
0.1727
0.3141
0.0647
1.3187
0.1447
0.0795
0.2066
0.0647
0.1398
0.2250
-
Page 305
2017
www.ajer.org
Page 306
2017
Unit wt.(gm/cc)
VMA
Va
VFA
2.384
2.407
2.417
2.399
2.40
15.02
14.65
14.75
15.83
16.25
6.03
4.37
3.71
3.19
2.44
59.84
70.17
74.88
79.86
84.99
Stability
(kN)
16.86
14.67
14.24
11.09
9.43
Flow
(mm)
2.31
2.33
2.38
2.92
3.61
Stability(kN)
( after 24h)
18.37
16.46
15.14
14.25
11.4
Retained
stability
108.96
112.20
106.32
128.49
120.89
Unit wt.(gm/cc)
VMA
Va
VFA
2.430
2.460
2.487
2.472
2.455
17.81
17.24
16.78
17.73
18.72
6.02
4.09
2.28
2.11
2.00
66.19
76.26
86.41
88.09
89.34
Stability
(kN)
18.18
13.624
14.406
15.809
10.524
Flow
(mm)
1.531
2.45
2.48
2.51
2.52
Stability(kN)
( after 24h)
16.734
15.923
13.75
10.683
8.58
Retained
stability
96.46
111.52
95.46
70.28
88.84
Unit wt.(gm/cc)
VMA
Va
VFA
2.386
2.372
2.365
2.360
2.345
12.35
13.32
14.03
14.67
15.67
4.52
4.35
3.90
3.40
3.30
63.38
67.31
72.20
76.84
78.94
Stability
(kN)
9.033
15.147
16.959
17.918
21.451
Flow
(mm)
1.84
1.9
2.34
2.37
2.49
Stability
(kN) ( after 24h)
8.301
13.304
13.469
14.23
16.297
Retained
stability
103.25
102.10
92.38
95.70
88.33
To find the optimum bitumen content five specimens for each combination were prepared and the
average of these results has been reported. The results of Marshall Tests have been presented in Figures 3
through 5, in which the variations of Marshall Properties with respect to bitumen contents for all the three types
of fillers considered in this study are shown.
www.ajer.org
Page 307
2017
Figure 3: Marshall properties vs asphalt contents for specimens prepared with stone dust as filler
Figure 4: Marshall properties vs asphalt contents for specimens prepared with slag as filler
www.ajer.org
Page 308
2017
Figure 5: Marshall properties vs asphalt contents for specimens prepared with rice husk as filler
The relationships between filler content and Marshall Properties of mixtures for stone dust as filler
have been shown in Figure3 (a) through 3(f). It is seen that the maximum stability (16.86 kN) is obtained at 5%
asphalt content, the values of flow, VFA & VMA are increased by increasing the filler content, unit wt are
increased up to maximum point then decreases in exception at 7% asphalt content and the air void is increased
by increasing the filler content. In Figure4 (a) through 4(f) shows the relationship between filler content and
Marshall Properties of mixtures for slag as filler. It has been shown that the maximum stability (18.18 kN) is
obtained at 5% asphalt content, the values of flow, VFA are increased by increasing the filler content, the values
of VMA are also increased by increasing the filler content in exception at 5% & 5.5% asphalt content, unit wt.
are increased up to maximum point then decreases and the air void is increased by increasing the filler content.
In Figure5(a) through 5(f) also shows the relationship between filler content and Marshall Properties of mixtures
for rice husk ash as filler. It has been shown that the maximum stability (21.45kN) is obtained at 7%
asphaltcontent;the values of flow, VFA & VMA are increased by increasing the filler content, unit wt are
increased up to maximum point then decreases and the air void is increased by increasing the filler content. The
results of this study have been shown that the use of rice husk ash as a filler at 7% is the maximum stability
among the three types of fillers. The asphalt concrete mix design properties by using stone dust, slag and rice
husk ash as mineral fillers have shown in Table 9.The results show that specimen made with non-conventional
fillers (e.g. slag, rice husk ash) are found to have satisfactory Marshall properties, which are almost same as
conventional filler (e.g stone dust). The optimum asphalt content (5.5%) in case of slag and stone dust are same
www.ajer.org
Page 309
2017
while for rice husk ash (5.83%), the same is slightly higher. It is seen that maximum stability is observed by rice
husk ash followed by stone dust and slag as filler materials. As usual, the results of flow value and unit wt. show
the reverse trends. However, it has been seen that the variation is nominal and the all values of Marshall
Properties are within the specification limits of AASHTO.
Table IX: Marshall properties of specimen with rice husk ash
Properties
OAC (%)
Stability (kN)
Unit wt. (gm/cc)
Air void
Flow value (mm)
VMA
VFA
Retained stability
Stone dust
5.50
14.67
2.417
3.97
2.33
14.29
72.21
112.20
Slag
5.5
13.624
2.46
4.09
2.45
17.24
76.26
111.52
The values of retained stability for optimum mixes with different types of fillers have been shown in
Figure6. It has been seen that the value of retained stability for mixes prepared with stone dust as filler offers
highest retained stability value followed by slag and rice husk ash filler. However, the variations are so small to
be considered significant and all the mixes satisfy the minimum retained stability value requirement i.e.75%. It
indicates that all mixes with stone dust, slag and rice husk ash as filler have good resistance to moisture induced
damages.
The values of retained stability for mixes with different types of fillers have been shown in Fig. 7, 8, &
9. It has been seen that the value of retained stability for all mixes prepared with these fillers satisfy the
minimum retained stability value requirement i.e.75%. It is also seen that the mix prepared with 6.5%, 5.5%,
and 5% asphalt content of stonedust, slag and rice husk ash respectively offer highest retained stability value.
www.ajer.org
Page 310
2017
V. CONCLUSION
In the above circumstances, we say that slag and rice husk ash can effectively be used as filler in
paving mixes in place of most commonly used filler such as stone dust. It is also evident that by using slag and
rice husk as fillers in paving mixes partly solve the solid waste disposal problem of the environment.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors wish to thank the unit of Highway and Transportation Engineering at Dhaka University of
Engineering and Technology for their co-operation, guidance and financial support to successfully complete this
study.
REFERENCES
[1].
[2].
[3].
[4].
[5].
[6].
[7].
[8].
[9].
[10].
[11].
[12].
[13].
[14].
[15].
[16].
[17].
[18].
[19].
[20].
[21].
[22].
[23].
[24].
[25].
Asphalt Institute, 1993, Mix Design Methods for Asphalt Concrete and other Hot Mix Types,MS-2, Sixth Edition.
N. M. Asmael, Effect of Mineral Filler Type and Content On Properties of Asphalt Concrete, Journal of Engineering, vol. 16, no.
3, pp. 5352-5362, 2010.
A. Rahman, S. A. Ali, S. K. Adhikary, and Q. S. Hossain, Effect of Fillers on Bituminous Paving Mixes: an Experimental Study,
Journal of Engineering Science, vol. 03, no. 1, pp. 121127, 2012.
R. K. Jain, M. K. Kostha and R. Tomar, Effect of Fillers On Bituminous Paving Mixes, International Journal of Engineerinr
Research and Science & Technology, vol. 2, pp. 137142, 2013.
H . U. Bahia, H. Zhai, K. Bonnetti, Non-linear Visco-elastic and Fatigue Properties of Asphalt Binders, Journal of Association
of Asphalt Paving Technology, 68, 1-34, 1999.
I. Ishai, J. Craus and A. Sides, A model for relating filler properties to optimal behavior of bituminous mixtures, Proceedings of
the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists, pp. 416-439, 1980.
H. H. Jony, M. F. Al-rubaie and I. Y. Jahad, The Effect of Using Glass Powder Filler on Hot Asphalt Concrete Mixtures
Properties, Engineering and Technology Journal, vol. 29, no . 1, pp. 4457, 2011.
D. Kar, M. Panda, and J. P. Giri, Influence of Fly-Ash as a Filler in Bituminous Mixes, ARPN Journal of Engineering and
Applied Sciences,vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 895900, 2014.
D. Lee, The Effect of Filler on Asphalt Cement Mastics, Ph.D Thesis, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames,
Iowa, 1964.
M. Mohanty, A Study on Use of Waste Polyethylene in Bituminous Paving Mixes, M.Sc Thesis, National University of
Technology, Rourkela, 2013.
Mineral Filler for Bituminous Paving Mixes, International Journal of Research in Engineering and Technology, vol. o4, special
issue. 01, pp. 5660, 2015.
M. N. Rahman and M. A. Sobhan, Use of Non-Conventional Fillers on Asphalt-Concrete Mixture, I nternational Journal of
Innovation and Applied Studies, vol. 3, no. 4, pp. 11011109, 2013.
AASHTO T37, Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Mineral Filler for Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), American Association of
State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), Washington DC, USA, 2008.
BS, 812 (Part 110),Standard Test Method for Determining Aggregate Crushing Value, Bureau of British Standard, 1990.
BS, 812 (Part 112), Standard Test Method for Determining Aggregate Impact Value, Bureau of British Standard, 1990.
ASTM C127, Standard Test Method for Determining Specific Gravity and Water Absorbsion of Coarse Aggregate, Volume 04.03,
Annual Book of ASTM Standard, American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
ASTM C128, Standard Test Method for Determining Specific of Fine Aggregate, Volume 04.03, Annual Book of ASTM Standard,
American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
ASTM D4791, Standard Test Method for Determining Percentage Elongation and Flakiness Index of Coarse Aggregate, Annual
Book of ASTM Standard, American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
ASTM D5-86, Standard Test Method for Determining Penetration Grade of Bituminous Materials, Annual Book of ASTM
Standard, American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
ASTM D36-70, Standard Test Method for Determining Softening Point of Bituminous Materials, Annual Book of ASTM Standard,
American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
ASTM D70-97, Standard Test Method for Determining Specific Gravity of Bituminous Materials, Annual Book of ASTM
Standard, American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
ASTM D92-90, Standard Test Method for Determining Flash and Fire Point Value of Bituminous Materials, Annual Book of
ASTM Standard, American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
ASTM D113-86, Standard Test Method for Determining Ductility Value of Bituminous Materials, Annual Book of ASTM
Standard, American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
ASTM D854, Standard Test Method for Determining Specific Gravity of Mineral Filler, Annual Book of ASTM Standard,
American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
ASTM D1559, Standard Test Method for Resistance of Plastic Flow of Bituminous Mixtures Using Marshall Apparatus, American
Society for Testing and Material (ASTM), Philadelphia, USA.
www.ajer.org
Page 311