A STUDY ON USE OF NATURAL FIBER FOR IMPROVEMENT IN ENGINEERING PROPERTIES OF DENSE GRADED BITUMINOUS MIXES

Abstract

This study explores the efficacy of integrating natural fibers as a partial substitute for conventional coarse aggregates in dense-graded bituminous mixes. Experimental findings indicate that while these fiber-reinforced mixes may demonstrate slightly lower strength compared to traditional mixes, specific replacement percentages and bitumen content can yield favorable results. The study identifies an optimal 2% fiber replacement, which achieves the highest average Marshall stability of 1050 KG with a 5% binder content. Incorporating natural fibers in bituminous mixes is shown to enhance the performance of flexible pavements, reduce noise pollution, and align with environmental regulations. However, the study underscores the importance of future field applications to validate the material's performance under real-world conditions. The results suggest that integrating natural fibers has the potential to enhance road quality, diminish the reliance on natural stone aggregates, and offer a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable solution, though further field experiments are imperative for practical implementation.