A parametric study on the influence of steel wool fibers in dense asphalt concrete

Abstract

Environmental conditions combined with traffic loads contribute to premature deterioration of asphalt concrete pavements, reducing their strength and durability over time. To improve it, fibers can be incorporated in the mixture. Additionally, electrically conductive fibers can be used for self-healing purposes. In this context, this paper evaluates the influence of flexible steel fibers (steel wool) on the mechanical and physical properties of dense asphalt concrete. With these purposes, 25 different mixtures, with the same aggregate gradation and amount of bitumen, but with two different fibers lengths, four different percentages, and four different diameters of steel wool have been considered. Additionally, the influence of fibers on test specimens with three different types of damage: water damage, salt water damage and ageing have been evaluated through particle loss tests. Moreover, the influence of different temperatures on the flexural strength of dense asphalt concrete with steel wool fibers has been studied. It was found that steel wool fibers do not significantly improve the mechanical properties and damage resistance of dense asphalt concrete. On the other hand, steel wool fibers can change the air void distribution of a mixture, and therefore even reduce its particle loss resistance. As a recommendation, it is indicated that, for induction heating purposes, short fibers, with big diameters should be used, since they do not seem to alter the original properties of dense asphalt concrete.

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