Performance Assessment of Asphalt Mixture Produced with a Bio-Based Binder

Abstract

Nowadays, the growing energy costs and pressing worldwide demand for petroleum-based products create a strong need to develop alternative binders deriving from green and renewable sources. Bio-binders (or bitumen added to bio-based materials) can potentially be a viable alternative for the production of bituminous mixture, promoting the circular economy as well as environmental sustainability principles without reducing the overall performance of the mixture. In this context, the current study focuses on evaluation of the effects of a bio-binder on the mechanical response of asphalt concrete (AC) produced with it. In particular, a 10% bio-oil deriving from a by-product of the paper industry has been blended with a conventional 50/70 penetration grade bitumen to obtain the bio-binder. Moreover, plain bitumen having the same consistency was chosen to produce a reference AC. Two dense-graded AC wearing courses were prepared in the laboratory according to Italian technical specifications. A mechanical characterization in terms of indirect tensile strength, indirect tensile stiffness modulus, fatigue response and permanent deformation resistance was performed on gyratory compacted specimens using both conventional and performance tests. In addition, aging and water sensitivity of the AC specimens were evaluated. Overall results highlight that the AC produced with the bio-binder did not show reduced mechanical properties and it was comparable to the reference AC regardless of aging and water conditioning. This highly encourages the use of bio-binder as a viable alternative in asphalt technology.

Sustainable Asphalt Mixtures with Enhanced Water Resistance for Flood-Prone Regions Using Recycled LDPE and Carnauba–Soybean Oil Additive

“…The following steps can be used as a possible approach for manufacturing the rejuvenator that was mentioned in the laboratory experiment: Measure and prepare the necessary components, heat and melt the wax in a water bath or other suitable heating device, and then gradually stir in Soybean Oil to ensure even distribution [ 31 ]. Add mineral oil to the mixture and stir to combine the wax and Soybean Oil into a homogenous consistency.…”

Use of bio-binders for asphalt lazers of pavement structures

“…Gaudenzi i ost. [44] su ispitivali uticaj dodatka drvene pulpe, kao nusproizvoda pri proizvodnji papira, za modifikaciju bitumena, na mehaničke karakteristike, uključujući čvrstoću i modul pri opitu indirektnog zatezanja, otpornost na zamor, otpornost na trajne deformacije, kao i otpornost na propagaciju pukotina primenom polu-cilindričnog (SCB -semi-circular test) opita. Osnovni zaključak je da su mehaničke karakteristike neostarelih i ostarelih mešavina sa originalnim i sa modifikovanim bitumenom uporedive.…”

A Review of Characteristics of Bio-Oils and Their Utilization as Additives of Asphalts

“…Adding bio-oil also enhanced the adherence of bio-asphalt to aggregates at low temperatures [ 2 ]. According to a study by Gaudenzi et al, adding wood-based bio-oil to mixes increased their performance at low temperature but had no influence on fatigue resistance or moisture susceptibility [ 80 ]. Mirhosseini et al, discovered that when asphalt mixes were modified with sate seed oil, rutting resistance decreased but fatigue resistance increased.…”