Mild steel chip reinforced highly stable epoxy asphalt composites for pavement application

Abstract

Asphalt composites a critical material widely used in road paving and various other applications due to its enhanced load-bearing capacity. To improve the sustainability of the asphalt composites, shape retention at high stress and water penetration characteristics have to be enhanced. The effect of mild steel reinforcement and epoxy content on the performances of asphalt composites has been investigated by varying proportion of reinforced content. All samples have been prepared according to established procedures, including the grading of raw materials and standardized mold dimensions. Subsequent tests have been conducted to evaluate marshal stability, specific gravity, contact angle, and water absorption. The results indicated that the conventionally prepared sample have shown a marshal stability value of 11.29 KN. Notably, the sample which incorporated mild steel reinforcement and epoxy content, has exhibited the highest stability value of 30.81 KN. The marshal stability values for the remaining samples ranged from 11 KN to 30 KN. Sample incorporated with mild steel reinforcement and epoxy content also displayed the lowest air void of 10.10%. Furthermore, superior hydrophobic properties, with a contact angle of 147° and 0% water absorption capacity has indicated its potential for enhanced performance in real-world applications.