Laboratory investigation on the use of esparto grass fiber in asphalt pavement for enhanced mechanical performance

Abdelhalim Bensaada, Abderrahmen Younsi, Melik Bekhiti, Naas Alout, Belgacem Choungache and Smail Haddadi

Abstract

In a recent strategy aimed at substituting non-renewable resources with natural, renewable alternatives that have minimal economic and ecological impact, asphalt concrete mixtures incorporating plant fibers have increasingly attracted global interest. The present paper compares the mechanical properties of a reference asphalt concrete with those of esparto grass fiber (EGF)-modified asphalt concretes containing 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% fibers by weight of aggregates. The results show that the mixture with 0.1% EGF achieved the best performance, with notable improvements in Marshall stability and stiffness modulus compared to the control mix. In contrast, EGF had no significant effect on compaction or water resistance (Duriez test). Overall, the findings indicate that low fiber dosages can enhance the mechanical performance of asphalt mixtures while contributing to more sustainable pavement materials.

Key Words

asphalt concrete mixture; esparto grass fibers; mechanical properties; performance

Address

Abdelhalim Bensaada: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Medea, 26000, Algeria; Civil Engineering and Environmental Protection Laboratory (LGPE), Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Technology, University of Medea, Algeria Abderrahmen Younsi: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Medea, 26000, Algeria Melik Bekhiti: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Djelfa, 17000, Algeria; Civil Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Sidi Bel Abbes University, Algeria Naas Alout: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Djelfa, 17000, Algeria Belgacem Choungache: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Djelfa, 17000, Algeria Smail Haddadi: Environment Laboratory, Water, Geomechanics and Structures, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Sciences and Technology Houari Boumediene (USTHB), Algiers, 16000, Algeria

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