Date Approved
2-3-2025
Embargo Period
3-17-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Department
Civil engineering
College
Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering
Advisor
Yusuf Mehta, PhD
Committee Member 1
Behrad Koohbor, PhD
Committee Member 2
Phill Blankenship
Committee Member 3
Dan Offenbacker, PhD
Committee Member 4
Sadie Casillas, PhD
Keywords
Aramid Fibers;Asphalt;Distribution;Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Materials;Mixing;Performance
Disciplines
Civil and Environmental Engineering | Civil Engineering | Engineering
Abstract
Asphalt concrete is a composite material widely used in the construction of roads; however, fatigue cracking (load associated), thermal cracking (non-load associated), and permanent deformation (or rutting) are the most challenging issues in flexible (or asphalt) pavement structures. These distresses affect ride quality and are considered the most well-known pavement deterioration types. Several modifiers have been used as potential solutions to cracking and rutting of asphalt mixtures (i.e., polymers, geogrids etc.). Among these modifiers, fibers were introduced to improve the resistance of asphalt mixtures to rutting and cracking. Addition of fibers into the asphalt mixture is always challenging because of their impact on volumetric properties and clumping while mixing. Therefore, a comprehensive study was conducted to address these challenges and subsequently evaluate the performance potential of fiber-reinforced asphalt mixture (FRAM). For this purpose, different types of fibers (carbon, glass, basalt, and polyolefin/aramid (PFA), and Sasobit coated aramid (SCA)) were used and mixtures were prepared by using a variety of laboratory equipment as well as at an asphalt plant. Results showed that a fiber dosage of 0.16% negatively impacted the volumetric properties, however, fiber dosage ≤0.05% (aramid fibers) satisfy the volumetric properties and improve the rutting potential. Laboratory Bucket mixer produce the FRAM equivalent to plant produced FRAM in terms of fiber distribution and laboratory performance Based on a comprehensive evaluation of laboratory performance, including assessments of rutting and cracking, along with a cost-benefit analysis, aramid fibers demonstrated an optimal balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. Finally, based on the findings of this study, aramid fibers offer practical benefits in terms of enhancing the longevity and performance of asphalt pavements, reducing maintenance, optimizing material usage, and ensuring roads are better suited to the climate and traffic conditions in different regions of the United States
Recommended Citation
Khan, Ali Raza Raza, "PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT OF FIBER-REINFORCED ASPHALT MIXTURES: A COMPREHENSIVE LABORATORY AND FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATION" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 3332.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3332
