Performance evaluation of wood-based additives in asphalt binder: a comparative study

Abstract

Asphalt is a non-renewable byproduct of petroleum refining and acts as a binder that holds aggregate particles together during compaction in flexible pavements. Increasing traffic loads, heavy commercial vehicle congestion, and significant temperature variations have led to performance limitations in traditional asphalt binders. To improve durability and sustainability, researchers have explored modifying binders with waste materials to enhance their mechanical and rheological properties. This study investigates the efficacy of wood dust (WD) and wood ash (WA) as alternative binder modifiers. These widely available waste materials promote environmental sustainability by reducing waste disposal problems and have the potential to improve asphalt properties. The modification process involves incorporating WD and WA at a rate of 4% by binder weight. The modified binders are evaluated through rheological tests to assess their stiffness, elasticity, and resistance to deformation under different temperature conditions, along with the control mixture (CS). The findings of this research demonstrated improvement in binder performance, increased resistance to aging and thermal variations, and a more sustainable approach to asphalt pavement construction. By incorporating these natural wastes, this study aims to contribute to the development of cost-effective and environmentally friendly road infrastructure. The findings will provide insights into the feasibility of using biomass-derived waste as a bitumen binder modifier in future pavement applications.