Performance of Stone Matrix Asphalt Modified with Crumb Rubber and Fibres

This article investigates the impact of Crumb Rubber Modified Bitumen (CRMB) and fibre additives (aramid fibre and basalt fibre) on the performance properties of Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) mixtures. Tests were conducted to evaluate mix design, draindown, cantabro loss, moisture sensitivity, rutting resistance and fatigue behavior. The Marshall method, the draindown parameters (ASTM D6390-11) and the cantabro loss characteristics (ASTM D 7064) were used to examine the mix design qualities. The modified Lottman test was used to assess the moisture sensitivity of SMA mixes. The roller compactor cum rut analyzer was used to assess rutting resistance. Findings showed that CRMB and fibre additives effectively controlled binder draindown and minimized abrasion loss in SMA mixtures. SMA-CRMB mixtures had higher draindown, but comparable cantabro loss than SMA-AF and SMA-BF mixtures. Incorporating CRMB and fibre additives enhanced moisture sensitivity, rutting resistance and fatigue behavior. SMA mixtures with 0.3% fibre addition displayed similar performance properties to SMA with CRMB. Further, substituting fibre additions for CRMB in SMA combinations may yield similar performance. KEYWORDS: Stone matrix asphalt, Crumb rubber-modified bitumen, Fibre additives, Draindown, Cantabro loss, Moisture sensitivity, Rutting resistance, Fatigue behaviour.