Using Metakaolin Material As Additive For Hot Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract

In recent years, the using of modifiers was used to improve the performance of asphalt binder and asphalt mixtures. In this research, metakaolin material is investigated as an additive to modify asphalt cement properties. A comparative test program was conducted on asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures to assess the effects of nano metakaolin (NMK) material on pavement performance. The NMK material was used instead of part of the asphalt binder with different percentages (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) by weight. A number of basic tests were conducted on asphalt binder such as the penetration, softening point, flash point, and absolute viscosity tests. Furthermore, standard Marshall, loss of stability, and rutting tests were carried out on asphalt mixtures. The results indicated that the physical properties of the modified asphalt binder with NMK material were improved. Moreover, the use of NMK material has greatly affected the pavement resistance to deformation. Finally, using the NMK material with a percentage of 6% by weight of asphalt binder achieved a greater improvement in the mechanical properties of the modified mixtures.