Studying the Effect of Syrian Natural Zeolite On Properties of Asphalt Binder

In the last years, many researchers studied production of warm asphalt concrete by usingorganic, chemical and water-bearing additive )synthetic zeolite). The purpose of this research is to study theeffect of Syrian natural zeolite on the physical and rheological properties of asphalt binder and verify ofusing it to produce warm asphalt concrete (as a binder modifier or as additive to asphalt concrete), in additionto economic benefits by saving on the cost of synthetic zeolite. In this study, natural zeolite characterizationhas been investigated via X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Thermal Gravimetricanalysis (TGA). Natural zeolite was added to asphalt binder with different percentages (3, 4, 5 and 6%) byweight and to determine the effect of natural zeolite on properties of asphalt binder, penetration at )25(°∁,softening point, ductility, viscosity at (110, 120, 135)°∁ and RTOFT tests were carried out on both modifiedand unmodified aged asphalt binder with natural zeolite. According to the test results, it has been seen thatthe addition of natural zeolite improves properties of the asphalt binder and an increase in its resistance tofatigue, and do not make a substantial difference on the workability of the asphalt binder. So the effect ofthe mixture of natural zeolite additives on the workability could not be predicted on asphalt binder, thereforethe direct effect of additives should be studied on the asphalt mixtures.