Potential of Using Organic Additive Produced with Kaolin-Clay in Bituminous Roadways

Abstract

Roadway performance can be improved through utilizing modified bitumens and/or modified bituminous mixtures within the structure. Regarding this view, Kaolin-containing-Organic Additive Material (K-c-OAM) has been synthesized chemically in the study. K-c-OAM is a new additive material obtained in laboratory conditions with the reaction of kaolin, a kind of clay, and ethylene glycol. 50/70 penetration grade neat bitumen has been modified by K-c-OAM in concentrations ranging from 1 % to 4 %. The effects of K-c-OAM on both bitumen and bituminous mixture properties have been investigated by experiments including rotational viscosity, penetration, softening point, ductility, Nicholson stripping and Marshall tests. Marshall Stability values of the bituminous mixtures have been found to be increased at a level varying between 6.4 % and 9.5 % by K-c-OAM modified bitumens. In areas where hot climate is not dominant, K-c-OAM modified roadway pavements can said to provide better performance according to the laboratory findings.