Global Advanced Research Journal of Engineering, Technology and Innovation (ISSN: 2315-5124) September 2015 Vol. 4(5), pp 092-097

Copyright © 2015 Global Advanced Research Journals   

Original Research Articles

Shredded Tire Chips Influence on the Rheological Properties of Grade 60 / 70 Bitumen used in  Flexible Road Pavements

Enwuso A. Igwe

Department of Civil Engineering, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Nkpolu OroworukwoP.M.B 5080, 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Tel: +2348037077751; Email: igwe2002@yahoo.

Accepted 06 September 2015

Abstract 

Improving on the performance of bituminous concrete (i.e. a typical flexible road pavement) has been one of the major concerns in highway engineering, due mainly to the problems of temperature susceptibility and oxidation of bitumen as a road construction material. However, there are several methods and techniques in which asphalt concrete pavement can be enhanced ranging from the use of high quality of aggregates used, to quality of binder used during construction. Other methods of improving the quality of the wearing course (pavement material) is by increasing the level of compaction on the bituminous concrete which in turn reduces the level of voids in the pavement material thereby making it denser and stiffer. However, for the present study the technique used was directed towards modifying the physical or rheological properties of grade 60/70 bitumen using a non-bituminous modifier: ground tire chips. The results revealed that the addition, of varying amounts of ground tire chips made from condemned car tires between 5-25% by weight of bitumen linearly improved the properties of the grade 60/70 bitumen considerably; thus providing bitumen that will enhance the overall performance of the asphalt road pavement.

Keywords: Bitumen, Physical Properties, Modification, Tire Chips and Flexible Pavements.