Modified Bitumen with Addition of Fly Ash in Different Proportions

Umer Shafi

Modified Bitumen with addition of fly ash is a material used in road construction and roofing. Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion and has been utilized in various construction applications due to its properties like pozzolanic activity and low cost. The addition of fly ash to bitumen increases its strength, durability and reduces its temperature sensitivity. In this study, modified bitumen was prepared with different proportions of fly ash to investigate its impact on the properties of bitumen. The results showed that with increasing fly ash content, the viscosity of bitumen decreased and its softening point increased. Additionally, the addition of fly ash improved the resistance to rutting, fatigue cracking and low-temperature cracking. Moreover, the results indicated that the optimum amount of fly ash that could be added to bitumen is between 5-10%. Beyond this limit, there was a significant reduction in the properties of modified bitumen. Furthermore, the addition of fly ash also improved the environmental performance of modified bitumen as it reduces the generation of greenhouse gases.In conclusion, the addition of fly ash to bitumen is a promising technique for improving the properties of bitumen. The modified bitumen with fly ash can be utilized in various applications such as road construction, roofing and paving. However, it is important to note that the optimum amount of fly ash that could be added to bitumen should be determined based on the specific application requirements.