EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF STONE MATRIX ASPHALT WITH COIR FIBER AND PINEAPPLE FIBER

Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) is a gap graded mix which consists of 70−80% coarse aggregate, 8−12% filler, 6.0−7.0% binder, and 0.3 percent fiber. SMA was first used in Europe and later, other countries had adopted the use of SMA for pavements like Germany and US etc. The problem with SMA is drain down during transportation and laying. To reduce the draindown of SMA, stabilizing additives like chemical and natural additives are used. In this present study, the fibers used for Grade-I (MORTH) and Grade-II (IRC) mixes. This research is to check the feasibility of fibers as stabilizing additives in which the flow values and stability values were analyzed by performing Marshall Stability test. Various percentages such as 5.5%, 6%, 6.5% and 7% of bitumen are selected for this study. Draindown test is initially performed to find the optimum fibre content and finally to find the optimum bitumen content. The test results for both grade-1 and grade-2 mixes by the use of fibres reduced the drain down value and maximum stability value for both grade-1 and grade-2 mixes is obtained for coir fibre when compared with pineapple fibre.