Laboratory study of asphalt concrete
durability in Jeddah
Hamad Ibrahim, Al-Abdul Wahhab*, and
Javed Hasnain†
* * Department of Civil Engineering, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, P.O. Box 1625,
Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia
† 1211/3 Khuyshal Colony,
Nowshera Cantt, Pakistan
Abstract
Jeddah City road network is showing severe deterioration before
the end of its anticipated design life. Raveling and stripping are the main problems
observed; the bond between aggregates and asphalt film is broken due to water
intrusion. The aggregates are then removed by traffic action. The problem has
been aggravated by the high water table. Asphalt concrete mixes used in Jeddah City
road network were investigated to evaluate the effect of degree of saturation,
percent air voids and medium of attack on fatigue life, modulus of resilience,
split tensile strength and permanent deformation. Three media of attack were
considered: fresh water, sea water and soap-diluted water. A number of
treatments were carried out on asphalt mixes, including filler replacement by
Portland cement, aggregate coating by Portland cement, addition of lilamine as an anti-stripping agent and use of emulsified
asphalt instead of asphalt cement. Results indicated that modulus of
resilience, split tensile strength and fatigue life decreased with increase in
degree of saturation. Highest strength parameters were obtained for fresh water
and lowest in the case of soapy water. Portland cement coating and replacement
of filler by Portland cement were found to be effective in reducing stripping.
Building and Environment
Volume 33, Issue 4 ,
July 1998, Pages 219-230