Performance evaluation of bituminous mix and mastic containing rice husk ash and fly ash as filler

The current study examined the performance of bituminous mix and mastic containing rice husk ash (RHA) and class F fly ash (FA-F) in various quantity as a substitute to conventional hydrated lime filler. For this purpose, Marshall mix design, indirect tensile strength, modified Lottman test with multiple freeze-thaw cycles and atomic force microscopy test were performed. The test results indicated that RHA and FA-F incorporated mixes delivered a paramount performance at relatively lower optimum bitumen content (OBC). Moreover, RHA showed a homogeneous dispersion of bee structure in the mastic and exhibited the highest adhesion force which may be credited to its fine and porous nature. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study found that bituminous mix containing RHA and FA-F performed significantly well at relatively lower optimum bitumen content. In addition, RHA showed a homogeneous dispersion of bee structure in the mastic and exhibited the highest adhesion force.