Performance Improvement of Asphalt Concrete Pavements by Fiber Reinforcement

Improvement of asphalt concrete stability, durability, and functionality, is one of the most important challenges in the transport construction. This is due to the need to overcome the rapid pavement deterioration under the influence of increasing traffic load and negative impact of climatic conditions. Purpose: The objective of the work is to analyze and summarize research results and develop recommendations regarding the best available, costeffective methods for producing composite asphalt concrete mixtures using polymer fiber reinforcement. Methodology/approach: To evaluate the polymer fiber reinforcement of asphalt concrete mixtures, much efforts has been done to study the influence of physicochemical properties and chemical composition of materials, fiber size, temperature conditions, and fiber introduction in the mixture. General logical methods (analysis, synthesis, abstraction, generalization, classification and modeling) and general and specific scientific approaches are used in construction materials science. Research findings: According to the literature, key trends in the development of fiber reinforcement techniques are determined for materials science in the road construction. The first is expanding the range of fiberreinforced materials (organic and inorganic, natural and synthetic). The second is identifying and optimizing methods for fiber introduction in the asphalt concrete mixture during its production from raw materials. The third is studying physicochemical mechanisms underlying the interaction between reinforcing particles and asphalt concrete components and the quality of bitumen, mineral powder, sand, crushed stone and additives. Value: Implementation of recommendations regarding the most effective methods of fiber reinforcement of asphalt concrete and a regulatory framework for their implementation will improve the road pavement performance.