Influence of Periwinkle Shells Ash as Filler in Hot Mix Asphalt

Nigeria has been experiencing tremendous development in the national infrastructure road network over the last decade. Nigeria economic growth in rural areas has been triggered by good and safe roads and a good highways network system. Studies have shown that climate, traffic conditions, characteristics of the asphalt binder and the aggregate are the main factors that can contribute to premature pavement failures. The ability of periwinkle shell ash as filler to improve the fatigue and rutting resistance of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) as well as moisture sensitivity was investigated. In this study, the mechanistic properties of asphalt concrete mixes modified with PSA as a replacement for limestone dust mineral filler were evaluated. Five replacement rates were used; 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 percent by weight. Asphalt concrete mixes were prepared at their optimum asphalt content and then tested to evaluate their engineering properties which include moisture damage, permanent deformation and fatigue characteristics. These properties have been evaluated using marshal Stability text and indirect tensile strength. The experimental results, in general, showed that the mixes modified with PSA were found to have improved fatigue and permanent deformation characteristics, also showing lower moisture susceptibility. The use of 3 percent of PSA filler has shown a significant improvement in asphalt concrete behavior and has added to the local knowledge the possibility of producing more durable mixtures with higher resistance to distress.