Experimental Study – The Use of Bamboo Fiber Using SMA Methodology in Coarse Aggregates

Stone matrix asphalt , was first of all developed in 1960 in Germany which now largely helps in providing a greater permanent deformation resistance, durability to surfacing materials, longer service life, improved ageing ,high resistance in cracking, fatigue, wear, better skid resistance and like in reducing noise. It is a gap graded mixture of aggregates which helps by maximizing the asphalt-cement content and fractions of coarse aggregate . It is a stable, rut-resistant mixture and tough which relies on aggregate- aggregate contact for providing strength . Along with rich mortar binder it provides better durability. The SMA sample is prepared by mixing coarse aggregate, fine aggregate , filler as per the gradation chart given by the standard code when using stabilizer and without stabilizers. A fiber that is readily available in nature. less cost effective comparing to other non- conventional fibers has been used as stabilizer. It is Bamboo fiber, which is cellulose fiber extracted from naturally available Bamboo stem. It has high strength in fiber direction, greater tensile, flexural and impact strength. Thinness degree of fiber can easily be obtained from it. It is durable in nature, possesses tenacity and good stability value. An attempt has been made to find out its suitability in increasing the stability and flow value in the mixture of Stone Matrix Asphalt Mixes. In this project I have prepared SMA mixes using stone and slag as coarse aggregate and used different stabilizers and have tried to compare the results at a varying bitumen content of 4,5,5.5,6,7 % bitumen. The stabilizers used 0.3% of the weight of sample.