Fauzan Mohd Jakarni

Evaluating the Effect of Mixing Process on Nano-Clay Modified Binders Using the Pull-Off Test Method

Bonding strength of bitumen is one of the most important properties in need of independent evaluation. Conducting a pull-off test to determine the bonding strength of bitumen can be done using the Universal Test Machine (UTM). In this work, the UTM was used to investigate the effect of adding an additive to with a 60/70 penetration grade bitumen; the additive used was nano-clay at a percentage of 2% and 4%. A designed mold was fabricated and used with granite and stainless steel substrates. The investigation covered the influence of variation in the mixing process (mixing duration and power of rotation during mix) on the bonding strength of the samples. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to discover the nano-clay exfoliation within the binder structure. Also, empirical tests - penetration and softening point tests - were conducted. The results varied according to variation in percentage of additive, substrates used and the mixing process. The bonding strength and softening point results were able to identify the effect of the additive, and were able to detect changes caused by the adding condition; both were very well correlated, unlike the penetration test result which had a weaker correlation with bonding strength.

Determination of SMA Slab Properties Using a Newly Developed Roller Compactor (Turamesin)

Compaction of asphalt mixtures in the laboratory is critical to meaningful results. Over the years, several compactors were developed to closely simulate field compaction. However, none of the devices or equipment was found to effectively compact asphalt mixtures. Therefore, a new automatic roller compactor (Turamesin) was developed which is able to compact any asphalt mixtures to the required slab thickness and density. The machine was developed by researchers from the Universiti Putra Malaysia, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. In this study, Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) mixture was selected. The study was carried out in order to establish criteria for slab compaction and explore the potential for the newly developed Turamesin for use in the SuperPave mix designs. A total of nine slabs were prepared with different combinations of compactive efforts. Data was collected and analyzed to determine the appropriate values of the compactive efforts that results in optimum performance of the asphalt mixture. It was observed that the compact slabs of asphalt mixture to a design air void of 4%, a compactive effort of applied pressure of 8.0 kgf/cm squared, and 75 passes of roller were required.

Effect of Steam Aging on Performance-Related Properties of Hot Asphalt Mixture

AbstractThis study presents a new laboratory technique for binder aging by using a steam cooker. This new technique is used to study the effect of steam and heat on asphalt during storage and aspha...