The effect of polypropylene fibers on asphalt performance

Polypropylene fibers are extensively used in civil engineering applications for many years. These fibers are used in concrete as a three-dimensional secondary reinforcement. Due to adhesion between polypropylene fibers and bitumen, the strengthening mechanism in asphalt concrete is somehow different. In this study, asphalt concrete specimens with polypropylene fibers were manufactured at the optimum bitumen content. It was observed for fiber-reinforced specimens that the Marshall stability values increased and flow values decreased in a noticeable manner. The fatigue life of these specimens was also increased. The improvement of the properties of asphalt concrete shows the positive effect of polypropylene fibers. The fiber-reinforced asphalt mixture exhibits good resistance to rutting, prolonged fatigue life and less reflection cracking. Therefore it is concluded that the application of polypropylene fibers alters the characteristics of asphalt mixture in a very beneficial way.