Laboratory evaluation of the effect of Bentonite on Performance characteristics of Hot Mix Asphalt

This paper aims to evaluate the effects of Bentonite on various properties of hot mix asphalt(HMA). The Bitumen was modified with 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30% Bentonite by weight of Bitumen as modifier. In this study the mechanical properties and performance characteristics of modified asphalt concrete were evaluated through various laboratory tests, such as Marshall stability, resilient modulus, moisture susceptibility, permanent deformation. The performance characteristics evaluated in this study included permanent deformation test and rutting resistance. The test methods used in this evaluation were the dynamic creep test and wheel tracking tests. The results demonstrated that the use of bentoite and lime can enhance Marshall stability, resilient modulus, tensile strength, resistance to moisture damage and resistance to permanent deformation of mixtures. The mixtures also showed good resistance to permanent deformation evaluated by means of wheel tracking tests.