EFFECT OF FILLERS ON THE STABILITY AND DURABILITY OF SHEET ASPHALT

Abstract

In this era of globalisation, economy of a nation is the deciding factor for deciding the position of a nation on world scenario. This fact has been further reinforced by the up coming of World Trade Organisation. To woo the foreign investment the need of the hour is to provide the infrastructure. And for doing so to provide the good road network is very essential. Developing economies like India, has very limited resources at their disposal. Further more, the petroleum reserves and natural asphaltic reserves are depleting at a faster rate, so it is very essential to give a thought to use minimum amount of bitumen with maximum use. This can be achieved if we make our roads more durable. Fillers have a tremendous potential to improve the qualities of bitumen and bituminous mixes. Several additives/fillers have been tried/recommended for modification of bituminous surfacings. But the actual usefulness of these additives depends upon its cost effectiveness. In the present study, an attempt has been made to know the effect of fillers on sheet asphalt. Lime, Stone dust and Portland cement have been used as fillers in the present study. The study is aimed at establishing the characteristics of sheet asphalt using different types of filler, filler content, bitumen content and examine their suitability for sheet asphalt.