Optimization of the Bitumen Content of a Basaltic Semi-Granular Bituminous Concrete

Abstract

Various studies have been conducted in the past by researchers who have proposed diverse solutions to control the premature degradation noted on flexible pavements. It turns out that the binder content remains a parameter so far not mastered and its optimization remains an imperative to produce a quality mix capable of meeting the technical and economic requirements sought in a formulation study. This article mainly aimed to optimize the hydrocarbon binder content of a 0/14 granular class semi-granular bituminous concrete using the Marshall and Duriez method. In the first part of the study, the different constituents were characterized according to the standards in force. The second allowed to describe the methodology used to determine the mixture and calculated the theoretical binder content. A theoretical mixture, entering the reference zone was defined at first. Following the characterization of the mixture in the laboratory, the granulometry curve of the mixture was inserted into the reference zone. This mixture was then preserved for the rest of the study. Then, it was theoretically determined bitumen contents ranging from 5.13% to 5.75% for wealth modules ranging from 3.3% to 3.7%. Thus, the Marshall method was used to characterize the performance of the mixture as a function of the binder content. The results obtained led to the selection of two grades of binders 5.13% and 5.28% for the study of water resistance using the Duriez method. On the basis of the results obtained on the Duriez test, the mixture with a binder content of 5.28% satisfies a good part of the criteria selected. This content corresponds to a wealth module of 3.4%.