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<p>This study assessed cold-mix asphalt (CMA) reinforced with date palm fibres for base course applications, with the objective of identifying a sustainable alternative to hot-mix asphalt (HMA), which has a high carbon footprint. Conventional CMA has many disadvantages including low initial strength and moisture sensitivity, but the addition of different doses of natural date palm fibres (0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% of dry aggregate content) overcame these drawbacks. Samples of both modified and regular mixes were cured systematically for 7, 14, and 28 days, and the performance of the mixes was measured over time. A comprehensive suite of laboratory tests was conducted, including Marshall stability, Indirect tensile strength (ITS), moisture sensitivity through the tensile strength ratio (TSR) and resistance to permanent deformation on Kim’s testing apparatus. Changes in the microstructure and the dynamics of the interfacial bonding were also studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that all evaluated mechanical properties were significantly improved, mainly because of better fibre–matrix interlocking. The fibre-reinforced CMA had a 58% increase in Marshall stability after 28 days. Furthermore, despite a slight decrease in moisture resistance compared to the control mix due to the hydrophilic nature of natural fibres, the TSR values achieved approximately 83%. This performance safely satisfies the standard specification threshold (minimum 80%), demonstrating acceptable resistance to moisture-induced damage and stripping. As far as permanent deformation is concerned, the mixture incorporating 0.5% palm fibre exhibited the optimum rutting resistance after 28 days of curing, which is 80% higher than the deformation strength (SD) value from the Kim test. Furthermore, SEM microstructural analyses showed that a uniform and crosslinked fibre distribution and bonding strength between the fibres and asphalt matrix successfully controlled internal micro-defects and maintained the structural integrity of the composite mixture. In conclusion, these results validate utilizing date palm agricultural residue as an excellent, eco-friendly reinforcing agent in CMA, offering a low-energy, climate-resilient alternative that satisfies engineering specifications while significantly reducing environmental degradation.</p>

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Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Palm Fibre Modified Cold Mix Asphalt

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月6日

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  • Mohammed Zaher Shaker,
  • Taher M. Ahmed,
  • Mustafa Alas

摘要

This study assessed cold-mix asphalt (CMA) reinforced with date palm fibres for base course applications, with the objective of identifying a sustainable alternative to hot-mix asphalt (HMA), which has a high carbon footprint. Conventional CMA has many disadvantages including low initial strength and moisture sensitivity, but the addition of different doses of natural date palm fibres (0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% of dry aggregate content) overcame these drawbacks. Samples of both modified and regular mixes were cured systematically for 7, 14, and 28 days, and the performance of the mixes was measured over time. A comprehensive suite of laboratory tests was conducted, including Marshall stability, Indirect tensile strength (ITS), moisture sensitivity through the tensile strength ratio (TSR) and resistance to permanent deformation on Kim’s testing apparatus. Changes in the microstructure and the dynamics of the interfacial bonding were also studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that all evaluated mechanical properties were significantly improved, mainly because of better fibre–matrix interlocking. The fibre-reinforced CMA had a 58% increase in Marshall stability after 28 days. Furthermore, despite a slight decrease in moisture resistance compared to the control mix due to the hydrophilic nature of natural fibres, the TSR values achieved approximately 83%. This performance safely satisfies the standard specification threshold (minimum 80%), demonstrating acceptable resistance to moisture-induced damage and stripping. As far as permanent deformation is concerned, the mixture incorporating 0.5% palm fibre exhibited the optimum rutting resistance after 28 days of curing, which is 80% higher than the deformation strength (SD) value from the Kim test. Furthermore, SEM microstructural analyses showed that a uniform and crosslinked fibre distribution and bonding strength between the fibres and asphalt matrix successfully controlled internal micro-defects and maintained the structural integrity of the composite mixture. In conclusion, these results validate utilizing date palm agricultural residue as an excellent, eco-friendly reinforcing agent in CMA, offering a low-energy, climate-resilient alternative that satisfies engineering specifications while significantly reducing environmental degradation.