Effect of reinforced fibers on stiffness of recycled asphalt half-warm emulsion mixes

Cold and Half warm mixes (HWMA) using asphalt emulsions assure significant benefits because mixing and placement are completed at lower temperatures thus implying energy savings, reduced aging of the asphalt binder, fumes and odors. Notwithstanding the professed environmental benefits, cold and half-warm mixes using asphalt emulsions have exhibited unsuccessful practices generally showing poor mechanical performance and relatively short fatigue life. The present study aimed to improve the mechanical characteristics and durability of cold and half-warm mixes evaluating the benefits eventually provided by reinforced fibers. In particular, the study evaluated the influence of reinforced fibers on self-compaction and workability, volumetric properties, and mechanical (elastic stiffness at several testing temperatures, and indirect tensile stress) characteristics on bituminous emulsions-based mixes containing up to 75% by weight of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) material. Results showed that the tested enhanced material could be a valuable and sustainable material to be adopted in road construction sites, especially as a pavement base layer.