Authors: Assistant Professor Mohammad Zayan, Akhi S Ragh
Abstract: Bituminous mixtures serve as wearing and base layers in pavements, with performance judged by resistance to deformation, cracking, moisture damage, and stiffness. Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA), using PMB 40-grade bitumen, offers better rut resistance than conventional mixes. This study tested SMA mixes with glass and jute fibers, examining tensile strength, drain down, and rutting resistance. Glass fiber improved stability, stiffness, and reduced bitumen drain down, while jute fiber showed higher drain down due to its elasticity. Overall, glass fiber outperformed jute in enhancing rutting resistance and long-term performance. The findings emphasize the importance of fiber selection for optimizing SMA mix designs and improving pavement durability.
