Abstract:
Self-healing ability of asphalt can help it to recover the damage incurred during service life. Due
to short rest periods available between traffic, there is a need to use a high temperature method
considering limited time frame to achieve better healing of asphalt pavements. Thus, it will uses
of microwave radiation technology to improve the limited self-healing ability of roads and
enhance its service life. The reason of this research is to find the microwave absorption properties
of steel fiber and the effect on road performance of its inclusion. The surface texture and
morphology of steel fiber will be studied using SEM. The mechanical tests will be performed on
steel fiber modified asphalt mixtures incorporating 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% steel fiber by total
volume of bitumen. It is expected that steel fiber will and improve moisture susceptibility of steel
fiber reinforced asphalt mixture. Suitable percentage will be delineated to balance pros and cons
of steel fiber incorporation in asphalt mixture. Furthermore, the healing ability of steel fiber will
be quantified using a 3-Point bending test. Microwave radiated samples will be tested with multiple
microwave healing cycles to establish a relationship between heating time, fiber percentage and
healing efficiency. In general, the superior mechanical and microwave absorption capabilities of
steel fiber may be used to enhance the sustainability of asphalt mixes including steel fiber.
