Review of Dense Grade Bituminous Mixes with Natural Fiber Modified Coal Ash Incorporation

Authors- Scholar Gopal Singh, Assistant Professor Hariram Sahu

Abstract-Coal-fired thermal power plants in India generate significant fly ash and bottom ash, posing environmental hazards. This review explores repurposing these byproducts in bituminous paving materials, with bottom ash as fine aggregate, fly ash as mineral filler, and sisal fibers to enhance engineering properties. The methodologies adhere to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH, 2013) specifications, focusing on dense graded bituminous macadam (DBM) with a nominal maximum aggregate size of 26.5 mm. Sisal fibers coated with slow-setting emulsion (SS1) improve the mix, showing optimal performance with VG30 bitumen. Key findings include a Marshall stability of 15 kN, optimal bitumen content of 5.57%, and optimal fiber content and length of 0.5% and 10 mm, respectively. Performance tests reveal enhanced moisture susceptibility, indirect tensile strength, and creep behavior. This sustainable approach offers a viable alternative to traditional materials, promoting resource-efficient and resilient infrastructure development.

DOI: /10.61463/ijset.vol.12.issue4.202