Investigating bio-char as flow modifier and water treatment agent for sustainable pavement design

Renaldo Walters, Shamim A. Begum, Elham H. Fini, Taher M. Abu-Lebdeh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

The life expectancy of Asphalt Binder (AB) has been negatively impacted by the harsh bombardment of Ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays cause asphalt to oxidize faster, which results in the deterioration of asphalt’s rheological characteristics that can lead to pavement distresses. This paper investigates merits of bio-char to improve asphalt aging susceptibility by blending one control binder (PG 64-22) and two bio-modified binder at concentrations of 3 and 6% individually; the specimens were then analyzed in terms of their rheological characterization before and after aging. Rolling Thin Film Oven (RTFO) method was used to age all specimens, aged and un-aged samples were then tested using a Rotational Viscometer (RV) to evaluate the changes in their rheological behavior before and after aging as a result of aforementioned modifications. This paper also looks at the chemical composition and elemental analysis of bio-char along with biochars’ ability to absorb chromium. A sorption procedure was used to determine whether or not bio-char can be used to absorb chromium. The highest chromium removal occurred at a pH value of 5.5. Bio-char was used to improve dispersion and liquid retention, while enhancing oxidation resistance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)138-146
Number of pages9
JournalAmerican Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Volume8
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 22 2015
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aging
  • Asphalt binder
  • Bio-char
  • Rotational viscometer

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Computer Science
  • Environmental Engineering
  • General Chemical Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • General Engineering

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