Performance optimization in bitumen properties from different sources modified with shredded tier waste

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Optimization of bitumen with Polymer modification such as a shredded tier, which serves as a waste in the environment has been used for road pavement to minimize common failure mechanisms associated with roads. The objectives aimed at using a shredded tier to modified bitumen (STMB) in ratio10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40: 60, and 50:50, from Shredded tier were added to bitumen from Agbabu and Loda to study their performances when applied in the construction industry.METHODS: Bitumen, which was obtained from Odigbo and Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria, was mixed at 3000C for two hours at different proportion with a shredded tier. Characteristics such as Penetration, Viscosity, melting point, marshal Stability, specific gravity and mechanical properties were determined.FINDINGS: Marshall Stability (kg) at 600C increased with an increase in shredded tier modified bitumen from10% to 40% improved performance in both modifications and reduced in a 50% increase. This indicated that the increased in shredded tier reduced the measured value of penetration after the attainment values of 40:60 blends. This interaction between the bitumen-tier blends has a penetration value adequately agreed with the predicted value by the penetration index model. The rheological properties from different proportions at temperatures ranging from 450C to 650C at 40% modification were observed to have the least rutting parameter at 3.9 (G*/Sin δ (kPa) in Agbabu and 2.91(G*/Sin δ (kPa) in Loda for defects accountable to paving deformation and ageing as there was a decrease in the rutting parameter with the increase in temperature generally.CONCLUSION: Generally, the values obtained for the physico-mechanical properties increased with an increase in modifiers from 10% to 40% modification in the two samples. Though, Agbabu is preferable and economical due to the percentage yield for road construction.